James Randi

James Randi (born Randall James Hamilton Zwinge; August 7, 1928–October 20, 2020) was a Canadian-born American stage magician, escape artist, and scientific skeptic. Rising to prominence through performances and television appearances, he became widely known for investigating and publicly debunking claims of paranormal and supernatural powers. Randi challenged faith healers, psychics, and other purported practitioners, emphasizing controlled testing and critical thinking. He founded the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), which promoted skepticism and offered a long-running prize for evidence of paranormal abilities under agreed-upon conditions. His books and lectures helped popularize modern skeptical inquiry and consumer protection.