Joann Winkhart: Criss Angel’s Ex-Wife — Model, Activist, and Businesswoman

Joann Winkhart isn’t exactly a household name, but she’s someone who landed firmly in the spotlight thanks to her marriage to one of America’s most famous illusionists, Criss Angel. Born Joann Winkhart Cave, she’s carved out her own identity as a former model, businesswoman, and passionate animal rights activist. While her time married to Angel put her on the public radar, Winkhart was already building a life of her own before the cameras ever turned her way. Their marriage lasted from 2016 to 2019, and during that period, public curiosity about her skyrocketed. Since the divorce, she’s kept a much lower profile, focusing on the causes and ventures that matter most to her. Here’s what we know about Joann Winkhart and the life she’s built both alongside and apart from Criss Angel.

Who Is Joann Winkhart?

Joann Winkhart Cave is an American former model and businesswoman who grew up in the United States. While specific details about her early life — including her exact birthday and hometown — haven’t been made public, what’s clear is that she developed an interest in fashion and modeling from a young age. She worked as a model before branching out into business, and she’s been involved with ventures in the hospitality industry, including connections to The Refuge and K. Pacho Restaurants on Long Island.

Beyond her professional work, Winkhart has become known for her animal advocacy. She’s served as an HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) District Leader Volunteer, dedicating time and energy to animal welfare causes. It’s a passion that’s defined much of her public identity outside of her famous marriage. For someone who’s remained largely out of the media’s constant glare, her commitment to animal rights speaks volumes about where her priorities lie.

Winkhart doesn’t maintain a heavy social media presence, and she’s kept most of her personal details under wraps. That level of privacy is somewhat rare for someone who was married to a celebrity of Angel’s stature, but it seems to be exactly how she prefers things.

Marriage to Criss Angel

Joann Winkhart and Criss Angel tied the knot in 2016. Angel — whose real name is Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos — is one of the most recognized illusionists in the world, so naturally, the marriage attracted significant media attention. The couple’s relationship became a point of fascination for fans of the magician, and Winkhart found herself thrust into a level of public scrutiny she hadn’t experienced before.

Their marriage, however, didn’t last. By 2019, the couple had divorced. Neither party has spoken at length publicly about what led to the split, and the details surrounding their separation — including any arrangements regarding spousal support — have remained private. What’s known is that the divorce was finalized and both moved on with their lives.

It’s worth noting that Angel had been married once before, to his first wife JoAnn Sarantakos (no relation despite the similar first name), and he also had a highly publicized relationship with actress Holly Madison. His personal life has always drawn tabloid interest, which made his marriage to Winkhart an inevitable subject of public discussion.

Criss Angel’s Career

To understand why Winkhart’s marriage drew so much attention, it helps to know just how big Criss Angel’s career has been. Angel rose to fame with his A&E television series Criss Angel Mindfreak, which ran from 2005 to 2010 and turned him into one of the most watched magicians on TV. The show featured elaborate stunts and street magic that earned him a massive following.

After the show ended, Angel didn’t slow down. He launched a long-running Las Vegas residency that’s become one of the most successful magic shows in the city’s history. He’s won multiple Magician of the Year awards from the Academy of Magical Arts, and his live performances continue to draw huge crowds.

Angel has also become widely known for something far more personal: his advocacy for childhood cancer awareness. His son, Johnny Crisstopher, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and the experience transformed Angel into one of the entertainment industry’s most vocal supporters of pediatric cancer research. He’s raised millions for the cause and regularly uses his platform to push for awareness and funding.

During the period Winkhart was married to Angel, all of this was part of the backdrop of their shared life — the fame, the Vegas residency, and the emotional weight of a family dealing with serious illness.

Life After Divorce

Since the divorce in 2019, Joann Winkhart has largely stepped away from public life. She’s chosen to focus on her own interests and pursuits rather than staying connected to the celebrity circuit. Reports and social media posts suggest she’s found happiness in her personal life, with indications that she’s moved on romantically and is now going by the name Joann Cave.

Her business interests appear to have continued, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality space. And her animal activism hasn’t slowed down — if anything, the quieter pace of life after divorce seems to have given her more room to dedicate herself to the causes she cares about.

Winkhart’s story is a familiar one in the world of celebrity adjacent figures: someone who had a life and career of their own, found themselves in the public eye through a high-profile relationship, and then chose to step back once that chapter ended. She’s managed to maintain her privacy without completely disappearing, and she’s continued doing the work that matters to her on her own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joann Winkhart?

Joann Winkhart Cave is an American former model, businesswoman, and animal rights activist. She’s best known as the ex-wife of magician and illusionist Criss Angel. They were married from 2016 to 2019.

What does Joann Winkhart do now?

After her divorce from Criss Angel, Winkhart has maintained a low public profile. She’s continued her involvement in animal welfare as an HSUS District Leader Volunteer and has business ties in the hospitality industry, including connections to Long Island restaurants.

How long were Joann Winkhart and Criss Angel married?

Joann Winkhart and Criss Angel were married for approximately three years, from 2016 to 2019. Their divorce was finalized in 2019, and both have since moved on with their lives.

Does Joann Winkhart have social media?

Winkhart keeps a very low social media profile. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, she hasn’t sought out a large online following and prefers to keep her personal life private.