The Amazing Kreskin, Master of Mentalism, Dies at 89
George Joseph Kresge Jr., better known to generations as the captivating entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, passed away Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. He was 89.
Kresge’s longtime friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, confirmed his passing. Galway shared that Kreskin hadn’t been feeling well in the weeks leading up to his death but did not disclose a specific cause.
Kreskin’s career in television began in the 1960s, inspired by the crime-fighting comic book character Mandrake the Magician. Over decades, he charmed audiences on talk shows hosted by an impressive roster of figures including Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, and Jimmy Fallon.
His bewildering mind tricks left fans both amazed and perplexed. Whether correctly guessing a randomly chosen playing card or, most famously, pinpointing the whereabouts of his paycheck hidden amongst the audience, Kreskin’s performances generated a sense of wonder.
Beyond his frequent talk show appearances, Kreskin hosted his own show in the 1970s and captivated audiences through live stage performances. He also authored several books, sharing the secrets behind his craft, including "Secrets of The Amazing Kreskin" and "Mental Power Is Real."
One stunt, however, landed Kreskin in hot water with a prominent talk show host. In 2002, he confidently predicted a UFO sighting over Las Vegas on June 2nd, wagering $50,000 to charity if proven wrong. Hundreds gathered in the Nevada desert, only to be met with disappointment.
Kreskin later admitted to radio personality Art Bell that his prediction was a hoax, designed to illustrate how the events of 9/11 had heightened people’s vulnerability to manipulation. Bell was far from amused, labeling the ruse "lame, lame, lame" and banning Kreskin from appearing on his show.
Even in his later years, Kreskin continued to enthrall audiences, taking to the stage well into his 80s. A fall earlier this year ultimately forced him to retire. Kreskin never married and leaves no immediate family.
"His career was his life. That was his marriage," shared Galway. "He was dedicated to his craft.”
