William Walter Larsen Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 8, 1928 Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 1993 (aged 64) Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Other names | "The Prez" |
| Occupation(s) | Magician, businessman, TV producer, magazine editor |
| Known for | co-founder of the Magic Castle |
William Walter Larsen Jr. known as Bill Larsen (May 8, 1928 – February 11, 1993) was an American magician and president of the Academy of Magical Arts. He was born in Pasadena, California to attorney William Larsen Sr. and TV host Geraldine Jaffe Larsen. His younger brother was Milt Larsen. After their father's death in 1953, the brothers took over publication of Genii magazine, leased the Hollywood Victorian home "Holly Chateau" and with his future wife Irene Larsen built it into the private performance venue and restaurant now called the Magic Castle where the Academy of Magical Arts is headquartered. Larsen served as president of the academy until his death in 1993. Bill and brother Milt share a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.