Milt Larsen, co-founder of Hollywood’s Magic Castle, has died aged 92.
The writer and magician died of natural causes in Los Angeles, his family announced.
Larsen came from a family of musicians, his father, William Larsen Sr., a prominent local defense attorney and a performing magician and his mother, Geraldine, making early appearances on TV as “The Magic Lady.”
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In joined efforts with his brother, William Larsen Jr., and his brothers wife Irene, the group transformed a 1909 French Chateau mansion on Franklin Avenue into a private club for magicians.
The venue opened officially in 1963 became a world-renowned destination, often admired for its many stages, labyrinthine corridors and old-fashioned decor.
Larsen and his brother were even saluted with the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
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Aside from his significant presence in the magic world, Larsen also worked as a writer.
His first professional writing gig saw the star working with ABC Radio on a daytime audience participation show.
Larsen went on to have a lengthy career in media, working as a writer for TV game show Truth or Consequences from the 50s and all the way through to the early 70s, and producing TV specials for ABC, CBS and NBC.
The world of music didn’t escape the media personality either, with Larsen writing many songs with Richard Sherman, the Oscar winner who partnered with his late brother, Robert, to create tunes for such Disney classics as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Jungle Book.
Larsen was survived by his wife, Arlene, nephew Dante and niece Erika, and great-nieces Jessica and Liberty.
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