Early Thursday morning, reality television personality Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola passed away after a long and arduous battle with cancer. The 55-year-old flamboyant star rose to fame after appearing on the second season of Mob Wives, now currently in its sixth season on VH1.
Raiola was a longtime ally to the gay community. “I love the gay community,” she said in an August 2012 episode. “I love them and they love me. We have a special relationship, we both have an obsession with clothes and shoes.” She also launched a gay night at the Drunken Monkey, a Staten Island bar she managed, and was an outspoken proponent of marriage equality.
Her last TV appearance was February 16, 2015 on The Dr. Oz Show, she opened up about her family and battle with throat cancer. We remember the reality television star with some of the best GIFS out there portraying her signature honesty, undeniable spirit, and lovable attitude towards celebrating life.
