Mentalism is a performing art that involves the use of psychological techniques to create illusions of mind-reading, telepathy, and other supernatural abilities.
While mentalism is only the illusion of telepathy, it has captivated audiences for centuries because it requires years of training and a deep understanding of the human mind.
Below is our list of the Top 13 Most Famous Mentalists of Modern Magic, which includes:
- The Top Corporate Mentalist
- The Longest Running Mentalism Show
- Foundational Mentalists to Modern Magic
- Women Leading Mentalism
If you’re looking for mentalists who offer live and virtual shows for corporate events, read our Guide to Hiring a Mentalist.
So, without further ado, here is our list of the Most Famous Mentalists of Modern Magic.
Who Are The Most Famous Mentalists of Modern Magic?
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David Kwong
David Kwong is a celebrity mentalist, TED Talk speaker, world-class magician, and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor.
Kwong not only performs sold-out shows across the country, but he synthesizes the powerful psychology behind mentalism into practical insights for the average professional’s life.
Get a taste of Kwong’s brand of mentalism from his TED Talk: Two nerdy obsessions meet — and it’s magic
He is a master of puzzles and illusion, a talent that Hollywood employs from him as a consultant for blockbuster films.
The creators of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed 2022 series The Afterparty recruited David Kwong to “shore up the central whodunnit” of their first season. What’s more, Kwong returned for their second season in 2023. So, be on the lookout for clues and secrets in every episode of the latest season, and get the full breakdown on David’s substack.
David Kwong regularly performs sold-out runs of his one-man show The Enigmatist, which next premieres at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in May 2024.
Additionally, David Kwong hosts several team-building workshops for corporate audiences, adapted from his incredibly successful, mind-bending stage shows.
Organizations can book David Kwong by contacting The Mollie Plotkin Group or visiting his website:
Gerry McCambridge
Gerry McCambridge is known for his TV show “The Mentalist,” his critically acclaimed one-man show of the same name, and for headlining the longest-running mentalist show in Las Vegas history. In fact, in 2024 McCambridge will give the 5,000th performance of his #1-rated show in Las Vegas. He has gained recognition for his ability to seemingly read people’s thoughts, predict their actions, and manipulate their perceptions.
McCambridge is best known for his captivating performances on stage and television, where he astounds audiences with his mind-boggling abilities. He has a unique talent for creating an immersive experience, making people believe that he can tap into their innermost thoughts and secrets.
What sets McCambridge apart from other mentalists is his ability to combine psychology, suggestion, and showmanship to create a truly mesmerizing performance. He has mastered the art of cold reading, where he can gather information about individuals through observation and subtle cues, making it appear as if he possesses supernatural powers.
McCambridge’s performances are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. He challenges the audience’s perception of reality and demonstrates the power of the human mind. His fame stems from his exceptional talent in the field of mentalism, captivating audiences worldwide with his mind-bending abilities.
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Katherine Mills
Katherine Mills is a famous mentalist known for her groundbreaking achievements in the field of magic and illusion. She made history as the first woman magician to have her own prime-time show in the UK. Her expertise in mentalism stems from her extensive study of human behavior over the course of a decade. This deep understanding allows her to astound audiences with her ability to predict and manipulate their thoughts.
Mills’ talent and dedication have earned her a place among the elite in the UK’s prestigious Magic Circle, where she is one of only 100 women. Her incredible feats as a mentalist include cracking the codes of jewelry shop safes and accurately predicting the sex of babies at antenatal yoga classes.
Her exceptional skills have not gone unnoticed, as she was honored with a BAFTA award for her work in television. This recognition further solidifies Katherine Mills’ status as a renowned mentalist and magician, inspiring future generations of women in magic.
The Amazing Kreskin
The Amazing Kreskin is a famous mentalist who has earned his reputation as the world’s most prolific mentalist. With a career spanning six decades, Kreskin has captivated audiences with his mind-bending abilities. In the 1970s, he hosted The Amazing World of Kreskin, further solidifying his status as a household name.
One of Kreskin’s most impressive feats was predicting the winning team and the final score of the 2016 Super Bowl on FOX. This demonstration of his extraordinary abilities left viewers in awe. Kreskin has also made numerous appearances on popular talk shows such as Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Jimmy Fallon, showcasing his incredible talents to a wide audience.
In addition to his sports predictions, Kreskin has also accurately predicted the results of both the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections. This remarkable ability to foresee future events has further cemented his status as a renowned mentalist.
To verify his authenticity Kreskin offers a $1 million prize to anyone who can prove that he has used secret assistants or technology to aid his mentalism. This challenge demonstrates his confidence in his abilities and adds an element of intrigue to his performances. Overall, The Amazing Kreskin’s impressive track record and long-standing career have made him a legendary figure in the world of mentalism.
Richard Osterland
Richard Osterland is a famous mentalist and one of the best-known magicians and keynote speakers on magic in America. He has had the privilege of performing for numerous celebrities throughout his career. Osterland’s journey in magic began in Connecticut, where he initially pursued a career as a drummer in a rock band. However, he also showcased his skills as an illusionist during the band’s performances, adding an extra element of excitement to their shows.
Osterland’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Milbourne Christopher Award for Contributions to the Art of Magic. He is widely recognized for his instructional courses, which have become the most highly anticipated educational releases in magic history.
In addition to his performances and instructional work, Osterland is also a highly-sought-after lecturer on the art of magic. His expertise and passion for the subject make him an engaging and informative speaker.
Throughout his career, Osterland has been a regular performer at corporate events, showcasing his mind-bending abilities to captivate audiences and leave them in awe. His unique blend of mentalism and entertainment has made him a beloved figure in the world of magic.
Uri Geller
Uri Geller is a famous mentalist primarily known for his puzzling psychic abilities and spoon-bending demonstrations. He gained widespread recognition in the 1970s for his unique performances and illusions of telepathy, psychokinesis, and mind reading.
Geller’s fame can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, his spoon-bending trick became his signature act, captivating audiences worldwide. This seemingly impossible feat sparked curiosity and intrigue among the public. Additionally, Geller’s appearances on popular television shows, such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, further propelled his fame.
Furthermore, Geller’s controversial persona played a significant role in his notoriety. Skeptics and critics often challenged his claims, leading to debates about the authenticity of his abilities. This controversy only served to increase public interest in Geller and his performances.
Despite his defensive reputation, Uri Geller’s fame as a mentalist persists due to his ability to captivate audiences with his unique demonstrations and claims of psychic powers.
Banachek
Banachek built his career on expert showmanship and exposing those who pass off mentalism as a true psychic ability. He has appeared on various television programs such as CNN Live and the Today Show. Additionally, publications like the New York Times and the National Enquirer have featured Banachek as well. His show has been hailed as the greatest mentalist act in the world by Penn Jillette.
One of Banachek’s most notable feats was his death-defying performance where he was chained, handcuffed, and buried six feet underground, yet managed to escape. Then, audiences worldwide were captivated by his incredible skills.
In addition to his performances, Banachek has received numerous accolades for his work. He is the recipient of the prestigious Psychic Entertainers Creativity Award. Furthermore, he is considered the most awarded mentalist in the USA.
Banachek has exposed self-proclaimed psychics as con artists and challenged companies like Power Balance Bracelet, ultimately forcing them into a $57 million settlement. His commitment to debunking false claims and promoting skepticism has made him a respected figure in the field of mentalism.
David Blaine
David Blaine is a famous mentalist due to his exceptional ability to captivate and astonish audiences with his mind-bending performances. He has mastered the art of illusion, combining psychological manipulation, misdirection, and sleight of hand to create seemingly impossible feats. Blaine’s unique style and daring stunts have garnered him widespread recognition and acclaim.
One of the key reasons for his fame is his ability to push the boundaries of what is considered possible. Blaine has performed extraordinary acts such as levitating, surviving underwater for extended periods, and enduring extreme physical challenges. These feats have not only amazed audiences but also sparked intrigue and speculation about the limits of human potential.
Furthermore, Blaine’s charismatic personality and showmanship contribute to his popularity. He has a knack for engaging with people on a personal level, making them feel involved in his performances. His ability to connect with individuals on an emotional level adds an extra layer of fascination to his mentalist acts.
Overall, David Blaine’s fame as a mentalist stems from his exceptional skills, daring stunts, and ability to captivate audiences with his unique blend of illusion and psychological manipulation.
Jen Kramer
Jen Kramer is a famous mentalist who has gained recognition for her incredible performances and unique style. Currently headlining at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, is a prominent figure in the world of magic. Additionally, her talent and skill have earned her the title of Female Magician of the Year according to the International Magicians Society.
Jen Kramer’s abilities have been showcased on various platforms, including appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, NBC’s Today Show, and Masters of Illusion. She combines mentalism with comedy, creating an entertaining and captivating experience for her audience.
In addition to her success in magic, Jen Kramer has also gained fame as a TEDx speaker. Her ability to engage and inspire audiences through her talks has further solidified her reputation as a talented performer.
Jen Kramer’s talent has not gone unnoticed by her peers. In fact, she has been praised by renowned magician David Blaine as “hugely gifted… charming and simply impossible not to like.” With her impressive performances and charismatic personality, Jen Kramer continues to leave audiences amazed and entertained.
Max Maven
Max Maven, a famous mentalist, recently passed away in 2022. He was widely recognized as one of the most influential people in magic, according to Magic magazine. Maven’s expertise in mentalism was unparalleled. In fact, he served as the Senior Research Consultant to the Center for Scientific Anomalies Research in Michigan. Throughout his career, he released over 1700 works of literature on magic and mentalism, solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in the field.
Maven’s contributions to the art of mentalism were widely recognized and celebrated. In 2000, he received the Best Mentalist prize from the FoxFamily network. This had the effect of further cementing his status as a master of his craft. What’s more, Orson Welles famously described Maven as having the most original mind in magic.
Maven’s impact extended beyond his performances and publications. In fact, he graced the covers of over 30 magazines, showcasing his widespread popularity and influence within the magic community. So, Max Maven will be remembered as a legendary figure in mentalism. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of magicians and mentalists.
Marc Salem
Marc Salem is a famous mentalist who has captivated audiences around the globe with his incredible abilities. What sets Salem apart from other mentalists is his unique combination of being both a mentalist and an advanced academic. He holds a doctorate of philosophy from Oxford University, which also gives him a deep understanding of human behavior and cognition.
Salem’s academic background has allowed him to become a master at reading body language. Furthermore, he utilizes his academic knowledge to accurately interpret nonverbal cues and make astonishing predictions about people’s thoughts and actions.
His expertise in the field of psychology has also led to him being consulted by law firms, law enforcement agencies, and major universities. His insights into human behavior have proven invaluable in various contexts.
Salem’s talent and expertise have earned him recognition on a global scale. He has been featured on popular television shows such as CNN, Montel Williams, and the Rosie O’Donnell Show, further solidifying his status as one of the most renowned mentalists in the world.
Luke Jermay
Luke Jermay is a famous mentalist from Essex, England. He has gained international recognition for his incredible performances, having showcased his talents in over 20 countries across the globe. What’s more, one of Jermay’s most renowned feats of mentalism is his ability to convince an audience member that their pulse has stopped, leaving spectators in awe and disbelief.
Jermay’s expertise in mentalism has led him to work as a consultant on several popular television series. In fact, these include The Mentalist, Criss Angel’s Mind Freak, and Marco Tempest’s The Virtual Magician. Additionally, his vast knowledge and understanding of mentalism are evident in his extensive works on magic and magic theory, totaling over 33 publications.
Jermay’s performances have been described as jaw-dropping by The Times and mind-blowing by The Sun. What’s more, his ability to captivate audiences with his mind-bending tricks and illusions has solidified his status as one of the most respected and sought-after mentalists in the world.
Alex McAleer
Alex McAleer is a famous mentalist who has gained recognition through his work with the Champions of Magic. He has performed over 500 shows across the globe with the group, showcasing his incredible abilities as a mind reader. Furthermore, McAleer has been praised by media outlets including the Boston Globe and NBC’s Access Hollywood Live.
In addition to his work with the Champions of Magic, McAleer has also made appearances on popular television shows. In fact, these include TV shows such as ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Seven Network’s Today Tonight, and NBC’s Access Hollywood. These appearances have further solidified his status as a renowned mentalist.
One of McAleer’s most notable achievements is his critically acclaimed one-man-show Mind Reader. In fact, this show put him on the map as one of the most famous and talented mentalists in the industry. McAleer’s ability to read minds and perform mind-boggling tricks has captivated audiences worldwide, making him a sought-after performer in the world of magic and mentalism.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Mentalism and the Power of the Mind.
Mentalism has been captivating audiences for centuries, and it shows no signs of losing its appeal. The power of the mind is a fascinating subject, and mentalists continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
They use a combination of psychology, suggestion, and misdirection to create mind-bending illusions that challenge our understanding of the mind. Mentalism is an art form that continues to evolve and adapt to the times. Modern mentalists like David Kwong are refining the art of mentalism into a prestige form of entertainment, even for corporate audiences. Read our article on virtual magic shows to learn more about corporate magicians and how they are transforming the Zoom-entertainment landscape.
