James Randi

Born:

August 7, 1928, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Died:

October 20, 2020, Plantation, Florida, United States

Nationality:

Canadian-American

Profession(s):

Magician, Skeptic, Scientific Investigator, Author

Early Life and Education

• Randi showed an early interest in magic, reading books on the subject extensively.
• He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in magic.

Career and Major Achievements

• Began his career as a professional magician and escape artist, performing under the name "The Amazing Randi."
• Became a prominent skeptical investigator, dedicated to exposing fraudulent paranormal claims.
• Founded the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) in 1996.
• Offered a one-million-dollar prize (later, a reduced sum) to anyone who could demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled scientific conditions.
• Debunked numerous psychics, faith healers, and other claimants of paranormal powers.
• Served as a consultant to law enforcement and other organizations on issues related to fraud and deception.

Notable Works

• Wrote several books critical of pseudoscience and paranormal claims, including:
  • The Truth About Uri Geller (1982)
  • Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions (1982)
  • An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural (1995)
• Appeared in numerous television shows and documentaries as a magician, skeptic, and investigator.

Legacy and Impact

James Randi, known as "The Amazing Randi", significantly impacted the skeptical movement and promoted critical thinking. His work continues to influence scientific investigation and the public understanding of paranormal claims. This amazing randi biography shows his life's commitment to exposing fraudulent practices and advocating for reason and evidence-based thinking.

Filmography

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