Uri Geller turns 80: the trick that became a business

Uri Geller at 80: the spoon is still in the air

At 80, Uri Geller is still bending spoons. And, harder to explain, there are still people willing to pay to watch. The Israeli illusionist has spent half a century between applause and suspicion. His birthday has reignited the old dispute: paranormal gift or stage craft?

Reactions to his 80th birthday mix admiration for the show with the irritation of those who always saw a trick. In recent hours, some comments have focused on his physical appearance. A photo from April 2025 showed him in good shape, and not everyone puts it down to a healthy lifestyle. "He hasn't been moving bricks or wheelbarrows," one camp quips, while another points out that genetics also play a part.

The business of the paranormal

Geller hasn't just bent spoons: he has turned parapsychology into a profitable brand. For decades he has sold the idea that his powers are real, with television appearances and demonstrations before scientists. His track record includes a tense relationship with skeptics. One recurring issue is whether he tried to block on YouTube the videos revealing the method behind his supposed antiestéticats.

For responsible consumption of the show, the lesson is simple: when someone claims to have mental powers, the responsible thing is to ask for proof. And at 80, Geller still hasn't produced any that couldn't be explained with a bit of sleight of hand and a lot of blarney.

What remains of his legacy? Perhaps the certainty that, in the mystery business, the only real thing is the ability to fill venues. And that, however you look at it, is also a trick.