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Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel | Source: Getty Images
Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel | Source: Getty Images

Criss Angel's Marriage: He and Wife Shaunyl Benson Stayed Strong through Son's Illness

Naomi Wanjala
Oct 02, 2023
01:15 A.M.

Criss Angel and his wife, Shaunyl Benson, have been through thick and thin. The couple, who tied the knot in 2015, share three children. The eldest child was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2015 and has been in and out of hospital.

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Criss Angel is a magician and illusionist, notably known as one of the most watched magicians in history. The successful entertainer reportedly married his wife, Shaunyl Benson, in secret in 2015. However, it wasn't until several months later that news of their marriage broke.

The magician already shared one son with his wife before they married. That same year, he canceled his show after their son was diagnosed with cancer. The couple have remained strong over the years through their son's illness. In 2021, they released the "1019" documentary, which chronicles their son's journey with Leukemia.

Illusionist Criss Angel and his wife Shaunyl Benson at The Mirage Hotel & Casino on March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Illusionist Criss Angel and his wife Shaunyl Benson at The Mirage Hotel & Casino on March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Criss Angel and His Wife Married Secretly

Criss married his then-girlfriend, now wife, Shaunly, secretly in 2015, right after Valentine's Day. The news about their secret wedding broke eight months after they exchanged vows, with his wife being referred to as a singer and songwriter.

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The two have since been doing life together, frequently featuring each other on social media and offering each other heartfelt tributes. They openly express their deep love and affection for one another. This year, while celebrating Mother's Day, Criss posted a lovely photo of his wife, accompanied by a touching tribute that read:

"Happy Mother's Day to My Beautiful Love @shaunylbenson ❤️‍🔥. She is an incredible Mum to our 3 ❤️❤️❤️beautiful children and to me 😜. Happy Mother's Day to all the Great mums. Have an Amazing Day!"

Criss Angel, his wife Shaunyl Benson with their sons Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos and Xristos Yanni Sarantakos on July 18, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Criss Angel, his wife Shaunyl Benson with their sons Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos and Xristos Yanni Sarantakos on July 18, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Criss Angel and His Wife Shaunyl Are Parents of Three

Criss and his wife, Shaunly, are parents to three children. The eldest son, Johnny Crisstopher, was born in 2014. In 2019, while celebrating Johnny's 5th birthday, Shaunly paid him a touching tribute, expressing his pride in his accomplishments at five.

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The documentary also aims to raise awareness and money to help kids battling cancer.

Criss and Shaunyl welcomed their second child, Xristos Yanni, on January 22, 2019, and their youngest child daughter, Illusia Angelina Sarantakos, was born in November 2021 via C-section at 35 weeks.

Criss Angel, Shaunyl Benson and their son Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on September 12, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Criss Angel, Shaunyl Benson and their son Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on September 12, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

At the time, Criss took to his Instagram to share his excitement about his daughter's arrival. He began his post with the words, "IT'S A GIRL!!! 🍾❤️🎉.” He then continued, "Ran to the hospital early this morning where my love @shaunylbenson had to have an emergency C-section 35 weeks into her pregnancy."

Criss then revealed his daughter's name and gave birth details while telling his followers that she weighed 4lbs 13OZ and was 17" tall. He also wrote that she was in the neonatal intensive care unit.

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Criss Angel and Shaunyl's Son Was Diagnosed with Leukemia

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Criss and his wife faced an incredibly tough period when their son Johnny was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2015. At the time, the magician had to cancel his show to be with his family. The couple has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience over the years, given that their son has spent a significant portion of his life in and out of the hospital.

In 2020, amid COVID-19, Criss revealed during an interview that he and his family were taking severe safety measures to keep Johnny safe as he continued his battle with Leukemia. In 2022, the couple released a documentary, "1095," which centers around their son's journey with Leukemia. The documentary also aims to raise awareness and money to help kids battling cancer.

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Criss was previously married to JoAnn Sarantakos for five years, but their marriage ended in a messy divorce. Joann filed for divorce from Criss and accused him of mental abuse, claiming she was told to keep their five-year marriage a secret.

She also alleged that Criss' relationship with Cameron Diaz destroyed their marriage. Cameron is known for her role in the 1997 movie, "My Best Friend's Wedding, in which she played alongside Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, and Rupert Everett.

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