Net Worth Ranker
What Is Criss Angel Net Worth?
Criss Angel, born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos on December 19, 1967, is an American illusionist, magician, and musician. As of 2024, Criss Angel’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful career in magic, including television shows, stage performances, and various other ventures. Angel’s journey began in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, where he spent his early years in Elmont and East Meadow. Growing up with his parents, Dimitra and John Sarantakos, and his brothers Costa and J.D., Angel’s passion for magic ignited at the age of seven when his aunt Stella introduced him to a card trick.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Angel’s career took off with “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” a show that initially ran at NYC’s World Underground Theater from 2001 to 2003, performing over 600 times. This success led to the creation of the A&E network show “Criss Angel Mindfreak” (2005–2010), which aired for 85 episodes. According to Angel’s official website, this made it the most successful magic show in television history, providing more hours of magic during primetime than any other magic show ever. In 2013, he starred in “Criss Angel BeLIEve” on Spike TV, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
His collaboration with Cirque du Soleil on the stage show “Criss Angel Believe” (2008–2016) at the Luxor casino was a significant financial milestone, selling over $5 million worth of advance tickets. This residency showcased Angel’s ability to blend grand illusions with theatrical performance, attracting a wide audience and generating substantial revenue. He continued his residency at Luxor with “Mindfreak LIVE!” from May 2016 to October 2018, before moving to the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Criss Angel Theater in December 2018 with “Criss Angel MINDFREAK.” In May 2019, Celebrity Radio recognized “Criss Angel MINDFREAK” as the “#1 Show in Las Vegas,” underscoring its popularity and financial success.
Angel has also made numerous appearances on television shows, including “CSI:NY,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “WWE RAW,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Megan Mullally Show,” and “Larry King Live,” further diversifying his income streams.
Other Ventures and Income Streams
Besides his work in television and stage performances, Criss Angel has several other ventures that contribute to his net worth. In 1989, he was the frontman of a heavy metal band called Angel, incorporating magic tricks into their music video for “Don’t You Want My Love.” In 1995, he formed the band Angeldust with Klay Scott, releasing the studio albums “Musical Conjurings From the World of Illusion,” “System 1,” “System 2,” and “System 3.” These musical endeavors, while perhaps not as lucrative as his magic career, add to his overall earnings.
In 2010, Criss Angel partnered with IdeaVillage for the Criss Angel Magic Collection, which included 250 tricks as well as a children’s magic kit and instructions for several Mindfreak Magic Tricks. This collaboration allowed him to tap into the consumer market, offering fans a chance to engage with his brand of magic at home. Since the late 2000s, Angel has been a prominent figure on the internet, with his videos garnering more than 200 million views. One clip from the “BeLIEve” premiere, “Rip Bodies Apart,” amassed 12 million views in its first month, indicating the potential for revenue through online content and advertising.
Criss Angel also authored the book “Mindfreak: Secret Revelations” in 2007, adding to his income through book sales and related opportunities.
Awards and Recognition
Criss Angel’s career has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions. The International Magician Society named him Magician of the Year five times between 2001 and 2008, and they crowned him Magician of the Decade in 2009. In 2011, he received a Living Legend award from the World Magic Legacy Awards, and he was named Merlin Magician of the Year in 2001 and 2004. Angel’s induction into the International Magician Society’s Magic Hall of Fame made him their youngest inductee in history. In 2018, he became the youngest magician to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. These accolades not only recognize his talent and contribution to the field of magic but also enhance his brand and earning potential.
Angel has set world records, including submerging himself underwater for 24 hours, performing the “Metamorphosis” illusion in under a second, and escaping from a straight-jacket in two and a half minutes. In May 2010, he set the Guinness World Record for “The most people to disappear in an illusion” when he made 100 audience members vanish during a performance of “Criss Angel: Mindfreak” at Luxor. Such feats have drawn significant media attention and public interest, further contributing to his fame and financial success.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Criss Angel’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. He married JoAnn Winkhart in 2002, and they divorced in 2006. He then dated Holly Madison from November 2008 to February 2009. Angel began a relationship with Shaunyl Benson in 2012, and they have two sons, Johnny and Xristos, born in 2014 and 2019, respectively. The family’s experiences with their son Johnny’s battle with leukemia have significantly impacted Angel’s philanthropic efforts.
In 2016, Criss Angel changed the name of his nonprofit organization from Believe Anything Is Possible to the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation. The organization’s mission is to “raise awareness of pediatric cancer and provide funds for research, treatment, and – ultimately – a cure.” Angel’s dedication to this cause has garnered recognition, including a Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2007 and being named the most supportive celebrity in 2010. While philanthropy does not directly impact his net worth, it enhances his public image and influence, which can indirectly benefit his career.
While specific details of Criss Angel’s real estate holdings, private aircraft, and luxury cars are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has made significant investments in these areas, given his substantial net worth.
