Kreskin facts for kids

The Amazing Kreskin (born George Joseph Kresge, Jr., January 12, 1935 – December 10, 2024) was a famous American mentalist. He was also known simply as Kreskin. He became very popular on television in the 1970s.

Kreskin was inspired to become a mentalist by the comic strip Mandrake the Magician. This comic features a stage magician who fights crime. Kreskin always called himself an "entertainer," not a psychic. He said his acts were based on suggestion, not on special powers or magic.

Early Life and Education

Kreskin was born on January 12, 1935, in Montclair, New Jersey. His parents were from Poland and Sicily. He grew up with his younger brother in Caldwell, New Jersey. He lived in Caldwell for most of his life. His father worked for a company that made batteries. Kreskin later went to Seton Hall University.

Kreskin's Entertainment Career

Kreskin had a long and successful career as a mentalist. He appeared on many TV shows and performed for audiences around the world. He was known for his unique and puzzling acts.

Television Appearances

From 1972 to 1975, Kreskin had his own TV show called The Amazing World of Kreskin. It was shown across Canada on CTV. It was also shown in the United States. Later, from 1975 to 1977, more episodes were made. These were called The New Kreskin Show.

Kreskin first appeared on TV in 1964 on The Steve Allen Show. He appeared about 100 times on shows like The Mike Douglas Show and The Merv Griffin Show. He was also on Live with Regis and Kathy Lee many times. He appeared 88 times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. It was Johnny Carson who gave him the nickname "The Amazing Kreskin."

Kreskin said that a moment on the Steve Allen Show inspired Carson's character, Carnac the Magnificent. Kreskin had tripped when bright stage lights blinded him. In the 1980s and 90s, Kreskin became well-known again. He appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and the Howard Stern Show. In 2009, he was the first guest to appear three times on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

The Famous Check Trick

One of Kreskin's most famous acts was finding his own paycheck. He would tell the audience to hide an envelope with his payment for that day. While he was off stage, audience members would hide it. Then, Kreskin would come back and search through the audience. He almost always found the correct spot. If he didn't find it, he would not get paid for that day.

Kreskin said he only failed this trick about ten or eleven times. One time, in 2018, he failed to find the check in New York. After searching for a long time, he gave up. He said it was the 12th time he had failed the trick in 30 years.

Teaching and Other Projects

Kreskin also taught classes for groups like law enforcement. These classes focused on using psychological methods. For example, he taught how to help people remember lost memories. He also taught how to spot lies by watching body language and voice.

The 2008 movie The Great Buck Howard was based on the experiences of its writer-director, Sean McGinly. McGinly had briefly worked as Kreskin's road manager. In 2022, it was announced that Kreskin would voice a character in a new animated series. He would be "The Magic Tree" in "The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree."

Kreskin was also interested in video games. In 2022, after the character Hugh Neutron was added to the game Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, Kreskin said he wanted to be in the game too. He even posted a video saying he would join. In 2023, when Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 was announced, Kreskin made another video. He said he was still interested in being a character in that game.

Kreskin continued to perform late in his life. He often appeared on WPIX in New York City. He also appeared yearly on Fox News Channel and CNN. On these shows, he would share his New Year's Day predictions for the coming year. Kreskin passed away at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, at the age of 89.

Kreskin's Books

Kreskin wrote many books about his work and mind power.

• Kreskin's ESP Booklet, Milton Bradley (1967)
• Kreskin's Krystal Booklet, 3M Company, (1971)
• The Amazing World Of Kreskin, Random House (1973)
• Kreskin's Mind Power Book, McGraw Hill (1977)
• Kreskin's Fun Way To Mind Expansion, Doubleday (1984)
• Secrets Of The Amazing Kreskin, Prometheus Books (1991)
• The Protection Report by Kreskin, Pamphlet, GF International Group (1992)
• Kreskin's Super Secrets, booklet, GF International Group (1993)
• How To Be A Fake Kreskin, St. Martin's Press (1996)
• The Pendulum & Lifelong Enrichment Response Advertising (2000)
• The Amazing Kreskin's Future With The Stars, Meyerbooks (2001)
• Mental Power Is Real, Fitness Factory (2006)
• Four-Hour Miracle Direct, Response Advertising (2008)
• Kreskin Confidential, Author House (2009)
• Conversations with Kreskin by The Amazing Kreskin & Michael McCarty, Team Kreskin Productions, LLC (2012)
• In Real Time, Thane & Prime (2015)