In the realm of reality television, where personalities often stand out, Angela Raiola, affectionately known as “Big Ang” on VH1’s “Mob Wives,” has carved out a distinct niche for herself. While her vibrant and larger-than-life persona garnered attention, her life’s journey was marked by unexpected twists and turns that offered a story that went beyond the typical reality TV script.
The colorful star sadly passed away at the young age of 55 after a terrifying battle with cancer.
In the last interview she gave before her death in 2016, Angela revealed the terrible reality and warned others not to make the same grave mistake she did.
After making her reality TV debut in 2012, Angela “Big Ang” Raiola won over viewers with her shrill voice and bold personality.
She rose to fame on “Mob Wives” for three years thanks to her eccentric and larger-than-life behavior. We always wanted to laugh at “Big Ang”.
However, many who knew her said that Angela was also a very kind person who was adept at recognizing everyone around her. Not only did the world lose a beloved reality star when Angela passed away on February 18, 2016, but her sons and grandchildren also suffered greatly.
But how did the “Mob Wives” star – who had a beautiful body, husky voice, and huge lips – become one of America’s most popular TV stars? Who was this woman who did all the plastic surgery and makeup?
ties to the New York mob
Angela Joyce Raiola was born on June 30, 1960, and raised in Brooklyn, New York.
In addition, she was the niece of the late Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi, who was one of the “capos” or captives of the infamous Genovese crime family, one of the “Five Families” that rule the New York mob…
She grew up in a large household consisting of two sisters and four brothers.
Angela was arrested in 2001 for her involvement in a drug ring in Brooklyn.
She was discovered secretly providing cocaine to the police. The group provided Raiola, who was 41 at the time, with drugs to distribute on the “street”.
Federal agents claimed she was a close acquaintance of a drug ring boss.
Raiola was charged with six crimes in May 2001 and the leader received a sentence of over 13 years in prison. In 2003, the reality star pleaded guilty and received three years of probation.
“I get asked why I did anything. As a single mother, I had to provide for my family and pay $3,000 in rent. It was a waste of money for me. I would never do it again and I would never do my lessons,” Angela stated.
confinement to the home
Raiola was also ordered to wear a monitor and undergo a four-month house arrest sentence. That was a severe punishment, especially for someone like “Big Ang.”
“My family and girlfriends stopped by every day. It also got rid of my claustrophobia. However, she added: “Being confined to one place was a pain for someone like me who loves going out and needs to be where the action is. “
“I get asked why I did anything. As a single mother, I had to provide for my family and pay $3,000 in rent. It was a waste of money for me. I would never do it again and I would never do my lessons,” Angela stated.
The Staten Island borough of New York was the focus of a VH1 series that followed the numerous women who lived there. Producer Jennifer “Jenn” Graziano came up with the premise and they all had mafia ties.
Critics were very impressed and gave the show high marks after the first season premiered. Entertainment Weekly television critic Ken Tucker wrote:
I didn’t have high expectations for Mob Wives because I get a little sick of watching at least a few episodes of every Real Housewives season. But there’s a dirty beauty to this hilariously funny, vicariously gross reality TV.”
Many other critics were unimpressed.
The New York Daily News stated, “The tired concept is so bad it should sleep with the fishes.”
But regardless of what viewers thought of the reality show, Angela “Big Ang” Raiola left a lasting impression and rose to prominence among mob wives. She was considered by many to be the most down-to-earth, kindest, and sweetest woman on the show.
Additionally, as a result of her fame, she was given two spin-off shows: “Big Ang” in 2012 and “Miami Monkey” in 2013.
cosmetic surgery
Anyone who knew Angela that she is a big fan of cosmetic surgery should not be surprised. In 1985, after the birth of her first child, she underwent her first operation.
Angela believed she had to act because she was so insecure about her own body.
“My breasts died after giving birth.
They were just prunes, cut to the waist.
In 1995, after the first run, I had them repaired. After removing the sponges, physiological implants were installed. I’ve always had a big chest because I had a double 36 double D when I was just 14 years old,” she noted.
Many others believed that she underwent too much cosmetic surgery while in the public eye. Towards the end of her life, the captivating Mob Wife admitted her obsession with plastic surgery and her penchant for constantly changing her appearance.
“I’ve had a tummy tuck, liposuction, lip injections, and three breast augmentations,” Big Ang said. “The mushrooms were inserted into my breasts during my first procedure, which took place 27 years ago. That was in 1985.”
A sadistic demise
Angela started complaining of neck pain in early 2015. She was admitted to Staten Island Hospital because she felt something was wrong.
Unfortunately, a tumor the size of a lemon was found in her throat and surgeons cut it out. Later that year, doctors discovered another tumor in her neck. She was also diagnosed with lung and brain cancer at age 4.
“At first I believed I had beaten cancer. I was planning a big celebration. After a month, according to Angela, I reached stage 4.
Despite appearing on “Mob Wives” for a while, she was clearly in pain. On February 13, 2016, she “pulled herself from her death bed” during the reunion program, spending just two hours on set.
In addition to her two children, Raiola had Anthony “A.J.” six grandchildren. Donofrio and Raquel. Although she married Neil Murphy in 2009, there were times when their marriage became strained.
In 2016, Angela during her appearance on The Dr. The Oz Show made a shocking revelation: she split from her husband while battling cancer.
“I felt like he never stepped up to the plate, so I was done with it,” she said. It’s too late now. I’d rather be alone. I prefer to be alone.”
Before her death, “Big Ang” had her last public interview with Dr. Oz. The host of The Dr. The Oz Show shared a look into the final months of the reality star’s life.
“By the time she came on the show, she really wanted to get things off her chest, to say things that she knew she had to say before the end because she had weeks to months, not months to years,” he said…
“The main feeling I got from Big Ang after the show was fear – she was scared. I believe she realized that death was very close and that she was staring over the abyss of death, the place of darkness that we all fear.”
Angela came on the show primarily to warn people against smoking cigarettes, a habit that most likely cost her her life. She smoked for more than 40 years (at least one pack every day), but stopped once she found out about her illness.
“I think the big legacy she leaves us with, the main reason she came on the show was to make sure everyone knew that cigarettes took her life,” said Dr. Oz.
Like many others, she started smoking when she was young, but when she decided she didn’t want to smoke anymore, it was too late – or so she felt. She also played down her throat cancer diagnosis on the show, taking a pack of smokes and throwing them in the bin as she left the hospital. He said: “And she suddenly gave up, even though it was a little late.
Surrounded by friends and family, “Big Ang” passed away quietly in a Manhattan hospital on February 18, 2016.
“She was surrounded by nothing but love from her closest family and closest friends,” the statement read. “YOU (Her fans) were some of the most special people in her world and she loved you so much.”
Celebrities, actors, friends, and relatives flooded social media with tributes after news of her death spread.
“Mob Wives” star and co-star Renee Graziano posted a photo of “Big Ang” on Instagram with the caption, “We will always love you.” Angelo, forever and ever. You live with the angels in a better place and you are a member of our family. “Angela, you will always be in my heart.
Heartbreaking photos of the “Mob Wives” actress being comforted by loved ones on her deathbed have been released by some of her family members.
Neil Murphy, her husband, who was reportedly present at her bedside when she died, posted a picture of the couple on Twitter.
“I will always love you forever, please watch over the grandchildren I know you will,” he said in his letter.
Angela seemed to be the most devoted, kindest, and most reasonable woman on “Mob Wives.” She never pretended to be someone she wasn’t and always acknowledged that she had made mistakes in the past. She had an authenticity about her that made people like her.
Peace with you.
Angela Raiola, affectionately known as “Big Ang” on VH1’s “Mob Wives,” captivated audiences with her vivacious personality and larger-than-life presence. Despite her reality TV fame, her life took unexpected turns, from family ties to the New York mob to legal troubles, giving her a unique story.
Born into a large family with mafia connections, Angela faced challenges in 2001, including legal issues related to a drug ring. Her journey from prison to her home showed a different side of the star’s reality and demonstrated resilience.
“Mob Wives” catapulted her into the spotlight, earning both praise and criticism. However, Angela’s authenticity and warmth made her stand out among the cast. Her spin-off shows “Big Ang” and “Miami Monkey” further cemented her place in reality television history.
Aside from being a TV personality, Angela has been open about her cosmetic surgeries, reflecting her journey of self-acceptance. Unfortunately, her life took a tragic turn when she battled cancer and became an advocate of smoking after a lifelong habit.
In her final months, Angela bravely faced her fears on national television, sharing her regrets and urging others to learn from her experience. Being separated from her husband during her battle with cancer added a poignant layer to her narrative.
On February 18, 2016, Angela Raiola died at the age of 55. Her legacy lives on in the memories of her devoted family, friends, and fans. The impact she left on reality television, along with her genuine spirit, makes Angela “Big Ang” Raiola an unforgettable and beloved figure in entertainment history. May he rest in peace.