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Amazing Randi makes appearance at YSU
YOUNGSTOWN
The Amazing Randi demystified the audience during an appearance at Youngstown State University.
It was a packed house Monday night at Cushwa Hall. Attendees watched the film “An Honest Liar” to learn about the life of James Randi, 86, and his career from magician to investigator of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.
“Science shouldn’t be a mystery,” he said during the question-and-answer session after the film.
Born Randall James Hamilton Zwinge in 1928 in Canada, he grew up becoming skeptical of religion but fascinated by magicians. At 17, he left his family to join the carnival performing tricks in the same manner as Harry Houdini, the famous illusionist and stunt performer.
From there, Randi’s career transitioned to exposing faith healers and psychics such as Uri Geller, who was known for bending spoons. Many of his exposures occurred on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
The film also explored Randi’s relationship with his now-husband, Jose Alvarez, who also appeared at the event alongside Randi. The film explores the legal ramifications of their relationship after it was revealed that Alvarez was living under a fake identity and that his real name is Deyvi Pe ±a. But the documentary ended with their wedding in Washington, D.C., after same-sex marriage was legalized.
During the Q&A session, Randi performed a couple of magic tricks including his escape from his hands tied behind his back. He actually had the rope on hand because he’s often asked to perform the trick, he said.
“It’s been a wonderful event for the Youngstown community,” said Ray Beiersdorfer, a geology professor at YSU and coordinator of the event.
Beiersdorfer invited Randi, who recently appeared at the Cleveland International Film Festival to promote the film. This is Randi’s fourth visit to YSU.
About 300 people attended the event, he said.