Glenn Falkenstein

Glenn Falkenstein
Glenn Falkenstein
Born	Glenn Jacob Falkenstein; February 3, 1932
Died	July 4, 2010 (aged 78); San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.
Occupation	Mentalist
Spouse	Frances Willard

Glenn Jacob Falkenstein (February 3, 1932 – July 4, 2010) was a world-renowned magician and mentalist, and partner to Frances Willard from 1978 to 2010.^[1]^[2]

Career

As a mentalist, Falkenstein was at the top of his profession for more than three decades and featured internationally on stage, TV and radio. He was the opening act for many stars, including

Las Vegas Hilton and Marty Robbins in Lake Tahoe. He was a guest star on Hilly Rose' talk show in the 1970s, and eventually was given his own talk shows on KMPC and KFI. When Falkenstein performed his mental feats on KGBS Radio Star Theatre, which broadcast from Universal Studios, the switchboard reflected ten thousand incoming calls per day. Many of these radio shows were recorded and will be digitized in 2020. Mr. Falkenstein appeared on The Tonight Show, That's Incredible!, The Merv Griffin Show, ABC's Wide World of Entertainment, The Best of Magic - Thames TV, The Paul Daniels Magic Show - BBC, Mandrake's Award - Paris, Magic Olympics - Asahi TV Tokyo, Magicians' Favorite Magicians - CBS and was featured on his own special on SBS television in Seoul, Korea

to a viewing audience of over ten million.

Falkenstein and his partner/wife, Frances Willard, have been consecutive award-winners at the world-famous

The Society of American Magicians

' Hall of Fame as a living legend.

Perhaps his greatest feat was balancing two separate careers, and many people were unaware that he successfully wore two professional hats. He earned his master's degree from Pepperdine University and worked for years at the Los Angeles County Office of Education as a Speech Pathologist. The careers complimented the other, and he used his magic skills to aid young people overcoming speech defects. He was constantly amazed at the positive impact that magic had on special children. Among his most memorable shows were performing for President and Mrs.

Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End. Falkenstein brought his ESP Act and Spirit Theatre to countless charitable organizations; along with magic colleagues David Copperfield and Lance Burton

, Glenn helped Children's Village, USA raise enough funds to pay off its mortgage.

Memorial

On Sunday July 11, 2010, the Palace of Mystery stage at the Magic Castle was the setting for Falkenstein's memorial service, a perfect tribute to a gentleman who fascinated countless spectators with his dynamic style. The showroom was filled with devoted friends, family, and fans, including the William Larsen family, who created the Magic Castle. This magician's wake included a broken wand ceremony and a standing ovation worthy of this Wizard of ESP.

References

^ McLellan, Dennis (July 17, 2010). "Glenn Falkenstein dies at 78; showman was known for his blindfold mind-reading act". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
^ "Muere mago Glenn Falkenstein". El Universal (Caracas). July 14, 2010. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2010.

[1] McLellan, Dennis (July 17, 2010). "Glenn Falkenstein dies at 78; showman was known for his blindfold mind-reading act". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 1, 2010.

[2] "Muere mago Glenn Falkenstein". El Universal (Caracas). July 14, 2010. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2010.

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