Criss Angel Biography: Age, Real Name, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Illusions

Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos also known as Criss Angel is a famous American magician, illusionist, escapologist, stunt performer, musician, and television personality known for revolutionizing modern magic with his high-risk street illusions, mind-bending stunts, and multimedia spectacles.

Through his groundbreaking A&E series Criss Angel Mindfreak, the Cirque du Soleil collaboration Criss Angel BeLIEve at Luxor Las Vegas, and his long-running Las Vegas residencies, he has entertained millions while pushing the boundaries of illusion and inspiring aspiring performers, particularly from middle-class and immigrant backgrounds, to turn raw passion and relentless practice into groundbreaking careers in entertainment.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos
• Stage Name: Criss Angel
• Born: December 19, 1967
• Age: 58 years old
• Birthplace: Hempstead, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Greek-American
• Occupation: Magician, Illusionist, Escapologist, Stunt Performer, Musician, Television Personality
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (183 cm)
• Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity
• Parents: John Sarantakos and Dimitra Sarantakos
• Siblings: Costa Sarantakos and J.D. Sarantakos
• Spouse: Shaunyl Benson and JoAnn Winkhart
• Children: Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos, Xristos Yanni Sarantakos, Illusia Angelina Sarantakos
• Relationship: Separated
• Net Worth: $50 million USD

Early Life and Education

Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos was born on December 19, 1967, at Hempstead General Hospital in Hempstead, New York, United States. He was brought up by his parents, John Sarantakos, who owned a restaurant and doughnut shop, and Dimitra Sarantakos, in a modest middle-class Greek-American family in East Meadow on Long Island after early years in Elmont.

He has two brothers, Costa Sarantakos and J.D. Sarantakos. Criss graduated from East Meadow High School but chose not to attend college despite his parents’ wishes, instead pursuing a practical self-education through books, library research, and constant performance at local restaurants and bars starting in his teens.

His ethnicity is Greek-American. His religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, rooted in his devout Greek family heritage that emphasized resilience, family bonds, and cultural pride.

Career

Criss Angel began his professional path after high school by touring with traveling entertainers and performing up to 60 shows a day at events like the World of Illusion convention in Madison Square Garden. Bootstrapped from humble beginnings with basic equipment and street-level hustle, he opened the off-Broadway show Criss Angel Mindfreak in 2001, which ran for over 600 performances.

He transitioned to television with the A&E series Criss Angel Mindfreak (2005–2010), becoming one of the most televised magicians in history, followed by Spike TV’s Criss Angel BeLIEve.

In partnership with Cirque du Soleil, he created the $100 million production Criss Angel BeLIEve at Luxor Las Vegas, later evolving into long-running residencies including MINDFREAK at Planet Hollywood.

He has authored the book Mindfreak: Secret Revelations, released music as the lead singer of the industrial band Angeldust, and continues performing high-stakes illusions. Remaining independent in his creative vision while building a multimedia empire, Criss inspires aspiring entertainers from middle-class and immigrant families to defy expectations through dedication, innovation, and unapologetic showmanship.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @crissangel
• YouTube Channel: Criss Angel

Personal Life

Criss Angel, 58, has experienced a turbulent yet family-centered personal life. His height is 5 ft 11 in (183 cm) according to verified biographical sources. He was first married to JoAnn Winkhart (also known as JoAnn Sarantakos) from 2002 to 2006.

He later married Australian singer and songwriter Shaunyl Benson in a secret ceremony in February 2015; the couple divorced in 2016 but reconciled, welcomed three children, and reportedly rekindled their relationship with a renewed proposal in 2023 before separating again in 2025 amid public disputes.

They share three children: sons Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos (born around 2014, a childhood cancer survivor now in remission) and Xristos Yanni Sarantakos, and daughter Illusia Angelina Sarantakos.

Criss has openly shared emotional moments of fatherhood, family challenges, and his Greek Orthodox faith while prioritizing time with his children amid his demanding Las Vegas schedule.

Net Worth

Criss Angel‘s net worth is estimated at $50 million USD. His income primarily comes from long-running Las Vegas residencies and live performances at venues like Luxor and Planet Hollywood, television productions including Mindfreak and BeLIEve with syndication and residuals, merchandise sales, book royalties, music releases, and licensing deals tied to his illusion empire.