Angela Raiola, better known to the public as Big Ang, captured the hearts of reality TV fans with her larger-than-life personality and unfiltered charm. As a standout cast member of Mob Wives, Angela quickly became a fan favorite, captivating viewers with her vibrant presence and no-nonsense attitude. Her fame extended beyond the small screen, making her one of the most recognized figures in the reality TV world. Along with her popularity, Angela Raiola also amassed significant wealth during her career. In this article, we’ll explore Angela Raiola’s net worth, the sources of her fortune, and how she rose to success both in entertainment and business.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Angela Raiola was born on June 30, 1960, in Staten Island, New York, into a family with strong ties to organized crime. As the niece of Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, a notorious mobster, Angela’s upbringing was far from ordinary. Despite her family background, Angela never pursued a life of crime, and instead, she chose to focus on her career in the public eye.
Before her rise to fame, Angela worked in various fields. She spent time working as a barmaid and later ran a successful beauty bar in Staten Island. Her work in the beauty industry helped her build a network of connections and laid the foundation for her later ventures as an entrepreneur. Angela’s life was characterized by her ambition and determination to build a successful career independent of her family’s criminal connections.
The Big Break: Mob Wives
Angela Raiola’s life took a dramatic turn when she became a part of the cast of Mob Wives, a reality television series that premiered on VH1 in 2011. The show followed the lives of women who were connected to the New York Mafia, showcasing their personal lives, relationships, and struggles. Angela’s larger-than-life persona made her an instant standout among the cast, and her iconic nickname, Big Ang, became synonymous with her trademark style—bold, charismatic, and unapologetic.
Angela’s time on Mob Wives was marked by her ability to capture the attention of audiences with her candid approach to life, her sense of humor, and her straightforward attitude. Throughout her time on the show, she became a beloved figure in the reality TV world. Her larger-than-life persona, combined with her unique style and infectious personality, made her one of the most memorable stars on the show.
While Mob Wives helped Angela gain widespread recognition, it also paved the way for other lucrative opportunities. Her success on the series opened doors for her to appear on other TV shows, make guest appearances, and receive various endorsements—all of which contributed to her growing wealth.
Angela Raiola’s Entrepreneurial Ventures
Angela Raiola’s financial success didn’t stop with her reality TV career. She was also a savvy entrepreneur who capitalized on her newfound fame. In addition to her work on Mob Wives, Angela continued to run a variety of businesses, building an empire outside of her television appearances.
1. Big Ang’s Bar and Restaurant
One of Angela’s most significant business ventures was her bar and restaurant, The Drunken Monkey, located in Staten Island. The establishment became a popular spot in the area, and Angela’s involvement in the business allowed her to capitalize on her fame. She became known not just for her television appearances but also as a successful businesswoman with a stake in the local restaurant scene.
As a personality who enjoyed the spotlight, Angela’s bar became a hangout for many of her fans, further contributing to her public image and fortune. The restaurant was more than just a business—it was an extension of her persona, where she would often make appearances and mingle with her customers.
2. Merchandising and Branding
Along with her bar, Angela explored various avenues in merchandising and branding. She became the face of several products, from clothing lines to beauty products, capitalizing on her popularity. Her social media presence and television appearances provided her with a platform to promote these items to a wide audience, bringing in additional income.
Big Ang’s influence was undeniable in the reality TV world, and she quickly became a sought-after personality for endorsements and brand partnerships. Her loyal fanbase, who admired her bold and unapologetic nature, helped her expand her brand and earn substantial income through these collaborations.
3. Television Appearances and Guest Roles
In addition to her work on Mob Wives, Angela made appearances on various other television shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and Big Ang—a spin-off of Mob Wives that focused on her life outside of the Mafia world. Her spin-off show was a testament to her popularity and marketability as a reality TV star. The show allowed her to showcase more of her personal life, from her family relationships to her business ventures.
Her appearances on other reality shows and guest roles helped keep her in the public eye, contributing to her continued earnings.
Angela Raiola’s Net Worth: How She Built Her Fortune
As of 2025, Angela Raiola’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $15 million. Her wealth can be attributed to a variety of sources, including her successful television career, business ventures, and brand partnerships. Let’s take a closer look at how she built her fortune.
1. Mob Wives Success
Angela Raiola’s time on Mob Wives was undoubtedly one of the most significant contributors to her net worth. Her role on the show earned her a steady salary, and her popularity made her one of the most beloved members of the cast. She was able to capitalize on her success on the show with spin-offs and continued television appearances, earning significant money from these endeavors.
2. Business Ventures
In addition to her television earnings, Angela’s involvement in various businesses played a key role in her wealth accumulation. Her bar and restaurant, The Drunken Monkey, helped her generate income outside of the entertainment industry. Additionally, her ventures in merchandising and product endorsements boosted her earnings, allowing her to build a sustainable source of income beyond reality TV.
3. Brand Collaborations and Endorsements
Angela also earned significant revenue through brand collaborations and endorsements. As a reality TV personality, she was highly sought after by companies looking to promote their products. Her endorsement deals helped supplement her earnings from television and business ventures, further adding to her net worth.
Angela Raiola’s Legacy and Personal Life
While Angela’s career was tragically cut short due to her passing in February 2016, her legacy lives on through her impact on reality television and her entrepreneurial spirit. Angela’s straightforward attitude, humor, and larger-than-life personality continue to inspire fans, and she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Her personal life, too, was an integral part of her public image. Angela was known for her close relationships with her family and friends, and her personal struggles were often shared with viewers on Mob Wives. These aspects of her life humanized her and made her even more relatable to fans, further solidifying her popularity.
Conclusion
Angela Raiola, better known as Big Ang, built an impressive net worth of $15 million through her career as a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and brand ambassador. From her breakout role on Mob Wives to her successful business ventures and endorsement deals, Angela showed that she was more than just a television personality—she was a savvy businesswoman who capitalized on her fame to build a sustainable fortune.
Though her life was tragically cut short, Angela’s impact on reality TV and her entrepreneurial achievements remain a testament to her drive and resilience. Her wealth, career, and legacy continue to inspire those who knew her and those who admired her from afar.