Criss Angel’s Net Worth (Updated 2023)

Last Updated on September 13, 2024

Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, better known by his professional name Criss Angel, is an American magician, illusionist, and stunt performer. Criss Angel is best known for starring in the highly-popular television and stage show ‘Criss Angel Mindfreak. Prior to joining Mindfreak, Angel was noted for his live performance illusion program ‘Criss Angel Believe.’ He performed in the show at the famous Las Vegas casino, Luxor, in collaboration with Canadian entertainment company Cirque du Soleil. Angel’s other major television roles include the Spike TV series ‘Criss Angel BeLIEve,’ NBC reality competition show ‘Phenomenon,’ and the 2014 stage show titled ‘Criss Angel Magicjam.’ He has also guest-starred on numerous television shows, including reality series and talk shows. In addition to magic, Criss Angel is also an actor, musician, screenwriter, television producer, television director, and author.

Quick Facts

Full Name:	Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos
Popular Name:	Criss Angel
Gender:	Male
Birth Date:	December 19, 1967
Age:	55 years
Parents:	John Sarantakos and Dimitra Sarantakos
Siblings:	JD Sarantakos and Costa Sarantakos
Birth Place:	Hempstead, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Ethnicity:	Greek
Education:	East Meadow High School
Marital Status:	Married to Australian singer Shaunyl Benson (since February 2015); was previously married to his longtime girlfriend JoAnn Winkhart (from 2002 until their divorce in 2006)
Sexual Orientation:	Straight
Wife/Spouse:	Shaunyl Benson
Children:	Jenny Chrisstopher Sarantakos, Xristos Yanni Sarantakos, and Illusia Angelina Sarantakos
Dating:	N/A
Net Worth:	USD 50 million
Source of Wealth:	Magic & Stunt Performance, Acting, Singing, Screenwriting, Television Producing & Directing, Book Writing, Other Ventures
Height:	6′ 0″ (1.83 m)
Weight:	78 kg; In pounds: 172 lbs.

Early Life and Career Information

Early Life

Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos was born on December 19, 1967, in Hempstead, New York, United States, to John Sarantakos and Dimitra Sarantakos. His father owned a restaurant and doughnut shop whereas his mother was a homemaker. Sarantakos attended East Meadow High School. However, he did not proceed to college and opted to launch his career in illusion.

Magic, Illusion, and Acting Career

Criss Angel was introduced to magic at the age of seven after learning a card trick from his aunt Stella. He performed his first magic show at the age of 12. Angel subsequently became a common entertainer at local restaurants throughout his teenage years. His first major illusion was making his mother float in the family den. After performing at local shows for years, Criss Angel eventually made his television debut by appearing on a 1994 ABC special titled “Secret.” The following year, Angel joined the cast of the film “Lord of Illusions.” He later appeared in the 1997 film ‘The Science of Magic’ and its 2003 sequel ‘The Science of Magic II.’ In 2001, Criss Angel began starring in the magic show ‘Criss Angel Mindfreak’ at New York City’s World Underground Theater. He performed over 600 times in the show before departing in 2003. In 2002, while still starring in ‘Criss Angel Mindfreak,’ Angel launched his own television special on ABC Family called ‘Criss Angel Mindfreak: Postmodern Illusionist.’ He also appeared on the Sci-Fi Channel special ‘Supernatural’ and the TVS special ‘Made in Japan,’ all in 2003. In 2005, Angel turned his ‘Mindfreak’ live performance into a television show. The program aired on the A&E channel and ran for a total of 85 episodes. In 2007, Criss Angel became a judge on the NBC reality television series ‘Phenomenon.’ He served in that role alongside Uri Geller. In 2013, Angel starred on Spike TV’s special ‘Criss Angel BeLIEve.’ He then launched a series of touring productions, beginning with ‘Mindfreak LIVE!’ in 2014.

Music Career

Criss Angel has dabbled in music over the years. In 1989, Angel became the face of his eponymous heavy metal band. He formed yet another band in 1995 called Angeldust, with Klay Scott. The group released its debut studio album in 1998, titled ‘Musical Conjurings From the World of Illusion.’ It later followed with the albums ‘System 1,’ ‘System 2,’ and ‘System 3,’ all in 2000. In 2003, Criss Angel released the album ‘Supernatural.’ Angel continues to do music between magic.

Other Ventures

Criss Angel is involved in many other ventures besides magic, acting, and music. Angel published the book ‘Mindfreak: Secret Revelations’ in 2007. He’s also fairly active on social media.

Awards and Recognitions

Criss Angel has received several awards for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry. These include: • 5 Magician of the Year Awards by on the International Magician Society (between 2001 and 2008) • 1 Magician of the Decade Award by the International Magician Society in 2009 • 2 Merlin Magician of the Year Awards (in 2001 and 2004) • 1 Living Legend Award by the World Magic Legacy Awards in 2011

Criss Angel’s Net Worth

Criss Angel has consistently been the most-watched magician on the internet since the late-2000s. His videos had been viewed over 200 million times as of 2013. Not only has Angel garnered tremendous fame among his magic-loving fans. He has also earned millions from his efforts. As at 2023, the sensational illusionist had a net worth of $50 million. In addition to magic, Criss Angel also earns from his other engagements in the entertainment industry. These include acting, singing, screenwriting, and television producing & directing. Angel must have also earned significant amounts in book royalties. That’s especially considering that his book ‘Mindfreak: Secret Revelations’ featured on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list in 2007.

Lessons from Criss Angel

1. Immortalize your brand name Part of the reason Criss Angel achieved remarkable fame is his culture of assigning his shows names synonymous with his professional moniker. From Criss Angel Mindfreak to Criss Angel Believe, Criss Angel BeLIEve, Criss Angel Magicjam, to mention but a few. 2. Leave your mark Angel has undoubtedly left his mark on the magic stage by breaking numerous records and setting new ones. Noteworthy examples include a record for staying submerged underwater for the longest period (24 hours) and for making the most people disappear in an illusion (100). 3. Have a finger in every pie Although Criss Angel is a successful musician, he actively pursues many other ventures. Angel’s versatility is largely responsible for his $50 million net worth.

Famous Quotes by Criss Angel

• One of my inspirations, Harry Houdini, remains an icon of the art because he defied our primal fears. His demonstrations in the early 20th century, especially his escape from the Chinese water torture cell, represented triumph over suffocation, drowning, disorientation and helplessness. • One of the most gratifying things I get as an artist is when people watch me do these different demonstrations, and they in some way feel empowered by what I’m doing so they can confront their own fears. Maybe it’s the fear of getting in an elevator; maybe it’s the fear of going on a plane and seeing the world. • Pain is a beautiful thing. When you feel pain, you know you’re alive. • When the mind, body, and spirit work together, I believe anything is possible. • You can’t please everyone, and trying to is the kiss of death. I don’t care about Wayne Newton’s demographics. When I do, I’ll know that it’s time to quit.

Final Word

Criss Angel is a record-breaking magician and one of the world’s richest illusionists. He has a net worth of $50 million as at 2023.