# This Is Why You Don’t See Criss Angel Anymore…

Criss Angel, once the king of illusion, mesmerized the world with mind-bending feats—walking on water, levitating over buildings, and escaping impossible traps.

At the height of his fame, he blurred the line between reality and the supernatural, captivating millions. But then, he vanished from the spotlight. No headlines, no prime-time stunts. What happened to the global phenomenon? Was it burnout, scandal, or something darker?

Born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos in 1967 in East Meadow, New York, Criss grew up in a loving Greek-American family. A simple card trick by his aunt at age six ignited a lifelong obsession with magic.

By seven, he performed homemade shows, studying illusions relentlessly while other kids played. Tragedy struck in 1998 when his father, his biggest supporter, died of cancer in Criss’s arms, shaping his daring stunts as tributes to overcoming fear.

His rise was grueling. For 15 years, Criss faced rejections and financial struggles, performing in small venues while juggling jobs. His unique blend of magic, rock music, and danger—forming the band AngelDust in 1995—set him apart. Moving to New York City, he built momentum, performing up to 60 shows a day at Madison Square Garden’s World of Illusion conference.

His persistence paid off with *Mindfreak*, debuting on A&E in 2005. The show redefined magic TV with high-energy, dangerous stunts like hanging from helicopters by skin hooks and levitating between skyscrapers, earning a dedicated fanbase over six seasons.

Post-*Mindfreak* in 2010, Criss shifted to Las Vegas, launching *Believe* with Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor. Initially panned by critics in 2008, he revamped it into *Mindfreak Live* by 2013, a smash hit with jaw-dropping illusions.

Yet, behind the success, heartbreak loomed. In 2015, his son Johnny, just 20 months old, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Criss dropped everything, stepping away from the stage to be by Johnny’s side during chemotherapy, facing unimaginable emotional and financial strain.

Turning pain into purpose, Criss founded the HELP Foundation (Heal Every Life Possible), advocating for pediatric cancer research. He hosted fundraisers like the HELP for Hope Telethon, shared Johnny’s story in shows, and gave voice to struggling families. Though Johnny saw periods of remission, the battle continues, and Criss remains a fierce advocate.

Rumors of occult involvement swirled due to his gothic persona and surreal performances, but Criss clarified it’s all illusion—born from practice and engineering, not supernatural forces. Today, while less visible, he continues performing, driven by love for his family and fans. Criss Angel isn’t just a magician; he’s a father and artist who transformed loss into resilience, proving the greatest magic lies in hope and perseverance beyond the stage.