Criss Angel: More Than a Magician, a Phenomenon
Criss Angel isn’t just a magician—he’s a legend in the world of illusion. From walking on water to escaping a straightjacket while suspended upside down, and even making entire audiences vanish, he has redefined what’s possible in magic. With a career spanning decades and an estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2025, Angel has done more than perform tricks—he has brought magic into the mainstream like never before.
The Early Days of Criss Angel: A Kid With Big Dreams
Born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos on December 19, 1967, in Hempstead, Long Island, Criss was drawn to the world of magic from a young age. Raised in Elmont and East Meadow, New York, his passion was ignited when his Aunt Stella introduced him to a simple card trick at just seven years old. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination, and by 12, he was already dazzling audiences with his own magic performances.
Despite his parents’ hopes for him to attend college, Angel had a different vision for his future. Immediately after graduating from East Meadow High School, he set out on the road, performing at small gigs, honing his skills, and laying the foundation for what would become a legendary career in magic. What no one could have predicted was that he would go on to become one of the most renowned illusionists of all time.
Breaking Into the Spotlight: Mindfreak & Beyond
Criss Angel’s first taste of television came in 1994 when he appeared on the ABC special Secrets, marking the beginning of his rise in the entertainment world. He went on to feature in Clive Barker’s Lord of Illusions (1995) and starred in several TV specials, including The Science of Magic (1997) and its sequel The Science of Magic II (2003).
However, 2005 was the turning point that catapulted him to superstardom. His A&E series Criss Angel Mindfreak became a cultural phenomenon, running for six seasons with a total of 85 episodes. The show wasn’t just about performing magic—it was about redefining it. From levitating over the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas to walking through solid objects, Angel proved that magic wasn’t merely about tricks but about crafting experiences that left audiences questioning the very fabric of reality.
The Las Vegas Takeover: Residencies & World Records
Angel’s television success paved the way for some of the most iconic magic residencies in Las Vegas history. In 2008, he teamed up with Cirque du Soleil to create Criss Angel Believe, a groundbreaking show at the Luxor that ran until 2016 and sold over $5 million in advance tickets. Building on that momentum, he launched Mindfreak LIVE! (2016–2018) before debuting Criss Angel MINDFREAK at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2018—a production that quickly became one of the highest-rated magic shows in Las Vegas.
Breaking Records: Pushing the Limits of Magic
Beyond his mesmerizing performances, Criss Angel has set multiple world records, including:
- Staying submerged underwater for 24 hours
- Performing the fastest Metamorphosis illusion in under one second
- Escaping from a straightjacket in just 2.5 minutes
- Making 100 audience members vanish in a single illusion, earning a Guinness World Record in 2010
Magic Meets Music: Angeldust and Beyond
Angel’s creativity extends beyond magic—he also has a background in music. In the late ‘80s, he was the frontman of the heavy metal band Angel, and in 1995, he co-founded Angeldust with Klay Scott. The group released four albums: Musical Conjurings From the World of Illusion, System 1, System 2, and System 3. Though music wasn’t his primary focus, it served as another outlet for his artistic expression.
Personal Life: Family, Challenges, and Giving Back
Despite his larger-than-life stage persona, Criss Angel’s personal journey has been filled with both triumphs and hardships. He married JoAnn Winkhart in 2002, but the couple divorced in 2006. He later had a high-profile relationship with The Girls Next Door star Holly Madison from 2008 to 2009 before finding love with singer Shaunyl Benson in 2012. Together, they have two sons: Johnny (born in 2014) and Xristos (born in 2019).
In 2015, Angel’s world was turned upside down when his son Johnny was diagnosed with leukemia at just two years old. Although Johnny went into remission, the cancer returned in 2019, inspiring Angel to intensify his efforts in raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. He renamed his nonprofit Believe Anything Is Possible to the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation and has since worked tirelessly to support children battling cancer.
Recognitions and Achievements
Throughout his career, Angel has received numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of the greatest magicians of all time:
- Magician of the Year (International Magician Society, five-time winner between 2001–2008)
- Magician of the Decade (2009)
- Living Legend Award (World Magic Legacy Awards, 2011)
- Youngest Magician Inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2017)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (International Brotherhood of Magicians, 2018)
His impact extends to the digital world, where he is one of the most-watched magicians online, amassing over 200 million views. His Rip Bodies Apart illusion from BeLIEve alone racked up 12 million views in just one month!
The Legacy of Criss Angel
Now at 57 years old, with a career spanning over four decades, Criss Angel remains one of the most influential and groundbreaking figures in magic. His relentless innovation, contributions to entertainment, and philanthropic work make him more than just an illusionist—he’s an inspiration.
Whether he’s performing mind-bending illusions, breaking world records, or championing a cause close to his heart, Angel continues to prove that magic isn’t just about tricking the eye—it’s about moving the soul. And if history has shown us anything, it’s that he’s far from finished.
