Criss Angel, the renowned illusionist, magician, and musician, has an estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2025. Born on December 19, 1967, in Hempstead, New York, he is currently 57 years old. His success stems from television shows, live performances, music ventures, and merchandise sales, making him one of the wealthiest magicians in the world.
How Did Criss Angel Begin His Career in Magic?
Criss Angel, born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, developed a passion for magic at the age of seven when his aunt introduced him to a card trick. By 12, he was performing locally, and after graduating from East Meadow High School, he decided to pursue magic professionally. His career took off with his 1994 television debut on ABC’s special “Secrets” and his role in Clive Barker’s film Lord of Illusions (1995).
Between 2001 and 2003, he performed Criss Angel Mindfreak at NYC’s World Underground Theater over 600 times. This led to the television version of Mindfreak in 2005, which became one of the most popular magic shows in history.
What Are Criss Angel’s Most Popular Television and Stage Shows?
Angel’s career skyrocketed with the success of Criss Angel Mindfreak (2005–2010), which ran for 85 episodes on A&E. His ability to blend illusion with street magic set new standards for the genre. He also starred in Criss Angel BeLIEve on Spike TV in 2013 and appeared as a judge on NBC’s Phenomenon in 2007.
His partnership with Cirque du Soleil led to Criss Angel Believe (2008–2016) at the Luxor, selling over $5 million in advance tickets. He followed this with Mindfreak LIVE! at Luxor (2016–2018) and his current residency, Criss Angel MINDFREAK, at Planet Hollywood.
What Are Some of Criss Angel’s Most Famous Illusions and Achievements?
Angel is known for his groundbreaking illusions, including levitating between buildings, walking on water, and escaping from a straightjacket while suspended mid-air. He has broken several records, including:
- Submerging himself underwater for 24 hours.
- Performing the “Metamorphosis” illusion in under a second.
- Escaping a straightjacket in 2.5 minutes.
- Making 100 people disappear in a Guinness World Record-setting act.
His contributions to magic have earned him titles such as Magician of the Century (2010) and Magician of the Decade (2009) from the International Magicians Society.
What Other Ventures Has Criss Angel Pursued?
Aside from magic, Angel was involved in music. He fronted the heavy metal band Angel in 1989 and later formed Angeldust, releasing albums like System 1, System 2, and System 3.
He also launched the Criss Angel Magic Collection in collaboration with IdeaVillage, offering magic kits and trick sets for aspiring magicians. His YouTube presence has made him one of the most-watched magicians online, with his viral video Rip Bodies Apart reaching 12 million views in one month.
What Is Known About Criss Angel’s Personal Life?
Angel was married to JoAnn Winkhart from 2002 to 2006 and later dated The Girls Next Door star Holly Madison. In 2012, he began a relationship with Shaunyl Benson, with whom he shares two sons, Johnny and Xristos.
His eldest son, Johnny, was diagnosed with leukemia before age 2. This inspired Angel to establish the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation to support pediatric cancer research and treatment. He has received multiple honors for his charitable efforts, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.
What Awards and Recognitions Has Criss Angel Received?
Angel’s contributions to magic and entertainment have earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Five-time Magician of the Year (2001–2008).
- Merlin Magician of the Year (2001, 2004).
- Youngest inductee into the International Magician Society’s Magic Hall of Fame.
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017).
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians (2018).
What’s Next for Criss Angel?
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halting his performances, Angel continues to innovate in the magic industry. His MINDFREAK residency remains one of the top-rated shows in Las Vegas, and he frequently updates his fans with new tricks and projects. With his continued passion for illusion and philanthropy, Criss Angel remains a dominant figure in the world of magic.
