ACADEMY OF MAGICAL ARTS, INC /
THE MAGIC CASTLE
PRESS RELEASE
REVISED 5/4/06

IRELAND'S LARGEST LEPRECHAUN, MAGICIAN BILLY MC COMB, SUCCUMBS AT 84

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 1, 2006

Billy McComb, celebrated Irish entertainer who served for decades as Vice
President of the Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. ("The Magic Castle") and was
the recipient of the "Masters Fellowship," the highest award offered by the
Academy, passed away Sunday, April 30th, 2006 in Los Angeles.  He was 84.

"We have lost one of the living legends of magic," said Gay Blackstone,
widow of famed magician Harry Blackstone, Jr. and current President of the
Board of Directors of the Academy of Magical Arts.  "Billy's incredible
career reached from the intimate music hall and nightclub stages of London
to the dynamic contemporary stages of Las Vegas.  He was an incredible
living repository of magic's history and personalities.  We will never again
see another like him."

Mark Wilson, who served on the Academy's Board of Trustees with McComb and
whose 1960s television series "The Magic Land of Allakazam" pioneered the
presentation of magic on network television, agreed.  "Billy was a walking
encyclopedia of magic, equally at ease discussing the bill of an obscure
variety show in a northern Irish theater or the history and development of
any magical effect or illusion.  He served as a magical advisor on countless
films and television shows both here and in the U.K.  He seemed to know
everything about the art of magic.  He was a truly gifted entertainer who
was generous with both his talent and his creativity."

As a performer, Billy offered the perfect blend of whimsy and wizardry.  He
also invented and refined dozens of effects and routines which have became
standards in the field of comedy magic, including the McCombical Deck, the
Half-Dyed Hank, and the [Fire Wallet].  "In addition to being a truly
original and very funny magician, Billy created hundreds of routines over
his many decades on stage and television around the world," added Dale
Hindman, former President of the Academy of Magical Arts and longtime
producer and director of magic and variety programs.  "All you had to do was
show him a new effect and within minutes he would show you a dozen different
variations in presentation and patter.  His creativity was legendary."

Milt Larsen, co-founder of The Magic Castle and producer of the renowned
magical revue "It's Magic!" that introduced Billy to American audiences in
1960, said:  "Billy McComb billed himself, suitably, as 'Ireland's Largest
Leprechaun.'  His comedy was mischievous; his magic was enchanting; his
delivery touched with the Blarney.  He was a giant in our art, loved by
fellow magicians and beloved by audiences around the world.  He will truly
be missed."

Irene Larsen, past President of the Academy and co-founder with her husband
Bill Larsen, Jr. and brother-in-law Milt, echoed that sentiment.  "Billy was
part of our family and loved by everybody.  He stayed with Bill and I when
he first came to visit California. As long as there is a Magic Castle,
Billy's warmth and humor will echo through its hallways."

A broken wand ceremony honoring Billy McComb will be held at The Magic
Castle on May 21, 2006 at 4:30 pm.  Arrangements are currently being made
for donations to be accepted in Billy's name to benefit shelters for the
care of abandoned and rescued animals, a cause dear to his heart.

For further information contact:

Mark Nelson
Secretary, AMA Trustees
(626) 437-7047

Brandy LaPlante
Assistant to the Manager
The Magic Castle
(323) 851-3313

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