Renowned entertainer and mentalist George Joseph Kresge Jr., famously known as The Amazing Kreskin, has passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. His friend and former road manager confirmed the news, although no further details were provided.
The Amazing Kreskin rose to fame in the 1960s, drawing inspiration from the comic book character Mandrake the Magician. He captivated audiences with his mind-bending tricks and illusions, making numerous guest appearances on popular talk shows hosted by the likes of Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, and Jimmy Fallon.
Known for his uncanny ability to guess random playing cards and locate hidden objects, The Amazing Kreskin kept fans in awe with his extraordinary mental powers. His most famous trick involved identifying the location of his paycheck hidden among the audience, leaving spectators amazed and bewildered.
In addition to his television appearances, The Amazing Kreskin hosted his own show in the 1970s, performed live on stage, and authored several books on mentalism and psychic abilities, including titles like “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.”
While he enjoyed widespread popularity, The Amazing Kreskin also faced criticism for a controversial stunt in 2002. He falsely predicted the appearance of a UFO over Las Vegas, offering a substantial donation to charity if proven wrong. The failed prediction led to backlash from radio personality Art Bell, who labeled the stunt as a manipulative hoax.
Despite the occasional controversy, The Amazing Kreskin's legacy as a pioneering mentalist and entertainer endures, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of magic and illusion.
