George Joseph Kresge Jr., famously known as The Amazing Kreskin, has passed away at the age of 89. His friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, confirmed that Kreskin died on Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he spent much of his life.
Kreskin became a household name in the 1960s, drawing inspiration from the comic book character Mandrake the Magician. He captivated audiences for decades through various television appearances, including shows hosted by Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, and, more recently, Jimmy Fallon. Kreskin was best known for his remarkable mind tricks, often guessing a randomly chosen playing card or, in one of his signature acts, discovering the location of his paycheck hidden among his audience members.
In the 1970s, Kreskin enjoyed his own television show and continued to entertain live audiences. He also authored several books, such as “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real,” sharing insights into his unique talents.
While Kreskin was a favorite on many talk shows, not all of his stunts were well-received. In a notable incident in 2002, he claimed that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas, promising to donate $50,000 to charity if it did not. Unfortunately for those who gathered in hopes of witnessing the event, it never happened. Kreskin later admitted to a radio host that the prediction was a hoax, created to demonstrate how easily people could be influenced in the wake of the September 11 attacks. This revelation did not sit well with many, including the radio personality, who deemed the stunt unworthy.
Kreskin’s legacy as a mesmerizing performer remains, as he leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and mentalism.
