James Randi to announce shock retirement?

  • By Smith Alexander
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

‘An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural’ author created a stir on Friday when rumors have surfaced that his career was over.
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Sad news for Randi fans. Speculation had been rife that the author of An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural is about to announce his retirement from all public activities, at age 97, with immediate effect.

UPDATE 10/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Being an illusionist isn't fun anymore

“As we get older, there are phases of life that we enter into, and being an illusionist-scientist just isn't fun anymore,” he might have said, says a source who remained anonymous. Other reports hinted that he may branch out into other creative fields he is better at (and more interested in), though they didn't provide any details.

#ThankYouJames

For a little while on Friday evening, #ThankYouJames was a trending hashtag on Twitter. As many fans reminisce and look back on all the unforgettable memories, some may wonder what about now made him make the decision.

“James Randi was unlike any other illusionist we’ve ever seen! #ThankYouJames”
— @universalObserver, 9 Jan 2026
“Randi wasn't retired?”
— @borisB0, 9 Jan 2026

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