Image via Complex Original
Early Thursday morning beloved reality TV star Angela “Big Ang” Raiola passed away after a short battle with lung cancer, which spread to her brain and lungs. The 55-year-old was the niece of Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, the alleged captain of the Genovese crime family.
As the breakout star on VH1’s Mob Wives, she earned the hearts of fans with her boisterous personality and resolve to be the peacemaker in the conflicts involving her family and friends. She was able to turn that into a self-titled spinoff that followed her life as the owner of Big Ang’s Secrets beauty parlor and the Drunken Monkey Bar and Grill, as well as the spinoff Miami Monkey that chronicled the South Florida outpost of her northeastern bar.
While we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable personality, it’s time to take a look at a few of the moments that made the world fall in love with her in the first place.
5. When She Met Snooki
Show: 2012 MTV Movie Awards
Air Date: June 3, 2012
Memorable quote: "Give me one of everything."
In what might be the greatest female on-screen duo since Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the beloved reality stars got together for some girl time while driving around the city. The kindred spirits talked about everything from the "pump and dump," where nursing mothers dump their breast milk after drinking, to spoiling their kids and ordering a buffet of fast food that only came out to $13. In that moment, Ang was truly one of us.
4. When She Visited a Psychic
Show: Mob Wives (Season 5, Episode 9 ) "Forgive and Fuggedaboutit"
Air Date: Feb. 11, 2015
Memorable quote: "Some people go to church, I go to psychics."
Big Ang admits to being pretty superstitious, which is why she frequently went to psychics to gain some insight on her friends and family. Even if you don’t believe in the practice you have to admire a woman who wanted nothing more than to see the people in her life doing well.
3. When She Met Victoria Gotti
Show: Mob Wives (Season 5, Episode 3) "Storm A-Brewin'"
Airdate: Dec. 17, 2014
Memorable quote: "Family is off limits."
With turmoil brewing in her inner circle Big Ang sought help to diffuse the situation in mob royalty, Victoria Gotti. As the daughter of the infamous John Gotti, she knew a thing or two about dealing with different personalities. The two dished over the diminishing morals in the mob world, as well as the importance of family, in one of the most mesmorizing yet relatable conversations on reality TV.
2. When Her Boobs Killed a Bat
Show: Wendy Williams
Airdate: Sept. 25, 2012
Memorable Quote: "I describe my boobs as lethal weapons."
"Big" didn’t just describe her personality. The top-heavy brunette was proud to show off her enormous "girls," even labeling them her favorite body part. During an interview with Wendy William, the lovable TV star described a time when a bat flew into her cleavage and died. It’s not exactly dinner conversation, but her amiable personality and raspy voice make anything sound endearing.
1. When She Talked About Going Through Menopause
Show: bethenny
Airdate: Jan. 27, 2014
Memorable quote: "I go to sleep with clothes, I wake up naked."
There’s something to be said about a woman so honest about her personal life. She’s openly discussed her various plastic surgeries, which include a laser procedure on her arms, and even revealed dealing with menopause. While visiting Bethenny Frankel’s talk show she recalled her frustrating bout with hot flashes and a lack of a sex drive. Who knew menopause could be so funny? Big Ang, apparently!