Irene Larsen, known affectionately as “Princess Irene” throughout the worldwide community of magicians and illusionists, was a co-founder of the

Magic Castle The Magic Castle is a clubhouse for magicians and magic enthusiasts, as well as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. It is in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California and it bills itself as "the most unusual private club in ...

and the Academy of Magical Arts. She was born Irene Stolz in Germany in 1936. In 1955, American magician John Daniel invited her to come up on stage to assist in a performance. She soon became a permanent part of the act. John Daniel nicknamed her “Princess Irene,” an honorary title she would keep for life, and two years later, they were married. She divorced John Daniel in 1960 and began working as a magician’s assistant to the brothers

Milt Larsen Milt Larsen (born April 9, 1931) is an American actor, writer, performer, lyricist, magician, entrepreneur, speaker, and the creator of The Magic Castle, a private club for magicians and enthusiasts. Early life Larsen and his brother, Bill ...

and Bill Larsen. In 1963, the three of them founded the Academy of Magical Arts and the Magic Castle. She was the first member of the AMA. Later that year, she and Bill Larsen were married. She served as an ambassador for the Magic Castle and for the magical arts in general. While continuing to serve as her husband’s assistant, she also appeared on the

Dean Martin Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti; June 7, 1917 – December 25, 1995) was an American singer, actor and comedian. One of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the mid-20th century, Martin was nicknamed "The King of Cool". M ...

Show, assisting

Orson Welles George Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985) was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his innovative work in film, radio and theatre. He is considered to be among the greatest and most influential f ...

with his own illusion act. She was an early and continuing voice advocating the ethical treatment of animals in magical acts. From 1963-1999, she served continuously as either editor or co-editor of Genii: the Conjurer's Magazine, a publication by, for, and about those in the illusionist community.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Larsen, Irene American magicians German magicians Female magicians Academy of Magical Arts Lifetime Achievement Fellowship winners Academy of Magical Arts Special Fellowship winners