VH1 Doing Big Things With "Big Ang"

NEW YORK, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 is joining Angela "Big Ang" Raiola for a wild adventure sure to add a little sizzle to the summer heat.  Known for her breakout appearances on VH1's hit series "Mob Wives," Big Ang will be sure to bring laughs as large as her personality with the premiere of VH1's "Big Ang" on July 8 at 9PM ET/PT.

During her reality television debut in the second season of VH1's hit series "Mob Wives," Big Ang became the undeniable sweetheart of Staten Island.  VH1's "Big Ang" will follow the sassy and loveable leading lady as she hangs out at her popular Staten Island bar, The Drunken Monkey, schmoozing with her inner circle, especially- 'da wise guys,' her canine sidekick Lil' Louis and of course fan favorites from the original "Mob Wives" series. 

As the matriarch of her crew, Angela Raiola, aka "Big Ang," embraces the spotlight with her collection of diamonds and fur. Growing up in the heart of Brooklyn, this self proclaimed "bad girl" comes from mafia royalty. Niece of Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, Big Ang has proven she can handle the heat from the gangsters. Her son, Anthony Donofrio, aka A.J., is a 23 year-old ladies man who may have learned a trick or two from his heartbreaking mother. Next is little sister Janine Detore, who is willing to take on anyone who crosses her family, and is deservingly referred to as "The Family Protector." Additionally, viewers will finally get to meet the lucky guy who won Big Ang's heart- her husband, the infamous Neil, a 38 year-old sanitation employee. 

Big Ang holds family close to her heart and her relationships have proven that friendship and family go hand-in-hand. After 30 years ruling the neighborhood with childhood friend Linda Torres, Big Ang and Linda still know how to get a little crazy and remain inseparable. Jennifer Patafio, aka "Little Jen," is as loyal to her red lipstick, stilettos and scotch as she is to Big Ang and her wise guys. Completing the rat pack is long-time friend and "nephew" Anthony Cracchiolo.  With his lady killer instincts and an eye for business, Anthony prides himself on his gentlemanly ways and his part in expanding The Drunken Monkey. 

VH1's "Big Ang" is the true definition of "living large." She lives in a world with larger-than-life laughter and fun, but most importantly, an overwhelming sense of loyalty and love from family and friends.  This wild and eclectic bunch will do just about everything but disappoint. 

For additional information about "Big Ang" visit the official VH1 "Big Ang" site at BigAng.vh1.com. Viewers can also find Big Ang updates on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vh1 and on Twitter @VH1 with the hashtag #BigAng.

Created and executive produced by Jennifer Graziano of JustJenn Productions, "Big Ang" is produced by The Weinstein Company (Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Meryl Poster and David Glasser), Electus (Ben Silverman, Jimmy Fox) and Left/Right (Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman, and Nina L. Diaz), with Electus International distributing the series internationally. Executive producers for VH1 include Shelly Tatro, Kari McFarland, Rick Hankey and Jeff Olde.  Sean Gottlieb serves as supervising producer for VH1.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

To Tweet This Release:   http://on.vh1.com/Mmg9Kc

SOURCE VH1