What was the name of the Israeli psychic, popular in the 1970's, who claimed to be able to bend spoons by will?

In the 1970s, the image of a gently stroked spoon suddenly drooping became a cultural touchstone, all thanks to Israeli mentalist Uri Geller. He captivated global audiences with his claims of psychokinesis, the ability to manipulate physical objects with his mind. While spoon bending was his signature feat, he also claimed to be able to start broken watches, bend house keys, and duplicate drawings, all through sheer willpower. His frequent appearances on television talk shows made him a household name and an international superstar.

Geller's rise was met with both fascination and intense scrutiny. Scientists at the Stanford Research Institute famously studied him in an attempt to validate his abilities, with mixed and controversial results. At the same time, professional magicians and skeptics, most notably James "The Amazing" Randi, argued that Geller's acts were simply clever conjuring tricks. A famous incident on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (Review) saw Geller unable to perform his feats after the host, advised by Randi, took special precautions to control the props.

Despite the persistent debate over whether his powers were genuine or the result of skilled misdirection (Review), Geller's influence was undeniable. He single-handedly popularized the concept of spoon bending and sparked a worldwide conversation about the paranormal, forever linking his name to the extraordinary claim of bending metal by thought alone.