Harry Houdini, the famed magician and escape artist, became one of the most vocal critics of Spiritualism in the early 20th century. Though initially open to the possibility of spirit communication—particularly following the death of his mother—Houdini devoted much of his later life to exposing fraudulent mediums and séance practices.

Using his knowledge of illusion, mechanics, and stagecraft, Houdini demonstrated how many claimed supernatural phenomena could be produced through deception. His investigations brought him into direct conflict with prominent Spiritualists, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Houdini’s efforts underscored the tension between belief and skepticism that defined the era, making him a central figure in the ongoing debate over the authenticity of spirit communication.