Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joann Winkhart (also known as Joanne Winkhart, JoAnn Sarantakos) |
| Known For | Marriage to illusionist Criss Angel; appearances on “Criss Angel: Mindfreak” |
| Marital Status | Married Criss Angel in 2002; filed for divorce in 2006-2007 |
| Public Visibility | Primarily through association with Criss Angel during mid-2000s |
| Career | Brief television appearances; no independent professional achievements noted |
| Financial Status | No public disclosures or estimates available |
Early Life and Background
Joann Winkhart stepped into the public eye not through her own pursuits, but as a shadow cast by a magician’s spotlight. Born as Joanne A. Winkhart, her early years remain shrouded, much like a veiled illusion waiting to be revealed. Public records and profiles offer scant details, painting her as a private individual from a modest background. She navigated life away from cameras until fate intertwined her path with that of Christopher Sarantakos, better known as Criss Angel.
In the late 1990s, Joann’s life shifted gears. She began a long-term relationship with the rising illusionist, a bond that blossomed amid his burgeoning career. Their connection, built over years, culminated in marriage in 2002. This union thrust her into fleeting fame, yet she remained an enigma—quiet, supportive, a steady presence in a world of smoke and mirrors.
Details of her upbringing elude widespread documentation. Fan aggregators whisper of birthplaces and zodiac signs, but these fragments lack the solidity of confirmed accounts. Joann’s story, thus far, unfolds as a prelude to greater spectacles.
Marriage and Relationship with Criss Angel
The year 2002 was pivotal. Legally known as JoAnn Sarantakos, Joann Winkhart married Criss Angel. Before forming ties in the late 1990s, they exchanged years of experiences. Criss found a partner in Joann to help him rise in entertainment.
Under the surface, tensions grew. Estrangement began in 2006. Joann alleges emotional mistreatment, desertion, and infidelity in her divorce. Joanne Sarantakos’ court records described a deteriorating relationship. The procedures lasted into 2007, generating media attention. Criss called the charges false amid a media frenzy.
Their split played out like a dramatic act in a magician’s repertoire—public exchanges, courtroom drama, and family involvement. Joann’s relatives attended hearings, their reactions noted in reports: an attempted handshake with her father turned awkward, underscoring the emotional fractures.
Television Appearances and Public Moments
Joann starred in important episodes of “Criss Angel: Mindfreak” in 2005, personalising the illusions. Joann’s presence heightened the danger of the “Buried Alive” stunt. In “Body Suspension,” she appeared with Criss as “Criss’s Girl.”
These moments, aired across seasons, captured her in raw, unscripted glimpses. Episode credits list her contributions sparingly, yet they etched her into the show’s legacy. Beyond these, no expansive acting or modeling career emerged. Joann’s public persona remained tethered to Criss’s orbit, a supporting role in a larger spectacle.
Numbers tell part of the tale: “Mindfreak” ran from 2005 onward, with Joann’s appearances concentrated in early seasons. Viewers witnessed her in high-stakes stunts, her composure a counterpoint to the chaos.
Divorce Proceedings and Aftermath
The divorce saga unfolded dramatically in 2006-2007. Joann’s filing in June 2007 ignited widespread coverage. Allegations flew: mental cruelty, abandonment, even naming a public figure in infidelity claims. Criss countered vehemently, dismissing the accusations as baseless in public statements.
Courtroom scenes added layers. Family members flanked Joann, their presence a silent testament to underlying support. The process, though public, resolved without further escalation, fading from headlines by 2008.
Post-divorce, Joann receded into privacy. Criss moved forward, entering new relationships and building a family. Joann, conversely, avoided the limelight, her life a quiet retreat from the frenzy.
Family Insights and Personal Connections
Joann Winkhart’s family is found in parts in reports. In divorce court, her relatives provided emotional support. Coverage showed her father rejecting a handshake, showing family conflicts during the breakup.
No full family tree surfaces in public domains. Parents’ names remain unprinted in major accounts, preserving their anonymity. Joann’s immediate circle, including any siblings, stays veiled, emphasizing her preference for discretion.
The primary documented tie is her marriage to Criss Angel, spanning from the late 1990s to 2007. No children are noted from the union. Extended relations, if any, evade mention, leaving her story centered on this singular, high-profile bond.
| Family Member | Relationship | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Criss Angel (Christopher Sarantakos) | Ex-Spouse | Married 2002; divorced 2006-2007; public disputes during proceedings. |
| Unnamed Father | Father | Present at court hearings; involved in reported awkward exchange. |
| Other Relatives | Family Members | Attended divorce proceedings; no specific names or roles detailed. |
Post-Divorce Life and Recent Mentions
After 2007, Joann’s narrative quiets. Media references dwindled, confined to retrospective celebrity bios. By 2008, she vanished from national spotlights, her path diverging from Criss’s continued fame.
In recent years—spanning 2020 to 2025—mentions are rare. Social media yields unverified profiles under JoAnn Winkhart, private accounts hinting at everyday life. No major interviews or appearances surface.
YouTube preserves echoes: clips from “Mindfreak” episodes like “Buried Alive” and “Body Suspension” showcase her 2005 roles. Guest spots on shows like Larry King, discussing Criss’s life, indirectly reference the marriage.
An extended timeline captures the arc:
- Late 1990s: Begins long-term relationship with Criss Angel.
- 2002: Marries Criss, adopting Sarantakos in some contexts.
- 2005: Appears in “Mindfreak” stunts, including Buried Alive and Body Suspension.
- 2006: Estrangement begins; divorce filing follows.
- June-July 2007: Public divorce disputes erupt, with allegations and counterclaims.
- Post-2007: Retreats from public view; no further high-profile events.
- 2008 onward: Occasional bios mention her, but life remains private.
This chronology underscores a brief, intense public phase amid enduring privacy.
FAQ
What is Joann Winkhart best known for?
Joann Winkhart is primarily recognized for her marriage to illusionist Criss Angel in 2002 and her appearances on his show “Criss Angel: Mindfreak” in 2005.
When did Joann Winkhart marry Criss Angel?
She married Criss Angel, whose real name is Christopher Sarantakos, in 2002 after a long-term relationship that began in the late 1990s.
What role did Joann Winkhart play in “Criss Angel: Mindfreak”?
Joann appeared in several episodes in 2005, including the “Buried Alive” and “Body Suspension” stunts, often credited as “Criss’s Girl.”
Why did Joann Winkhart and Criss Angel divorce?
Joann filed for divorce in 2006-2007, citing mental cruelty, abandonment, and allegations of infidelity, which Criss publicly disputed as false.
Does Joann Winkhart have any children?
No children are documented from her marriage to Criss Angel or otherwise in public reports.
What is known about Joann Winkhart’s family?
Her family attended divorce hearings in 2007, with reports noting her father’s presence during an awkward courtroom exchange, but no full names or details are publicly available.
Has Joann Winkhart been in the news recently?
Recent mentions from 2020-2025 are minimal, limited to retrospective celebrity profiles, with no major new stories or public appearances.
