Uri Geller

Paranormalist

Since the late 1960s, Geller has been known for his claims that he can bend spoons or fix broken watches using the power of his mind. Geller's own web site lists many other "scientifically unexplained" powers which he says he possesses, including telepathy, dowsing, and causing seeds to sprout with the power of his mind. While he has many doubters, Geller has turned his claims into a successful career as a spooky and entertaining media figure.

Extra credit: Geller's first name is pronounced "oori" rather than "yuri"... Geller has a long-running public feud with James Randi, a magician who specializes in debunking the paranormal... Michael Jackson was the best man at Geller's 2001 wedding... A former paratrooper in the Israeli army, Geller fought in the Six Day War of 1967... Like Chuck Barris, Geller says he once was in the secret employ of the CIA.

Related figures: mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, magician David Blaine, writer Charles Fort and astrologer Nostradamus.