Criss Angel
The Vanilla Ice of Magic
an important photograph of Criss Angel, a rare capture of the performer smiling almost
Who is Criss Angel?
Criss Angel is an American TV magician and illusionist best known for appearing in the television show, Criss Angel Mindfreak.
Performing under the stage name “Criss Angel,” the enterprising enchanter is known for his mesmerizing blue steel expression, presenting incredible illusions invented by his talented team of ten idea men, and for his goth performances of magic filled with shock value, street culture, and rock music.
An American magician, a walking Hot Topic, and the first 2nd-wave emo magician, Criss Angel has been practicing magic tricks for over twenty years.
Inspired by Blaine, Criss Angel jumped on the street magic trend in 2005 and hasn’t let go since. In 2023, the important celebrity Criss Angel remains relevant by doing publicity stunts, following the steps outlined by his legal guardian David Blaine.
What is Criss Angel’s real name?
Criss Angel’s real name is Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos. Born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, he adopted the stage name “Criss Angel” which has become a household name in the world of TV magic.
How old is Criss Angel?
As of 2023, Criss Angel is 55 years old. He was born on December 19, 1967, and has been impersonating Nikki Sixx while performing magic since his late teens.
How tall is Criss Angel?
Criss stands at a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters). Though it’s difficult to ascertain Criss height because he wears platform boots, in 2007 during an autograph signing, an admirer said to her friend “he’s shorter than I thought.”
On hearing this Criss dropped his pen, snapping twice, “Criss Angel stands at six feet and one forth of an inch.” According to one witness, Criss retreated to a nearby garage.
Supporters of Criss Angel have since come forward, rejecting the above anecdote as a rumor. Two other Criss Angel sympathizers insisted that Criss did not snap three times at the 7 year-old admirer. Instead, they claimed, Criss had snapped only once, and that his snaps were meant only as a signal to his chauffeur.
How much does Criss Angel spend on eye liner?
In 2022, it was estimated Criss Angel spent $122,754 on eye liner alone. David Blaine 2.0 is known for his heavy use of eyeliner, as well as foundation and other make up. But this is standard for anyone in the spotlight.
Magic or Masquerade?
Despite Angel’s penchant for the ornamental, many fans admire Criss, while Criss’s critics have condemned him for his increasingly foppish hair styles. Frequenting salons up to 5 times per week, Criss Angel’s assortment of looks has dazzled teenage audiences worldwide, become a feature of Criss Angel’s signature style, and has no doubt contributed to his global appeal.
Criss Angel magic kit
What nationality is Criss Angel?
Criss Angel is of American nationality. He was born in Hempstead, New York, to Greek-American parents.
Where is Criss Angel from?
Criss Angel hails from East Meadow, New York, USA. He was born and raised there before moving to Las Vegas to pursue his career in magic.
How long is the Criss Angel show?
The Criss Angel show, "Mindfreak," typically runs for about 90 minutes. The show is filled with illusions and geek magic. According to reviews, the Criss Angel magic show leaves audiences divided.
Where to watch Criss Angel Mindfreak?
"Criss Angel Mindfreak" can be watched at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The show is also available for streaming on various online platforms.
Where is Criss Angel theater?
The Criss Angel Theater is located at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is here Angel performs his store-bought illusions to packed audiences.
What is Criss Angel net worth?
Criss Angel's net worth is $50 million. His wealth comes from his successful career as a TV magician, his television shows, and his live performances.
How much does Criss Angel make per show?
Criss Angel makes between $50,000 to $100,000 per show. His earnings vary depending on the venue and the size of the audience.
Where is Criss Angel now?
Criss Angel is currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He continues to perform his magic show "Mindfreak" at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
What is Criss Angel doing now?
Criss Angel is currently performing his magic show "Mindfreak" and can be found “cracking the whip,” never satisfied with the new tricks given to him by other magicians.
Is Criss Angel related to John Stamos?
Yes, Criss Angel is John Stamos’ cousin.
2015: Criss Angel, 47 with cousin John Stamos, 52
Who is Criss Angel dating?
As of 2023, Criss Angel is not publicly dating anyone. He was previously married to Shaunyl Benson, with whom he has two children.
Who is Criss Angel married to?
Criss Angel was married to Shaunyl Benson. The couple divorced but remain co-parents to their two children.
How old is Criss Angel wife?
Shaunyl Benson, Criss Angel's ex-wife, is 33 years old as of 2023. She was born August 29, 1990.
How did Criss Angel meet Shaunyl Benson?
Criss Angel met Shaunyl Benson at one of his shows in Las Vegas. Their shared love for the arts brought them together, and they eventually tied the knot.
Like all knots tied by magicians, the knot dissolved.
Is Criss Angel alive?
Yes, Criss Angel is alive.
When did Criss Angel die?
Criss Angel is still alive, as of 2023. Rumors of Criss Angel’s death are false.
How did Criss Angel die?
Criss Angel is not dead. He is still alive, so there was no way how Criss Angel died. His being alive strongly implies Criss Angel did not die. You could’ve worked out this conclusion from the previous answers.
Criss Angel will never die.
Magic Career
How to be a magician like Criss Angel?
To be a magician like Criss Angel, you must work yourself into a white heat of desire for attention, working hard for people to like you. Criss is known for his unquenchable desire to impress grownups and teens alike, with innovative magic tricks.
Why did Criss Angel get into magic?
The 9 reasons Criss Angel learned magic are cited below.
Attention and fame
Magic tricks can be a great way to attract attention and gain fame. The ability to perform tricks that people who have better things to do can make one feel special and admired.
Monetary Gain
Successful magicians can earn a good income from their performances. This was a powerful a motivating factor for Criss Angel to learn magic tricks.
Popularity
Magic tricks can make adolescents popular among their peers. This can be particularly appealing for those who crave social acceptance and popularity.
Women
Criss Angel knew at a young age that chicks dig magic. No woman can resist a man who can do a great coin trick.
Manipulation
A person can learn magic tricks to help them manipulate others. By creating illusions and learning misdirection, a person can control people's perceptions and actions.
Deception
Magic tricks can be used to deceive people for personal gain. A person might use sleight of hand to cheat at gambling, to pickpocket, or to shortchange someone.
Power and Control
The ability to perform magic tricks can give someone a sense of power and control over others. This could be appealing to someone with sinister intentions.
Espionage
Magic tricks, particularly those involving sleight of hand and misdirection, could be used in espionage to covertly obtain or plant information.
Cult Leadership
A person with might use magic tricks to convince others of their supernatural powers, leading to the formation of a cult. As Criss Angel says, “A lot of what I do is 110% real.” You can pretend to pull off the end of your thumb and say, “A lot of what I do is real.” According to independent fact checkers, Criss Angel’s statement is 110% true (though misleading).
Criss Angel - Magic Tricks
How does Criss Angel levitate?
Criss Angel’s levitation illusion involves a combination of clever staging, lighting, carefully cut baggy pants, camera angles, and hidden cables. Criss Angel's levitation trick was engineered by chief magician engineer Johnny Thompson and mentalist Banachek. These and other magicians toiled by candlelight as Criss Angel paced behind them eating an apple. This process would continue till the team engineered the levitation illusion.
How does Criss Angel levitate a woman?
Criss Angel's levitation of a woman is achieved through classic illusion techniques. Many magicians prior to Criss Angel levitated women. The real levitation trick is not levitating a woman, but rendering the supports invisible.
How does Criss Angel walk on water?
The method of walking on water involves a plexiglass platform beneath the water's surface. The water-walking trick is an illusion.
How did Criss Angel do the steamroller?
Criss Angel's steamroller trick requires a Criss-sized crater in the cement and a slightly larger rug stretched over the crater. Criss lies atop this carpet as the steamroller drives over the magician, unharmed.
How does Criss Angel put phone in bottle?
Criss Angel's phone in a bottle trick is a classic example of sleight of hand. There are many examples of the phone in bottle trick performed by teens on Youtube and Tik Tok.
How does Criss Angel fly?
The appearance of flying involves wires, harnesses, and careful camera work. Criss Angel's flying trick is an illusion.
How does Criss Angel rip bodies apart?
Criss Angel's body ripping trick is an illusion involving body doubles, prosthetics, clever staging, and careful camera editing. It’s gross, but the trick has great shock value.
How does Criss Angel disappear and reappear?
Criss Angel disappears and reappears using misdirection, choreographed movements, and hidden compartments. Criss Angel's disappearing and reappearing trick is a classic magic illusion and has been performed by many stage magicians since Criss Angel was in diapers.
What does Criss Angel think of the masked magician?
Criss Angel has expressed disapproval of the Masked Magician, who reveals the secrets behind magic tricks. Angel believes revealing these secrets takes away from the wonder and mystery of magic. Some have wondered whether Criss Angel’s hypocrisy knows no bounds, given his visible aggression towards and vulgar expose of Jim Callahan, on the television show Phenomenon.
The Deception of Criss Angel
A Look Backstage at the Celebrity TV Magician
Criss Angel, “Vanilla Ice of Magic,” is famous for his levitating across two buildings, getting chopped in half without any boxes or anything covering him, and his walking on water.
Mindfreak or Mindless?
Criss Angel movies and TV shows
Criss Angel, self-proclaimed "mindfreak," has been shocking audiences with his made-for-TV magic tricks and illusions for years. As a critical observer of the entertainment industry, it's time to take a closer look at the man behind the smoke and mirrors.
Las Vegas Strip
The Land of Illusion: All Style, No Substance?
Angel's success was built on his residency in Las Vegas, where he performs at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The glitz and glamour of Vegas have always provided a perfect backdrop for magic and illusion, and Angel has capitalized on this razzle-dazzle.
One must wonder if Criss Angel’s appeal lies more in his celebrity status than talent as a magician. Angel has become a household name, thanks in part to his reality show "Criss Angel Mindfreak" and his appearances on various talk shows and cameos in movies.
BetMGM
A Questionable Partnership
Angel's alleged partnership with BetMGM, an online gambling company, raises some eyebrows. As a magician who claims to have supernatural powers, some say it was hypocritical for Criss Angel to align himself with a company whose entire business model is based on chance, luck, and fleecing the common man.
This partnership with BetMGM has led to Angel performing in commercials for the company, which seems to be more about promoting online gambling than showcasing his magical abilities.
Divorce and Marriage
A Publicity Stunt?
Angel's personal life has been a topic of discussion in the media, particularly his divorce from his ex-wife Joanne Sarantakos and subsequent marriage to Shaunyl Benson. Many speculated that these events were simply a publicity stunt to generate buzz around his career.
Whether true, it's undeniable Angel's personal life helped to keep him in the public eye, which may be more important to him than the quality of his performances.
Theater and Non-Profit
A Mask for Magical Mediocrity?
In recent years, Angel has shifted his focus to the theater, producing and directing shows such as "Criss Angel Raw: The Mindfreak Unplugged" and "Criss Angel Unplugged." He has also started a non-profit organization, the Johnny Crisstopher Children's Charitable Foundation, which raises money for pediatric cancer research.
While these endeavors may seem commendable, many question whether Criss Angel’s philanthropy is merely a façade for the mediocrity of his performances.
What happened to Chris Angel the magician?
The Phenomenon Fades
Criss Angel’s magic lost its edge. Questionable partnerships, personal life drama, animal cruelty and other pursuits may be an attempt to distract from the fact that Criss’s magic has lost its shine.
Since the phenomenon of Criss Angel has faded, it may be time for Criss to reinvent himself or fade away into obscurity.
The Curtain Falls on Angel's Stage
While Criss Angel has certainly made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, some are questioning whether Angel’s success is based on talent or manufactured celebrity.
Criss Angel's impact on the world of magic is negligible, but his impact on how the world perceives magic is undeniable.
From his early days in New York to his current status as a Las Vegas headliner, Angel has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with just a bit of camera trickery, stoogehands, and a phenomenal publicist.
As we continue to watch his career unwind, one thing is certain: Criss Angel will attempt to redefine the world of TV magic for years to come.
