Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos (born December 19, 1967), better known by the stage name Criss Angel, is an American magician and illusionist. Angel began his career in New York City, before moving his base of operations to the Las Vegas Valley. He is known for starring in the television and stage show Criss Angel Mindfreak and his previous live performance illusion show Criss Angel Believe in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor casino in Las Vegas. The show generated $150 million in tourist revenue to Las Vegas in 2010, but has since been replaced by 'Mindfreak LIVE' on 11 May 2016 (this new show is still part produced by Cirque, however the directive rights are entirely with Criss Angel). He also starred in the television series Believe on Spike TV, the television show Phenomenon, and the 2014 stage show Criss Angel Magicjam.