From East Meadow to Mindfreak: A Closer Look at Criss Angel

A lot has changed since Criss Angel graduated from 26 years ago.

Angel, 43, whose real name is Christopher Sarantakos, is now one of the world's most renowned illusionists, and he's had many highlights in his career. He has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" twice, his "Criss Angel Walks on Water" video on YouTube has more than 40 million views and his recent Orville Redenbacher popcorn commercial has been a resounding hit as well.

While his magic may have taken him around the world, his story began in East Meadow. Angel says his time at EMHS really helped shape the person he has become today.

"The teachers saw my passion," Angel said. "They allowed me to create a schedule that let me spend a lot of time on my love of magic, and that really guided me in the right direction. Everybody just supported what I was trying to do."

Angel began learning magic when he was 6 years old. His aunt showed him a card trick and he was hooked.

"Ever since then, I drove my family crazy by doing tricks to them and getting their opinions and advice about how I could better my presentation," Angel said.

As he became older, Angel would ride his bike and perform locally, including working at some benefits at . That's how he became "the guy to go to for magic," Angel says.

Now, Angel is the most watched magician in television history. His big break came in 2001 when he launched his Broadway show, "Criss Angel: Mindfreak." Now, Angel performs two shows a night at the Luxor in Las Vegas, and he has his own show on A&E. He also is working on 14 new shows, and will soon be debuting his own broadcasting network. His new website will be debuting in July, and it will be featuring the "best of the best" in music and magic, including the likes of Ke$ha, Siegfried and Roy and Little John, just to name a few.

"Coming this July, the revolution is on," Angel said. "You’re going to see anything and everything to do with magic."

Angel's site will offer people the opportunity to purchase from a selection of over 10,000 items, and unique features, such as the ability to hire Angel's own magicians.

Angel still makes sure to visit East Meadow at least once or twice per year, and he says he is "sure to be back in New York for a lot more time" once his current contract expires.

"I'm the same person I was in East Meadow," Angel said. "I am trying to motivate people. I’m just somebody that has a dream and worked my [expletive] off to achieve a dream, and anyone else can do it as well."