Criss Angel Net Worth: How Much Money Does Criss Angel Make?
Criss Angel is not just a magician—he’s a phenomenon. Whether you’ve seen him walk on water, escape from a straightjacket while hanging upside down, or make an entire audience disappear, there’s no denying that he has redefined the world of magic and illusion. With a career spanning decades and a net worth of $50 million as of 2025, Angel has done more than just perform tricks—he has made magic a part of mainstream entertainment.
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 destined for show business from an early age. Growing up in Elmont and East Meadow, New York, he was introduced to magic by his Aunt Stella when he was just seven years old. That simple card trick sparked a lifelong obsession, and by the age of 12, he was already performing magic shows.
Despite his parents’ wishes for him to go to college, Angel had other plans. Right after graduating from East Meadow High School, he hit the road, performing in small gigs, perfecting his craft, and preparing to make a name for himself in the world of magic. Little did anyone know that he would one day become one of the most famous illusionists in history.
Breaking Into the Spotlight: Mindfreak & Beyond
Angel made his first television appearance in 1994 on an ABC special called Secrets, and from there, his career started gaining traction. He appeared in Clive Barker’s Lord of Illusions (1995) and starred in several TV movies, including The Science of Magic (1997) and The Science of Magic II (2003).
However, it was in 2005 that everything changed. His A&E series Criss Angel Mindfreak became a cultural sensation, running for six seasons with a total of 85 episodes. The show didn’t just showcase magic; it pushed boundaries. From levitating over the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas to walking through solid objects, Angel proved that magic wasn’t just about tricks—it was about creating experiences that left people questioning reality.
The Las Vegas Takeover: Residencies & World Records
Angel’s success on television led to some of the biggest magic residencies in Las Vegas history. In 2008, he partnered with Cirque du Soleil for Criss Angel Believe, which ran at the Luxor until 2016. The show was so successful that it sold over $5 million in advance tickets. Following that, he launched Mindfreak LIVE! (2016–2018) and later began his residency Criss Angel MINDFREAK at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in 2018, which quickly became one of the top-rated magic shows in Vegas.
Beyond performances, he also set several world records, including:
- Staying submerged underwater for 24 hours
- Performing the fastest Metamorphosis illusion (under one second)
- Escaping from a straightjacket in just 2.5 minutes
- Making 100 audience members vanish in a single illusion (Guinness World Record, 2010)
Magic Meets Music: Angeldust and Beyond
If you think Angel’s talents stop at magic, think again. In the late 80s, he was the frontman of the heavy metal band Angel, and in 1995, he formed Angeldust with Klay Scott. The group released four albums: Musical Conjurings From the World of Illusion, System 1, System 2, and System 3. While music wasn’t his main focus, it was yet another way for him to express his creativity.
Personal Life: Family, Challenges, and Giving Back
Despite his larger-than-life persona on stage, Angel’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. He married JoAnn Winkhart in 2002, but they divorced in 2006. He later dated The Girls Next Door star Holly Madison from 2008 to 2009 before beginning a relationship with singer Shaunyl Benson in 2012. The couple has two sons: Johnny (born in 2014) and Xristos (born in 2019).
In 2015, Angel’s world was shaken when his son Johnny was diagnosed with leukemia at just two years old. Although Johnny went into remission, the cancer returned in 2019, pushing Angel to dedicate even more of his life to raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research. He renamed his nonprofit organization Believe Anything Is Possible to the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation, working tirelessly to support children battling cancer.
Recognitions and Achievements
Over the years, Angel has received numerous awards, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest magicians of all time:
- Magician of the Year (International Magician Society, five times 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 from the International Brotherhood of Magicians (2018)
His work has also made him one of the most-watched magicians online, with videos accumulating more than 200 million views. His Rip Bodies Apart illusion from BeLIEve gained 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 figures in the magic world. His contributions to entertainment, his dedication to innovation, and his philanthropy make him more than just an illusionist—he’s an inspiration.
Whether he’s performing mind-blowing tricks, setting world records, or fighting for a cause close to his heart, Criss Angel continues to prove that magic isn’t just about deceiving the eyes—it’s about touching the heart and soul. And if history is any indication, he’s nowhere near finished yet.
So, what’s next for the Mindfreak? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Criss Angel will continue to amaze us for years to come.
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