Criss Angel, whose real name is Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, has established himself as one of the greatest magicians and illusionists of all time. Criss Angel an estimated net worth of $50 million, Criss Angel career spans decades of groundbreaking performances, television shows, and live acts that have earned him global recognition. From his humble beginnings to his rise as a world-renowned entertainer, Criss Angel has redefined the art of illusion and continues to inspire millions.
In this article, we’ll explore his complete biography, including his personal life, career highlights, and the immense impact he has made on the magic industry.
Criss Angel: Key Facts and Personal Details
| Full Name | Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Criss Angel |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1967 |
| Age | 57 years ( as of 2025 ) |
| Place of Birth | Town of Hempstead, New York |
| Spouse(s) | Shaunyl Benson (m. 2015) |
| JoAnn Winkhart (m. 2002–2006) | |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 feet) |
| Weight | 78 kilograms (172 pounds) |
| Parents | Dimitra Sarantakos, John Sarantakos |
| Siblings | JD Sarantakos, Costa Sarantakos |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
Biography: Early Life and Roots
Criss Angel was born on December 19, 1967, in the Town of Hempstead, New York. He grew up in East Meadow, a suburban area in Long Island. His parents, John Sarantakos and Dimitra Sarantakos, were of Greek descent. John owned a restaurant, while Dimitra was a homemaker.
Criss was the middle child, growing up with two brothers, JD Sarantakos and Costa Sarantakos. From an early age, Criss showed an intense interest in magic. He often performed small tricks for his family, and his parents encouraged his curiosity. At just 7 years old, Criss was gifted a magic set by his aunt, which sparked his lifelong passion for illusion.
By the time he was a teenager, Criss Angel had already mastered several magic tricks. He performed at local restaurants and birthday parties, quickly gaining a reputation as a young prodigy in magic. His parents played a significant role in nurturing his talent and supporting his dreams.
Date of Birth and Age
Born on December 19, 1967, Criss Angel is 57 years old as of January 2025. His age has not slowed him down; he continues to perform daring stunts and high-energy live shows that captivate audiences worldwide.
Height and Physical Fitness
Criss Angel stands at an impressive 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall. He maintains a lean and athletic physique, weighing approximately 78 kilograms (172 pounds). Physical fitness has been an integral part of his career, as many of his illusions require strength, agility, and endurance.
Education and Early Passion for Magic
Criss attended East Meadow High School, where he balanced his education with his growing interest in magic. While his peers were focused on academics and extracurricular activities, Criss dedicated much of his time to perfecting his craft.
After high school, Criss decided to forego college and pursue a full-time career as a magician. This bold decision was not without its challenges, but it allowed him to focus entirely on his passion.
Career: A Journey to Greatness
Criss Angel’s career is a testament to his relentless dedication and innovative spirit. Over the years, he has revolutionized magic through his television shows, live performances, and world-record-breaking stunts. Below is a detailed look at the milestones in his career.
1. Early Career
In the 1990s, Criss began his professional career by performing at small venues, including nightclubs, restaurants, and private events. He also toured with bands and performed as an opening act for rock concerts.
During this period, Criss focused on developing a unique style that blended traditional magic with modern elements such as music, theatrics, and storytelling. His performances stood out for their dramatic flair and emotional depth, setting the stage for his later success.
2. Breakthrough with “Criss Angel: Mindfreak”
Criss Angel achieved widespread fame with his television series, “Criss Angel: Mindfreak,” which premiered on A&E in 2005. The show ran for six seasons and featured over 80 episodes, showcasing Criss performing jaw-dropping illusions and stunts.
Some of the most iconic moments from “Mindfreak” include:
- Levitation: Criss was seen levitating several feet above the ground in public spaces, leaving onlookers stunned.
- Walking on Water: In this stunt, Criss appeared to walk across the surface of a swimming pool.
- Vanishing Acts: Criss performed elaborate disappearing acts, often vanishing from one location and reappearing in another.
- Escapes: He performed daring escapes from locked boxes, straightjackets, and even underwater chambers.
The success of “Mindfreak” catapulted Criss Angel to international fame and significantly contributed to his net worth. The show’s popularity also inspired a new generation of magicians to explore innovative approaches to illusion.
3. Las Vegas Residency
In addition to his television success, Criss Angel established himself as a leading performer in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world.
- “Criss Angel Believe”: In 2008, Criss partnered with Cirque du Soleil to create “Criss Angel Believe,” a theatrical magic show performed at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. The show combined Criss’s illusions with Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatics and choreography.
- “Mindfreak LIVE!”: After revamping the production, Criss launched “Mindfreak LIVE!” in 2016, which became one of the most successful magic shows in Las Vegas.
His residency shows have attracted millions of visitors and have been a significant source of income, contributing to Criss Angel’s net worth.
4. Record-Breaking Feats
Criss Angel has set multiple world records, earning recognition for his extraordinary abilities. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- The longest time submerged underwater (24 hours) while attempting to escape from a water-filled tank.
- The fastest straightjacket escape, which he completed in less than two minutes.
- The most people levitated at the same time, a feat that further solidified his reputation as a master illusionist.
5. Music Career
In addition to magic, Criss Angel is a talented musician. He formed a band called AngelDust and released several albums. Music plays an integral role in his performances, adding an emotional and atmospheric dimension to his illusions.
6. Awards and Recognition
Criss Angel’s contributions to magic have earned him numerous accolades, including:
- The “Magician of the Year” award from the International Magicians Society (six times).
- Induction into the Magic Hall of Fame.
- Recognition as one of the most influential magicians in history.
Family: The Heart of Criss Angel’s Life
Parents and Siblings
Criss Angel comes from a close-knit Greek-American family. His parents, John and Dimitra Sarantakos, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of family values. Criss often credits his father, John, as one of his biggest inspirations. Tragically, John passed away from cancer in 1998, a loss that deeply impacted Criss.
Criss remains close to his brothers, JD and Costa, who have supported him throughout his career. Both brothers have played roles in his magic business, helping to manage logistics and operations.
Marriages
Criss Angel has been married twice.
1. JoAnn Winkhart
Criss married JoAnn Winkhart in 2002. The couple had been together for several years before tying the knot. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2006.
2. Shaunyl Benson
In 2015, Criss married Shaunyl Benson, an Australian actress and singer. The couple shares a strong bond and has two children together. Shaunyl has often appeared on Criss’s social media and is a source of strength and support in his life.
Children
Criss Angel is a proud father to two sons, including Johnny Crisstopher, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015 at the age of two. Johnny battle with cancer has been a central part of Criss personal and philanthropic efforts. Criss and Shaunyl have worked tirelessly to raise awareness for childhood cancer and have donated millions to cancer research organizations.
Criss has described fatherhood as his greatest joy and often shares heartfelt moments with his children on social media.
Net Worth
Criss Angel net worth of $50 million is a reflection of his unparalleled success as a magician, television star, and live performer. His earnings come from various sources, including:
- Television shows such as “Mindfreak.”
- Las Vegas residency performances.
- Merchandise sales.
- Endorsements and sponsorships.
Despite his wealth, Criss remains grounded and uses his platform to give back to the community, particularly through his advocacy for childhood cancer awareness.
Social Media Presence
Criss Angel is active on multiple social media platforms, Facebook where he connects with fans and shares updates about his projects.
- Instagram: Criss frequently posts photos and videos from his shows, as well as personal moments with his family.
- Twitter: He uses Twitter to engage with fans and promote his performances.
- YouTube: Criss official YouTube channel features exclusive content, including clips from his shows and behind-the-scenes footage.
Conclusion
Criss Angel life and career are a testament to his incredible talent, perseverance, and passion for magic. Criss Angel an estimated net worth of $50 million, he has achieved global fame and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Criss Angel is a devoted family man and a tireless advocate for childhood cancer awareness. His journey from a young boy performing tricks in Long Island to becoming one of the most celebrated magicians of all time is truly inspiring.
As Criss continues to innovate and push the boundaries of illusion, his legacy as a master magician and philanthropist will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. Read More Viewconvoy.