Shaunyl Benson is an Australian songwriter, actress, and the wife of world-famous magician Criss Angel. She has spent over a decade in the public eye, first as Angel’s partner and later as his wife, while quietly building her own career in music and film. Their relationship has captured public attention for its highs, including three children together, and its very public lows, including a recent and heavily publicised split. This article looks at who Shaunyl Benson really is, her background, her career, and the full story of her marriage to Criss Angel.
Shaunyl Benson: Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shaunyl Benson |
| Known For | Songwriter, actress, wife of Criss Angel |
| Date of Birth | 29 July 1991 |
| Origin | Australia |
| Occupation | Songwriter and actress |
| Notable Roles | Jane (2017), Desert Rose (2018), House of Inequity (2021) |
| Notable Music Work | Cover of “Let Me Love You” |
| Spouse | Criss Angel (married 17 February 2015) |
| Children | Johnny Crisstopher, Xristos Yanni, Illusia Angelina |
| Relationship Status | Publicly separated as of October 2025 |
| Social Media | Instagram, over 65,000 followers |
Who Is Shaunyl Benson?
Shaunyl Benson is an Australian-born songwriter and actress, best known for her long-term relationship and marriage to illusionist Criss Angel. She was born on 29 July 1991 in Australia, which makes her over two decades younger than her husband, who was born in 1967.
Before she became widely known through her connection to Angel, Benson had already begun carving out a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She built a following as a songwriter and gained additional recognition for a well-received cover of Mario’s hit single “Let Me Love You.”
Shaunyl Benson’s Career
Benson’s professional background sits mainly in music and acting, two fields she has pursued alongside her family life.
Acting Credits
She has appeared in a small but notable list of film projects, including:
- Jane (2017)
- Desert Rose (2018)
- House of Inequity (2021)
These roles show that Benson has maintained her own creative identity rather than stepping entirely into her husband’s shadow.
Music and Songwriting
As a songwriter, Benson has focused on building a presence separate from Angel’s magic career. Her cover of “Let Me Love You” remains one of the pieces of work most associated with her musical output, and it helped introduce her to audiences beyond those who already knew her as Criss Angel’s partner.
How Did Shaunyl Benson Meet Criss Angel?
Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel got together in 2012, beginning a relationship that would last for well over a decade. The couple kept much of their early relationship private, which is typical given Angel’s high public profile as the star of Criss Angel Mindfreak.
Their relationship became more widely known once the couple started a family, and it drew even more attention once details of a secret marriage came to light years later.
Are Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel Married?
Yes. Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel married secretly on 17 February 2015. The couple did not publicly confirm the marriage straight away, and it later emerged that they were already husband and wife at the time their eldest son was undergoing cancer treatment.
The secrecy around the wedding became a talking point among fans once the truth surfaced, particularly because it coincided with such a difficult period for the family.
Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel’s Children
Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel share three children together:
- Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos, born in 2014
- Xristos Yanni Sarantakos, born in January 2019
- Illusia Angelina Sarantakos, born on 5 November 2021
Their eldest son, Johnny, battled cancer as a young child, an experience that Angel has spoken about publicly on several occasions. The couple’s decision to keep their marriage quiet during this period has often been linked to the intense pressure they faced at the time.
The Relationship Timeline: Reconciliation and Split
Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel’s relationship has not followed a straightforward path. After marrying in 2015, the couple briefly separated before eventually reconciling.
In November 2023, Angel proposed to Benson again, and the pair appeared to have moved past their earlier difficulties. However, in October 2025, the relationship broke down publicly. Angel posted a message on social media asking fans to unfollow Benson, accusing her of damaging the family. Benson responded with her own video, stating that her decision to leave was about her personal growth and citing infidelity and emotional distress as contributing factors, despite having stayed in the relationship for years for the sake of their children.
Shaunyl Benson’s Public Profile
Benson maintains an active presence on Instagram, where she shares updates from her personal life with a following of more than 65,000 people. Her platform gives her a direct way to share her side of events, which became especially relevant during the public breakdown of her relationship with Angel in late 2025.
Conclusion
Shaunyl Benson is far more than simply “Criss Angel’s wife.” She is an Australian songwriter and actress with her own body of work, and the mother of three children with the illusionist. Her relationship with Angel, from a secret 2015 marriage through reconciliation and a highly public 2025 split, has been closely followed by fans, but her career and public presence stand on their own. As her story continues to develop, Benson remains a figure of genuine public interest in her own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Shaunyl Benson?
Shaunyl Benson is an Australian songwriter and actress, best known for her marriage to magician Criss Angel. She has appeared in films including Jane and Desert Rose and is also known for her music career.
2. When did Shaunyl Benson marry Criss Angel?
Shaunyl Benson married Criss Angel on 17 February 2015. The marriage was kept secret for a period before becoming public knowledge.
3. How many children do Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel have?
Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel have three children together: Johnny Crisstopher, Xristos Yanni, and Illusia Angelina. Their eldest son was born in 2014 and their youngest daughter in 2021.
4. Are Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel still together?
As of October 2025, Shaunyl Benson and Criss Angel appear to have separated following a public dispute on social media. Benson cited personal growth and difficulties in the relationship as reasons for the split.
5. What is Shaunyl Benson known for besides her marriage?
Shaunyl Benson is known for her own career as a songwriter and actress. She has film credits including Jane and House of Inequity, and gained attention for her cover of “Let Me Love You.”
