<
Brief Introduction of Criss Angel
Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, known professionally as Criss Angel, is a world-renowned American magician, illusionist, musician, and television personality. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking television series Criss Angel Mindfreak, which captivated audiences with a blend of street magic, large-scale illusions, and dangerous stunts. Angel’s edgy, rock-and-roll persona and his often dark and dramatic performance style have distinguished him from traditional magicians, making magic appealing to a new generation. For over two decades, he has been a dominant force in the world of magic, starring in numerous television specials and series, headlining record-breaking Las Vegas shows, and authoring a best-selling book. His innovative approach and willingness to push the boundaries of reality have solidified his status as one of the most influential and imitated magicians of the modern era.
Criss Angel Overview
| Full Name | Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1967 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 57 |
| Birthplace | Hempstead, New York, U.S. |
| Profession | Magician, illusionist, musician, television personality |
| Husband/Wife | Shaunyl Benson (m. 2015), JoAnn Winkhart (m. 2002–2006) |
| Family | John Sarantakos (Father, deceased), Dimitra Sarantakos (Mother), Costa Sarantakos (Brother), JD Sarantakos (Brother), Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos (Son), Xristos Yanni Sarantakos (Son), Angelina Sarantakos (Daughter) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Shaunyl Benson |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be $50 million. |
Early Life and Education of Criss Angel
Criss Angel was born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos on December 19, 1967, at Hempstead General Hospital on Long Island, New York. Raised in a close-knit Greek-American family, he grew up in Elmont and later East Meadow, New York. His father, John Sarantakos, was a successful owner of a restaurant and doughnut shop, and his mother is Dimitra Sarantakos. Angel has two brothers, Costa and J.D. His interest in magic was sparked at the tender age of seven when his Aunt Stella showed him a card trick. This single event captivated him, and he became dedicated to mastering the art of illusion. By age 12, he performed his first paid show at a neighbor’s birthday party, earning $10. Throughout his teenage years, he honed his craft by performing at local restaurants and private events. His first major illusion involved making his mother float in their family’s den. After graduating from East Meadow High School, Angel made the pivotal decision to pursue a career as a professional magician, forgoing college against his parents’ wishes. He embarked on a journey of self-education, spending countless hours in public libraries studying the history of magic, mysticism, martial arts, and even dance to create his unique performance style.
Criss Angel’s Career
Criss Angel’s professional career began on the road, where he toured with various performance acts, consciously avoiding the influence of other magicians to cultivate his own distinct style. His first significant television appearance was in 1994 on a primetime ABC special called Secrets. A pivotal early supporter was horror director Clive Barker, who enlisted Angel to work on his 1995 film Lord of Illusions. This period also saw Angel exploring his musical talents as the frontman for the industrial band Angeldust, which he formed with musician Klayton. The band released several albums. In 1998, Angel performed a staggering 60 shows a day at the “World of Illusion” conference in Madison Square Garden. This led to his off-Broadway show, Criss Angel Mindfreak, which ran for over 600 performances at The World Underground Theater in Times Square from 2001 to 2003. During this time, he also performed a headline-grabbing stunt where he remained submerged in a water-filled tank for 24 hours, setting a world record. The major breakthrough in his career came in 2005 with the debut of his A&E television series, Criss Angel Mindfreak. The show, which Angel created, directed, and produced, became a cultural phenomenon, airing for six seasons and showcasing a mix of street magic, grand illusions, and death-defying stunts. Famous demonstrations included him walking on water, levitating above the Luxor hotel, and surviving being run over by a steamroller. The success of Mindfreak propelled him to international stardom and made him a household name. In 2008, Angel began a highly successful partnership with Cirque du Soleil, launching the Las Vegas residency show Criss Angel Believe at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. This show ran for a decade before he revamped it into Mindfreak LIVE! and eventually moved to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2018 to launch his current technologically advanced show, Criss Angel MINDFREAK. Alongside his Las Vegas residencies, he has created other television series, including Criss Angel BeLIEve on Spike TV and Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars on The CW. He has consistently been one of the most successful entertainers in Las Vegas, generating substantial tourism revenue for the city.
Criss Angel Personal Life & Family
Criss Angel’s personal life has often been a subject of public interest. Of proud Greek heritage, he maintains a close relationship with his family, particularly his mother, Dimitra, and brothers, Costa and JD. His father, John Sarantakos, who Angel credits with instilling a strong work ethic, passed away from cancer in 1998, a loss that profoundly affected him. Angel was married to his longtime girlfriend JoAnn Winkhart from 2002 to 2006. He is currently married to Australian singer Shaunyl Benson. The couple has three children: two sons, Johnny Crisstopher and Xristos Yanni, and a daughter, Angelina. A significant aspect of Angel’s recent life has been his family’s battle with pediatric cancer. His eldest son, Johnny Crisstopher, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia at a young age. This experience led Angel to become a passionate advocate for childhood cancer awareness and research. He established the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation to raise funds and support families facing similar struggles. His philanthropic work, including the H.E.L.P. (Heal Every Life Possible) charity event, has raised millions of dollars for the cause.
Awards and Achievements of Criss Angel
- Magician of the Century (2010) – International Magicians Society
- Magician of the Decade (2009) – International Magicians Society
- Magician of the Year (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008) – International Magicians Society
- Youngest Inductee into the International Magicians Society’s Magic Hall of Fame (2011)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – International Brotherhood of Magicians (2018)
- Living Legend Award – World Magic Legacy Awards (2011)
- Greatest of All Time Award – Vanish Magazine (2019)
- Innovator of the Decade (2010) – Innovention
- 22nd Louie Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Art of Magic
- Chris Greicius Celebrity Award – Make-A-Wish Foundation (2007)
- Male Wish Granter of the Year – Make-A-Wish Foundation (2010)
- Compassionate Heart Award – American Cancer Society (2018)
- Professional Honorary Membership – The Magic Circle (2022)
Criss Angel Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Criss Angel’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through a multifaceted and highly successful career spanning several decades. The primary source of his income is his incredibly popular and long-running Las Vegas residency shows. His collaborations with major entertainment entities like Cirque du Soleil and his current show, MINDFREAK at Planet Hollywood, consistently draw large audiences and generate significant revenue. Another major contributor to his net worth was his hit television series, Criss Angel Mindfreak, which ran for six seasons on A&E and was broadcast internationally. Beyond television royalties and syndication, Angel also earns from other TV specials and series he has produced and starred in. Additional income streams include sales of magic merchandise and branded kits, royalties from his best-selling book Mindfreak: Secret Revelations, and earnings from his music projects with the band Angeldust. Personal appearances and touring productions, such as “Criss Angel RAW,” further supplement his earnings.
Legacy and Influence
Criss Angel’s legacy is defined by his revolutionary impact on the art of magic, bringing it into the mainstream pop culture of the 21st century. He is credited with changing the image of magic from a formal, stage-bound performance to something raw, dangerous, and cool. His gothic aesthetic, combined with rock music and extreme stunts, appealed to a younger, more diverse audience. His television show, Criss Angel Mindfreak, was groundbreaking, being the first weekly magic series on air in 40 years and driving a resurgence in the public’s fascination with magic. His influence is so significant that many magic effects creators and fellow magicians consider him the biggest name in magic since Harry Houdini. He has been on primetime television for more hours than any other magician in history, a testament to his enduring appeal and creativity. Angel holds multiple world records for his illusions and has received numerous prestigious awards, including being named “Magician of the Century.” Beyond his performance career, his passionate advocacy for pediatric cancer research has become a central part of his public identity and legacy, inspiring many and raising millions for the cause.
Interesting Facts about Criss Angel
- He was an acolyte in the Greek Orthodox Church during his youth.
- Early in his career, he was helped by animal breeder and TV host Marc Morrone to find and train doves for his act.
- He is also a musician and was the lead singer for the industrial band Angeldust, which released five albums.
- Angel has a 60,000-square-foot studio in Las Vegas, often referred to as his “lab,” where he develops and rehearses his illusions.
- He is the author of the best-selling book Mindfreak: Secret Revelations, published in 2007, which details his early career and provides instructions for 40 magic tricks.
- He holds several world records, including the longest time submerged underwater and making 100 people vanish in a single illusion.
- His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located next to that of his childhood hero, Harry Houdini.
- Angel has the largest social media following of any magician, with over 6 million followers across his platforms.
Controversies
Throughout his high-profile career, Criss Angel has faced scrutiny and skepticism, which is common for magicians who perform seemingly impossible feats. Much of the controversy surrounding him has involved accusations that his televised stunts and street magic demonstrations were staged or employed camera tricks and editing. Critics and online debunkers have frequently analyzed his performances, particularly those from the Mindfreak series, suggesting the use of actors as spectators and post-production effects to achieve the illusions. Angel has generally maintained the integrity of his performances. Additionally, he has publicly expressed his strong skepticism of mediums and psychics who claim to communicate with the dead, vowing to expose anyone he believes is preying on grieving individuals for profit rather than entertainment.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Criss Angel
Criss Angel continues to be a formidable and influential figure in the entertainment world, particularly in the realm of magic and illusion. His career, built on a foundation of relentless practice, innovative thinking, and a unique, edgy style, has redefined what a magician can be in the modern era. Currently, he remains a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene with his spectacular residency, Criss Angel MINDFREAK, at Planet Hollywood. The show, which is slated to run through at least December 2025 due to high demand, showcases his latest and most technologically advanced illusions. Beyond the stage, Angel is deeply committed to his philanthropic work, tirelessly raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research through his foundation. His journey from a young boy fascinated by a card trick to a global icon is a testament to his dedication and passion. As he continues to perform, create, and advocate, Criss Angel’s legacy as a master illusionist and a dedicated humanitarian is firmly secured, promising to inspire and mystify audiences for years to come.
