Theater News

Actor and Magician Carl Ballantine Dies at 92

Carl Ballatine in McHale's Navy
(© ABC)
Carl Ballatine in McHale’s Navy
(© ABC)

Actor and magician Carl Ballantine has died, according to published reports. He was 92.

Ballantine began in vaudeville performing his act which combined magic and comedy. The act took him to Las Vegas, where he was the first magician to play on a bill with Harry James, Betty Grable, and Sammy Davis, Jr. He later moved into television and film. Among his credits are McHale’s Navy, The Shakiest Gun in the West, and Mr. Saturday Night.

On Broadway, Ballantine appeared in the 1971 revival of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum with Phil Silvers.