Criss Angel
Criss Angel is an American illusionist associated with MINDFREAK and a visual style that mixes magic, rock imagery and theatrical spectacle.
A distinctive identity
Born in 1967, Angel developed a public image very different from the formal stage magician. Dark clothing, music, striking visuals and physical performance became elements of one recognisable identity. His A&E series Criss Angel MINDFREAK introduced this approach to an international television audience.
Television and live performance
His career spans television productions and large live shows. After a long association with the Luxor in Las Vegas, MINDFREAK opened at Planet Hollywood in 2019. These productions combine illusion with sound, lighting, video and theatrical design. His television work also includes Criss Angel BeLIEve and Magic with the Stars.
Why his work matters
Angel is a useful example of the relationship between a strong persona and the way magic is filmed and staged. A television sequence and a live theatre illusion are different viewing experiences; his career invites performers to consider the demands of each. This biography describes his entertainment work, not claims of supernatural ability.
Sources and image credits
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Headshot_of_Criss_Angel.png
Thomas Rutan. Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0.