Famed Essex County Mentalist ‘Amazing Kreskin’ Dead At 89

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Renowned mentalist the Amazing Kreskin – an Essex County native who rose to fame in the 1970s with his mind-reading prowess – died Tuesday in New Jersey. He was 89.

Born in Montclair, the Amazing Kreskin – whose birth name is George Joseph Kresge Jr. – lived in the Caldwells and attended Seton Hall University in South Orange. He was a familiar face around Essex County, frequently returning to his old stomping grounds to participate in local events – including reading to schoolchildren at Lincoln Elementary School in Caldwell.

Kreskin became known to many Americans through his television series, “The Amazing World of Kreskin,” which aired from 1972 to 1975. He has appeared on shows such as “The Steve Allen Show,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee.”

Well-known for his many predictions – including a trick where he would sniff out his paycheck for the evening after the audience hid it – Kreskin insisted that there was nothing “supernatural” about his feats and billed himself as an “entertainer.”

Kreskin’s passing was announced on his social media pages. The beloved performer would have turned 90 on Jan. 12.

“The Amazing Kreskin cared only to perform for all of you,” the message reads. “10 more days until his retirement.”

Kreskin’s former road manager told The New York Times that the famed entertainer passed away at his home in Caldwell. A cause of death was not given.

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