In a moment that’s sure to send shockwaves through the world of showbiz and stage illusions alike, the one and only The Amazing Kreskin – born George Joseph Kresge Jr.- has passed away at the age of 89. His team confirmed the news in a dramatic social-media statement: the legendary mentalist took his final bow at his New Jersey home, surrounded by the holiday décor he adored.
Yes, he really went out on his terms-amid Christmas trees, festive lights and “Ave Maria” ringing in the background. Kreskin always treated his art like a grand finale, and fittingly, his last curtain call came during the season he loved most.
Let’s be clear: he wasn’t just any entertainer. In the wild, risqué era of late-night TV, Kreskin rocked the decks on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson a jaw-dropping 88 times. He held court alongside the titan Johnny Carson himself, dazzling audiences with stunts, predictions and that signature swagger.
It comes with heavy heart that we announce the passing of The Amazing Kreskin, known as George Kresge, who was on born January 12, 1935. The Amazing Kreskin would have turned 90 years old. The Amazing Kreskin cared only to perform for all of you. 10 more days until his retirement pic.twitter.com/x339MLBQ1Q
— The Amazing Kreskin (@Kreskin) December 11, 2024
And oh yes-he claimed to be the inspiration for Carson’s famed “Carnac the Magnificent” character. According to Kreskin, Carson saw him stumble onto a stage back in 1964, and voilà-Carnac was born. Others contest the story, pointing to earlier routines like Steve Allen’s “Answer Man”.
Let’s rewind for a minute. Kreskin came out of Montclair, New Jersey, born in early 1935. He renamed himself “The Amazing Kreskin” (yes, even legally) and built a career claiming to harness suggestion, perception and showmanship rather than anything paranormal. He was clear: “Mentalist – not psychic.”
As his fame exploded in the 1960s and ’70s, he appeared inside iconic talk-shows like The Mike Douglas Show and The Merv Griffin Show, hosted his own syndicated series (“The Amazing World of Kreskin”) and criss-crossed the globe doing what he did best – baffling crowds.
Sorry to report that my old friend The Amazing Kreskin (George J. Kresge, January 12, 1935-December 10, 2024) passed away today at the age of 89.
Here is a photo of us from a few weeks ago taken by his cousin. @Kreskin @MeirYedid pic.twitter.com/50IpHML7t5
— Meir Yedid (@MeirYedid) December 11, 2024
One of his most legendary stunts? Asking the audience to hide his paycheck somewhere in the theatre and then hunting it down himself – live. He claimed he almost always found it, making fans gasp and skeptics squirm.
But beyond the glitz, Kreskin embodied a show-biz survival story. He embraced the stage long after others bowed out, working into his 80s until a fall in 2024 forced him off the boards.
And let’s talk legacy. Not only did he entertain millions, he influenced pop-culture: movies like The Great Buck Howard pulled from his style, others in late‐night still reference the mystique he cultivated.
The end of his statement was quintessential Kreskin – “This is not goodbye but to be continued.” That one-liner sums up a dude who made illusion feel real and left us wondering just how much was trick…and how much was truth.
So here’s to the man who read minds, found hidden envelopes, bobbed in and out of late-night greatness and dressed up the notion of “what’s next” with a wink. The magic, the showmanship, the sheer audacity – it all belonged to The Amazing Kreskin.
Rest in dramatic, show-stopping peace, George Kresge Jr. – alias The Amazing Kreskin. You made us believe in weird, wonderful possibilities when the lights flickered, the audience gasped and the envelope was still right where you said it would be.