Big Ang of the reality show Mob Wives died of cancer on Thursday. She was just 55 years old.
The #MobWives cast and fellow reality stars mourn Big Ang. Read the tributes: https://t.co/dzoLwfuESX #RIPBigAng pic.twitter.com/tgwGnOtv4i
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) February 18, 2016
First receiving a diagnosis of stage 2 throat cancer, Big Ang–whose real name was Angela Raiola–later learned she had stage 4 lung and brain cancer. She admitted while a guest on Dr. Oz that she believed a lifetime of smoking gave her lung cancer. The episode on which she appeared aired just two days prior to her death.
“I was smoking for 40 years,” Big Ang told Dr. Oz. “I think whoever smokes should quit, and if they didn’t start, don’t start.”
Dr. Oz shared his dismay over her passing via Twitter.
Big Ang was a larger-than-life personality that lit up every room she entered. She'll be sorely missed. https://t.co/PKeYNLAv3T
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) February 18, 2016
Known for her loud, raspy voice and her buxom physique, Big Ang didn’t mince words, but tried to always maintain her sense of humor.
Friends, fellow celebrities remember "Mob Wives" star Big Ang: https://t.co/DBxDkpJtfl #RIPBigAng pic.twitter.com/k96EObZrcu
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 18, 2016
Even as her health sharply declined, she continued sharing her life on both Mob Wives and Couples Therapy.
Big Ang is survived by her estranged husband, Neil Murphy, as well as two children and six grandchildren.