Karrell Fox Obituary
KARRELL FOX, world-famous magician and comedian died Thursday, (March 12, 1998) while at the Desert Seminar Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada (A magician’s convention). He was born on January 30, 1928.
Long a Detroit-area resident until his move to California and semi-retirement about a decade ago.
He appeared on the “Ed Sullivan Show” at the age of 18. Fox was a pioneer in doing magic for industrial and corporate clients as well as trade shows. He was featured regularly for more than twenty years at Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows. In the early 1960’s he wrote and produced “The Magic World of Ford.” Several units of the show traveled the country performing at regional malls and shopping centers. In the early 1970’s he wrote and produced (occasionally performing himself) a magic show for Michigan Bell Telephone, appearing at malls around the state for three seasons.
Recognized as a tremendous talent in the field of magic, he was also a past president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He very likely appeared at more magicians’ conventions than any other magician, performing, emceeing, and as a lecturer. He wrote columns for magic magazines and was the author of more than a dozen books for magicians. He was truly gifted with the ability to make people laugh and was often as hilariously funny off stage as he was on stage. In addition to his wide repertoire of stage magic, he was outstanding in close-up magic as well.
Although taller, he bore considerable resemblance to W. C. Fields and was recognized for his superb impersonation of Fields. Fox was also noted for his hypnotism and mentalism shows.
When the late Clare Cummings retired from his long-time role as “Milky, the Twin Pines Magic Clown” on local television, Fox took over the role for several years at WWJ-TV during the mid 1960’s.
His career started in his teens when he was employed to demonstrate and sell magic at Carlos’ Magic Shop in Toledo and at Harold Sterling’s Magic Shop in Detroit. Still in his early teens, he began earning his livelihood with his already very professional performances. During his stint in the army, he was assigned to Special Services entertaining the troops.
Based in the Detroit area throughout most of his performing career, he traveled widely performing for industrial clients, at conventions, and in nearly every theatrical venue. He was especially well-known around Detroit.
Internment is to be at the cemetery in Colon, Michigan, “Magic Capitol of the World.” He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Palm Desert, California, and sons Karlin and Daren.”
Karrell Fox appeared at Abbott’s Get Together in 1939, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972. This, of course, is only when he appeared as a scheduled performer. He was Master of Ceremony for many shows.