Criss Angel Real Name and Early Life
Criss Angel’s real name is Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos. He was born on December 19, 1967, in Elmont, Nassau County, New York. His parents are of Greek descent, and he grew up in a family that encouraged artistic pursuits. He later adopted the stage name Criss Angel as his primary professional identity. According to public records and entertainment biographies, he has used this name across television, live shows, and business ventures Forbes profile.
Sarantakos began performing magic and illusion acts as a teenager. He studied theater and music while developing a style that blended street magic, large-scale stunts, and dramatic storytelling. His early work in New York clubs and local events helped him build a following before he moved to larger television productions and touring shows.
Career Highlights and Major Projects
Criss Angel rose to mainstream fame with the A&E series Mindfreak, which ran for six seasons starting in 2005. The show featured street magic, death-defying stunts, and illusions performed in public locations. The series became one of the network’s highest-rated programs and expanded his brand into merchandise, live tours, and branded experiences.
He also created and starred in Criss Angel BeLIEve, a one-hour special that aired on Spike TV in 2013. The special combined large-scale illusions with narrative storytelling and was produced under his own production company. Around the same period, he launched the Criss Angel Believe Tour, a live stage show that toured major venues across North America and internationally.
Business Ventures and Public Records
Criss Angel has founded and led multiple companies tied to entertainment, media, and licensing. His business activities include production companies, intellectual property management, and brand partnerships in the magic and experiential entertainment space. Public filings and entertainment industry reports show ongoing activity in live events, television production, and digital content SEC EDGAR search.
He has also been involved in collaborations with major brands and venues, including Las Vegas residency-style performances and large-scale outdoor shows. His career spans television specials, touring productions, and branded merchandise lines. Industry coverage notes his role in modernizing the image of illusionists and expanding the commercial reach of magic-based entertainment Bloomberg profile.