Criss Angel is a famous American illusionist, magician, and musician who has appeared on stage and in television shows. Known for his distinct career, Criss is perhaps best known for his roles on the television shows Criss Angel Belief and ‘Criss Angel Mindfreak.’ From stunning illusions to mind-boggling escapes, this captivating showman has enthralled audiences worldwide with his unearthly abilities. But that’s not all. Did you know there’s a musical talent hiding behind the velvet curtain? Brace yourself as this write-up takes you through his remarkable career highlights, early life, education, net worth, personal life, and more.
Unknown Facts About Criss Angel
- Criss has a Greek background.
- He has two older brothers, Costa and JD.
- He is the only magician to win a record the Merlin Magician of the Year award twice (in 2001 and 2004).
- Criss holds the world record for the longest time submerged underwater (24 hours).
- He holds the record for the fastest time (under a second) to perform the Metamorphosis illusion.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
How rich is Criss Angel? Renowned for his incredible works, the 57-year-old American illusionist, magician, and musician Criss Angel has earned a vast fortune from the entertainment industry. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the renowned world star has a staggering net worth of $50 million. Since his net worth disclosure, fans have been shocked, asking how he earned such colossal wealth.
According to sources, Criss generated his net worth from his career, businesses, and commercial and brand endorsements. His businesses include a magic kit line, a production company, and a magic-themed restaurant in Las Vegas. He has also endorsed several brands, including luxury watches and clothing lines.
Angel’s net worth reflects his years of perfecting his skills and the enormous success he has gained over his career. With sold-out shows in Las Vegas and numerous television appearances, he has established himself as one of magic’s most important characters.
Criss Angel’s unique skills, such as his ability to levitate and walk on water, and his mind-blowing illusions, like making a helicopter disappear, have captivated audiences worldwide. He continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with a showmanship that captivates audiences.
Early Life and Education
Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos was born to Dimitra Sarantakos and John Sarantakos on December 19, 1967, at Hempstead General Hospital in Hempstead, Long Island, New York. According to his birthday, he was born under the Sagittarius astrological sign. Criss is of Greek descent, was raised Catholic, and is of white ancestry. Criss was raised in Elmont until fourth grade when his family relocated to East Meadow, New York. He became interested in magic at age seven and took inspiration from the great illusionist Harry Houdini.
At the age of 12, after five years of practicing his craft, Criss made his first audience performance. He was paid $10 for the show. By age 14, Criss performed throughout high school at a restaurant in East Meadow, including the Wine Gallery. His first major illusion was making his mother float in their family den. Criss received his high school education from East Meadow High School.
After high school, Criss decided to pursue a professional magician instead, although his parents wanted him to attend college. He began touring with other traveling performance acts, and along the way, he attempted to pursue his education on his own by studying the history of magic in public libraries.
Quick Wikipedia
| Quick Biography | Answers |
| Birthday | December 19, 1967 |
| Full Name | Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos |
| Hometown | Hempstead, Long Island, New York |
| Lives In | New York City, Los Angeles |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Horoscope/Birth Sign | Sagittarius |
| Age | 57 years old |
| Stage Name | Criss Angel |
| Profession | Illusionist, Magician, and Musician |
| Father’s Name | John Sarantakos |
| Mother’s Name | Dimitra Sarantakos |
| Number of Children | 3 |
| Children’s Name | Johnny and Xristos |
| Husband/Boyfriend | N/A |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Shaunyl Benson (m. 2015) |
| Birth Year | 1967 |
| Trivia | Criss Angel performs potentially life-threatening acts for the public to witness. |
| Facebook Handle | Criss Angel |
| YouTube Handle | Criss Angel |
| Twitter/X Handle | @CrissAngel |
| Instagram Handle | @crissangel |
| Snapchat Handle | N/A |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Feet/Shoe Size | N/A |
| Color of Eye | Black |
| Movies Starred | Criss Angel Mindfreak: Postmodern Illusionist (2002), Supernatural (2003), and Made in Japan (2003). |
| References | Wikipedia & IMBD |
Career
Magic career
Criss Angel made his TV debut on the ABC program “Secrets” in 1994. The following year, horror writer/director Clive Barker hired him for his feature “Lord of Illusions.” Criss went on to appear in other television films such as “The Science of Magic II” (2003) and “The Science of Magic” (1997), plus the production “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” which was performed over 600 times at New York City’s World Underground Theatre between 2001 and 2003.
During this time, Criss starred in his own ABC Family special, “Criss Angel Mindfreak: Postmodern Illusionist” (2002), plus the SciFi Channel specials “Supernatural” (2003) and “Made in Japan” (2003). “Criss Angel Mindfreak” was adapted into an A&E television series in 2005. “Mindfreak,” which aired for 85 episodes, “is the most famous magic show in television history, ending up in more hours of magic during primetime than any other magic show ever,” according to Angel’s official website. Criss and Uri Geller judged the NBC competition series “Phenomenon” in 2007.
He participated in a Britney Spears musical performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. Criss starred in “Criss Angel BeLIEve” on Spike TV in 2013 after appearing in Orville Redenbacher’s Pop Up Bowl commercial in 2011. In 2014, Criss launched the touring production “Mindfreak LIVE!,” The Supernaturalists” in 2015, and “Criss Angel RAW – The Mindfreak Unplugged” in 2018. 2019 saw Celebrity Radio named “Criss Angel MINDFREAK” “The #1 Show in Las Vegas.”
Other Venture
As the frontman for the heavy metal group Angel in 1989, Criss Angek used magic skills in the music video for the song “Don’t You Want My Love.” He and Klay Scott formed the band Angeldust in 1995. Together, they recorded the studio albums “System 1,” “System 2,” “System 3,” and “Musical Conjurings From the World of Illusion.”
Together with IdeaVillage, Criss released the Criss Angel Magic Collection in 2010; it featured 250 tricks, a kids’ magic kit, and directions for many Mindfreak Magic Tricks. As of 2013, Angel’s videos had received over 200 million views on the internet, making him the most famous magician since the late 2000s.
Awards and Achievements
Criss Angel holds numerous world records and has won several accolades thanks to his incredible work. Between 2001 and 2003, the International Magician Society named him Angel Magician of the Year five times. In 2009, he was crowned Magician of the Decade and Magician of the Century in 2010 by the International Magicians Society. In 2011, Criss received a Living Legend award from the World Magic Legacy Awards. Criss received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. Among his awards include the “Greatest of All Time” award in 2019 (awarded to him by Vanish magazine). In 2018, Criss became the youngest magician to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Criss also holds the record for the longest time submerged underwater (24 hours) and the fastest time to perform the Metamorphosis illusion (under a second).
Personal Life
Is Criss Angel married? Criss Angel has been involved in several relationships and has been twice married. In 2002, he tied the knot with JoAnn Winkhart after months of dating; however, the couple split up in 2006 for unknown reasons. From there, he went on to date Holly Madison, Hugh Hefner’s ex-girlfriend and star of the E! network’s “The Girls Next Door. The two lovebirds date from November 2008 to February 2009. In 2012, Criss started a romantic relationship with singer Shaunyl Benson, and together, they welcomed two sons, Johnny and Xristos, in 2014 and 2019, respectively. In 2015, the couple tied the knot. Before age 2, their son, Johnny, was diagnosed with leukemia, and though the cancer went into remission, it returned in late 2019. In 2021, the couple welcomed their daughter.
2016 saw Criss rename his nonprofit organization, Believe Anything Is Possible, to the Johnny Christopher Children’s Charitable Foundation to create awareness of pediatric cancer and provide funds for research, treatment, and cure. In 2007, Criss received a Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from The Make-A-Wish Foundation and was named the most supportive celebrity in 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How old is Criss Angel?
Ans: As of 2024, Criss is 57 years old.
Q. What is Criss Angel best known for?
Ans: He is best known for his role in the hit television show MINDFREAK and the stage show Criss Angel MINDFREAK LIVE!
Q. Where is Criss Angel now?
Ans: Criss currently headlines his own show in Vegas named after his TV show, Criss Angel: Mindfreak, at the Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood.
Q. What is Criss Angel’s net worth now?
Ans: Currently, Criss has a net worth of $50 million.
Q. Is Criss and Shaunly Benson still together?
Ans: Criss is still married to Shaunly Benson and shares three kids with him.
