Internationally reputed magician and escape artist, James Randi is best known as one of the most diligent investigators and de-mystifiers of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Born on 7 August 1928 in Toronto, Canada, Randi was also a co-founder of the Committee for Sceptical Inquiry, and the founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation, along with being a successful stage magician.
One of the most reputable stage magician, illusionist, writer and sceptic of all time, how rich is James Randi as of 2015? Currently, Randi enjoys a net worth of a decent $1.5 million. The major source of his income is undoubtedly his stage performances all around the world as stage-magician while his various books like Conjuring (1992), Wizardry, Deception and Chicanery have also been adding to his wealth.
James Randi Net Worth $1.5 Million
Randi initially practiced as a mentalist in local nightclubs, however, his career as a professional stage magician began in 1946. He performed numerous escape acts from jail cells and safes around the world in his early days of career, then during the 1960s, Randi hosted “The Amazing Randi” show on New York radio station, as well as numerous television shows and went on several world tours throughout his career. Blessed with innumerable talents, Randi has also taught at New York University and Brookdale Community College in New Jersey. These activities all added to his net worth.
The great magician, Randi holds two Guinness World Records, firstly for breaking Harry Houdini’s record for the longest time in a sealed casket underwater at 1 hour and 44 minutes, and secondly, he holds the record for being enclosed in a block of ice for 55 minutes. He toured and performed with Alice Cooper during the early 70s – he was Alice’s executioner on stage. He has also continued to mesmerize millions of people around the world with his television appearances, and performing different stage acts. Clearly these shows added further to James’ net worth.
James being a keen sport, James Randi’s Educational Foundation (JREF) has also presented a challenge of offering $1 million to those who can prove paranormal or supernatural happenings or acts. Although there has been no winner so far, the challenge is still on.
Apart from being a world renowned magician of the 20th century, James is also an accomplished author. He has penned various books including “The Truth About Uri Griller”, “The Faith Healers”, “Supernatural” and many more.
In 1997, the mayor of Miami, Florida, named 27 September “James Randi Day” for his outstanding contributions on behalf of humankind. He was also honoured by the Science and Engineering Society of National Security Agency.
James has been named “One of the 100 Best people in the World, people who make our lives richer or larger or happier”. Even after retiring at the age of 60, Randi chose to devote most of his time to investigating paranormal and supernatural claims.
Talking about his personal life, Randi married partner Deyvi Orangel Pena Arteaga in 2013, confirming his sexual orientation. Although an American citizen since 1987, he currently resides in Canada. So, with a net worth of $1.5 Million, James Randi is one of the most successful and richest magicians alive. At age 86, he still has the power to entertain, to debunk and to infuriate.
