Criss Angel Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Criss Angel is an American magician and illusionist recognized for redefining modern stage magic and creating high-stakes Las Vegas spectacles.

Introduction

Criss Angel (born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos on December 19, 1967) is a celebrated magician, illusionist and musician whose daring performances and Las Vegas residencies have put him at the forefront of live entertainment. His estimated net worth stands at approximately US $50 million, according to multiple sources.  In his personal life, Angel has been in a long-term relationship with Australian singer Shaunyl Benson (married in 2015) and they share three children together. 

Quick Facts

From Local Ambition to Global Illusionist

Criss Angel’s journey begins on Long Island, New York, where he was born to parents John and Dimitra Sarantakos and raised in East Meadow.  Early on he showed fascination with magic, performing his first paid trick at age 12.  His early ambition combined music, mysticism, martial arts and performance—a blend that would define his signature style.

He relocated to Las Vegas and launched his show‐business trajectory. In the mid-2000s he created and starred in the television series Mindfreak, which brought his street-magic aesthetic into mainstream culture.  Later, he partnered with Cirque du Soleil to mount his Las Vegas stage show Believe, investing millions in production and creating a new standard for magic in the entertainment capital. 

Defining moments in Criss Angel’s journey include:

• Launching Criss Angel Mindfreak on A&E and turning televised illusion into pop-culture fodder.

• Debuting Criss Angel Believe in Las Vegas in partnership with Cirque du Soleil, backed by a reported US $100 million investment. 

• Transitioning into residencies and brand extensions, securing his place as one of the most visible magicians in the world.

The Core Pillars of Criss Angel’s Wealth

The core pillars of Criss Angel’s wealth include:

• Live entertainment residencies – headline shows in Las Vegas that generate significant ticket revenue and brand visibility.

• Television & media rights – production and distribution of Mindfreak and other specials.

• Merchandise, magic kits & licensing – branded products, books, DVDs and accessories tied to his magic persona.

• Brand deals and endorsements – partnerships that leverage his public profile beyond the stage.

Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, Criss Angel has had several notable relationships:

• He was previously married to JoAnn Winkhart from 2002 until their divorce in around 2006. 

• He dated former Playboy model and TV personality Holly Madison from late 2008 to early 2009. 

• Since 2015, he has been married to Australian singer Shaunyl Benson. The couple share three children: Johnny Christopher, Xristos Yanni and daughter Illusia Angelina. 

Key insights into Criss Angel’s relationships and personal life:

• His long-term commitment to Shaunyl Benson reflects a shift toward stability after earlier high-profile but shorter relationships.

• The health journey of his son (diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) became a personal and public challenge; the family emphasized advocacy and philanthropy in response. 

• Angel’s family life has influenced his brand, building a narrative beyond just spectacle—that of fatherhood, resilience and legacy.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Criss Angel leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A Las Vegas residence and private gym supporting the physical rigors of his stunts and performances.

• A known interest in motorcycles and custom bikes—he has worked with designers and featured bikes on his shows. 

• Active philanthropy: he established the Believe Foundation (Believe Anything Is Possible) supporting children’s causes, particularly pediatric cancer treatment. 

• Music pursuits: Angel fronted a band (Angeldust) and leveraged his performance persona into soundtrack and recorded music projects.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Criss Angel’s net worth estimate of roughly US $50 million comes from multiple sources and represents his diversified earnings across entertainment, media and branded ventures. (Note: these are estimates, not audited figures.)

While earlier listings by Forbes ranked Angel among highest-paid magicians (e.g., $19 million in 2016).  Over time, the shift to owning content, residencies and branding has stabilized his wealth base rather than relying solely on annual earnings.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Criss Angel has crafted a public image as the rock-star magician—a departure from the classical tuxedo-and-top-hat model. His visual brand, high-adrenaline stunts and theatrical performances made magic hip and accessible during the 2000s. He holds multiple awards (including titles such as “Magician of the Decade” and “Magician of the Century” by the International Magicians Society).

In terms of legacy:

• He influenced a new generation of magicians to integrate social media, viral stunts and immersive theatre production.

• His detractors note that spectacle sometimes overshadowed substance—but the volume of his performances and global reach is hard to dispute.

• Through his philanthropic work and personal openness about his family life, Angel has extended his influence beyond pure entertainment into advocacy and personal branding.

Conclusion

From a young boy performing tricks on Long Island to a global illusionist commanding multi-million-dollar shows, Criss Angel’s story is one of reinvention, ambition and spectacle. Born on December 19, 1967, his birthday is a reminder of the original spark that ignited his journey. With an estimated net worth of roughly US $50 million, a high-profile personal life with Shaunyl Benson and three children, and a brand that spans magic, music and media, Angel has built a career that transcends traditional illusion. His legacy remains one of bold performance, personal resilience and the ability to turn wonder into business.