The Amazing Kreskin dead at 89
The world of entertainment has lost a true legend with the passing of George Joseph Kresge Jr., better known as The Amazing Kreskin, at the age of 89. His friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, confirmed the news, stating that Kreskin passed away at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he had resided for much of his life.
The Amazing Kreskin first rose to fame in the 1960s, drawing inspiration from the fictional character Mandrake the Magician. His unique blend of mentalism and entertainment captivated audiences for decades, leading to numerous television appearances on shows hosted by the likes of Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, and Jimmy Fallon.
Known for his mind-bending tricks and illusions, Kreskin’s performances often left fans in awe. Whether correctly guessing a randomly chosen playing card or famously locating his paycheck hidden among the audience, he never failed to amaze. In addition to his TV appearances, Kreskin hosted his own show in the 1970s, conducted live performances, and authored several books, including “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.”
While Kreskin’s talents were celebrated by many, he also found himself at the center of controversy. In 2002, he made a bold prediction that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas on a specific night, offering to donate $50,000 to charity if proven wrong. Despite a crowd gathering in anticipation, the event never materialized, leading Kreskin to admit that it was a hoax. He explained that the stunt was meant to highlight how easily people could be manipulated following the events of September 11. The revelation was met with criticism, with radio personality Art Bell calling it “lame” and banning Kreskin from his show.
