Hey, it’s WorldofCEOs here! Let’s dive into the life, fortune, and career of Big Ang Raiola. Known for her striking presence on Mob Wives, Big Ang left a unique mark on reality TV and the entertainment world. But what exactly was Big Ang Raiola net worth?
Well, we’re going to break down how her career, businesses, and media appearances helped build her wealth, despite her personal challenges and health battles.
Stick around as we explore her road to fame and how she made her mark both on-screen and financially.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Angela Joyce Raiola |
| Popular Name | Big Ang |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | June 30, 1960 |
| Age | 55 (Died: February 18, 2016) |
| Parents | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Neil Murphy |
| Children | Raquel, Anthony Donofrio |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Reality TV, Bars, Media Appearances |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
What is the Net Worth Of Big Ang Raiola in 2024?
As of 2024, Big Ang Raiola’s net worth remains a topic of intrigue, with estimates around $500,000 at the time of her passing.
Compared to others in reality TV and the entertainment scene, her financial legacy reflects both her success and the unique lifestyle she embraced.
Here’s a look at others from the world of reality TV and celebrity circles for comparison:
- Wendy Williams
- Neil Murphy
- Alana Stewart
- Salvatore Lombardi
- Bethenny Frankel
- David Tutera
- Renee Graziano
- Staten Island Summer cast
- Couples Therapy stars
- VH1 series alumni
For a list of other richest authors, check out richest authors.
Big Ang Raiola Salary and Finance Overview
How She Built Her Wealth and Gained Fame
Big Ang Raiola, famously known as Big Ang, achieved fame through her bold personality and unique life story. Her path to wealth began with her debut on VH1’s reality series Mob Wives in 2012, where she instantly became a fan favorite.
The show documented her life as an Italian-American connected to a well-known crime family, drawing in viewers eager to see her journey.
This popularity opened doors, and her appearances on talk shows and features in films like Scary Movie 5 further contributed to her income.
Early Life and Background in Organized Crime Family
Her upbringing played a major role in shaping her life. Being the niece of Salvatore Sally Dogs Lombardi, a member of the Genovese crime family, Big Ang grew up around wealth and a certain lifestyle.
This environment influenced her social circle and connections, including relationships with well-known figures in the crime world.
Career Highlights and Rise to Popularity on Mob Wives
Big Ang’s breakout moment came with her role on Mob Wives.
Known for her loyalty, family values, and personality, she stood out from the cast. Her presence on the show was so powerful that VH1 later gave her spin-off shows, adding another layer of income and fame.
Her catchphrases, combined with her humor, made her an unforgettable personality, directly boosting her wealth through show earnings and endorsements.
Success with Spin-Off Shows and Media Appearances
Following her success on Mob Wives, Big Ang Raiola was offered two spin-offs: Big Ang and Miami Monkey.
The first spin-off, Big Ang, provided viewers with an inside look into her life, family, and day-to-day experiences, particularly her time managing the Staten Island bar, The Drunken Monkey.
Later, Miami Monkey took her entrepreneurial efforts to a new location in Miami. Each of these shows not only expanded her brand but also added significantly to her income.
Business Ventures and Ownership of Drunken Monkey
In 2007, Big Ang opened The Drunken Monkey, which quickly became a Staten Island favorite.
The bar symbolized her deep connection to Staten Island and her life as a businesswoman. However, due to legal issues related to her past, the bar was eventually closed.
Her bar business offered a substantial income stream, but its closure limited her earnings and left her with fewer sources of income.
Legal Issues and Financial Impact on Her Career
Big Ang’s connection to the Genovese crime family had its complications.
In 2001, she faced legal challenges when she was convicted in a drug-related case. This conviction meant that her ventures, including The Drunken Monkey, faced ongoing scrutiny.
This period of her life had a lasting impact on her financial stability and public image, although her fans continued to support her through her hardships.
Health Struggles and Legacy in the Public Eye
In her later years, Big Ang faced major health challenges. Diagnosed with lung cancer, she openly discussed her treatment and determination to fight the illness.
She continued making public appearances, most notably on The Dr. Oz Show, where she shared her experiences with viewers.
Her passing in 2016 left fans, family, and fellow cast members devastated. Even in her last days, her strength and resilience added to her public image, ensuring her legacy lived on.
FAQs about Big Ang Raiola
How did Big Ang Raiola become famous?
Big Ang became famous through VH1’s Mob Wives, where her vibrant personality and life story gained her a huge fan base.
What shows did she star in besides Mob Wives?
Big Ang starred in her spin-off shows Big Ang and Miami Monkey, both aired on VH1, and she appeared on talk shows and reality TV specials.
What were Big Ang Raiola’s main sources of income?
Her income came primarily from reality TV appearances, her bars, and media engagements, with additional earnings from endorsements.
Why did her bar, The Drunken Monkey, close?
The Drunken Monkey closed due to her prior criminal record, which made her ineligible to hold a liquor license as a convicted felon.
Did she have children?
Yes, she had two children, Raquel and Anthony Donofrio, who she shared with her husband, Neil Murphy.
What was her role in her family’s business?
Although she was not involved in her family’s crime activities, her upbringing influenced her lifestyle and relationships.
How did Big Ang Raiola’s health struggles affect her career?
Her lung cancer diagnosis limited her ability to work and make public appearances, especially towards the end of her life.
Who was she married to?
She was married to Neil Murphy from 2009 until her passing.
Did Big Ang Raiola write any books?
Yes, she authored Bigger is Better: Real Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama, which shared her life philosophy.
How did her legal troubles impact her career?
Her 2001 conviction for drug distribution brought challenges, especially with licensing issues for her business.
Conclusion
In the end, Big Ang Raiola’s legacy remains a story of resilience, fame, and personal struggles. Her journey inspired many, and her impact on reality TV lives on.
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