James Randi's reputation as a magician and escape artist is a matter of world renown. Unfortunately, Randi passed away on October 20, 2020 at age 92, in the home he shared with his spouse, Deyvi Pena. He leaves behind a legacy as a tireless investigator and demystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Utilizing a keen scientific mind, Randi - as he preferred to be called - examined claims of paranormal powers and activities all over the world. I was one of the millions and millions of fans who were influenced by his incredible body of work, as well as his kindness. And I count myself lucky to be one of the relatively small group who called him a friend. Click the link below to learn more about this incredible man.
In 1996, Randi founded the James Randi Education Foundation (JREF) which offered a prize of $1 million for anyone who could, UNDER SCIENTIFIC CONDITIONS, demonstrate supernatural or paranormal abilities or phenomena. Although none of the professionals we see on television ever took him up on the challenge, hundreds of others applied and were tested over the years. Needless to say, the prize was never claimed. In 2012, the JREF ended the challenge, and now use the money to allocate funds to projects that contribute to skepticism and the public good.
Click the video below (captioned) for an introduction to skepticism by renowned magician, James Randi.
And if you'd like to get a feel for who James Randi is as a person, please watch the trailer for the documentary "An Honest Liar," which chronicles his life and career, available now on Netflix and other platforms.