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Criss Angel

Criss Angel is the stage name of Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, an American magician, illusionist, musician, and television personality.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Criss Angel is the stage name of Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, an American magician, illusionist, musician, and television personality. He is best known for the television series "Criss Angel Mindfreak" and for live magic productions in Las Vegas.

Early life and background

Criss Angel was born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos on December 19, 1967, in Hempstead, New York, and was raised in East Meadow, New York.

Career in magic and television

Angel rose to wider fame through "Criss Angel Mindfreak," a television series centred on magic and illusion. He has also appeared in other television projects and live special events.

Music and stage work

In addition to magic, Angel has pursued music and live performance. He has been associated with bands and recorded music projects, alongside theatrical illusion shows in Las Vegas.

Public image and recognition

Angel has been recognised with multiple industry awards and has built a large public profile through television, touring shows, books, and online media.

Key facts

  • Criss Angel is the professional name of Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, an American entertainer born in 1967.
  • He is widely known for the A&E television series "Criss Angel Mindfreak".
  • Angel has also worked as a musician and has been associated with rock and industrial music projects.
  • He has performed major live illusion shows in Las Vegas, including productions associated with Cirque du Soleil and his own branded stage shows.
  • Sources describe him as one of the most prominent modern magicians and illusionists.
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Canadian context

Criss Angel has had broad North American visibility through television, touring, and live entertainment, and his work has been familiar to Canadian audiences through international broadcasts and media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Criss Angel?
Criss Angel is the stage name of Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, an American magician, illusionist, musician, and television personality.
What is Criss Angel best known for?
He is best known for the television series "Criss Angel Mindfreak" and for his live illusion performances.
When was Criss Angel born?
He was born on December 19, 1967.
Where is Criss Angel from?
He was born in Hempstead, New York, and raised in East Meadow, New York.
Is Criss Angel also a musician?
Yes. In addition to magic, he has worked as a musician and has been linked to music projects and recordings.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criss_Angel
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupations, and years active.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1630927/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and biographical background.
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criss_Angel
    Supports: "Criss Angel Mindfreak" as the main television work and identification as an illusionist and musician.
  4. Criss Angel official site — https://crissangel.com/criss/
    Supports: Career overview, major stage productions, and public profile.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/criss-angel/bio/3030766817/
    Supports: Biographical facts and notable awards/known-for information.