Mob Wives cast now: Life after the show and the real reason it was cancelled
The Mob Wives cast now leads varied lives after the VH1 reality show ended in 2016. Angela passed away in 2016. Karen runs a spa and podcast, while Carla focuses on her beauty brand. The show’s cancellation stemmed from declining viewership, production disputes, and the impact of the Weinstein scandal on negotiations.
Source: UGC
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Key takeaways
- The show ended due to declining ratings, production disputes, and the Weinstein scandal halting reboot talks.
- Most cast members are divorced or separated, with only Alicia DiMichele remarried to Rob.
- Big Ang died in February 2016 from throat cancer and pneumonia.
- Drita hosts a podcast, works on a scripted series, and runs a beauty brand, Lady Boss, after the show.
- Karen owns a spa, hosts The Sitdown Podcast, and produced MTV’s Families of the Mafia.
- Carla launched a soap and Prosecco brand.
- Renee Graziano faced addiction issues and a near-fatal OD but continued with TV appearances and writing.
- Carla left after season 3 due to drama with Renee and others, returning briefly for the final season.
Why was Mob Wives cancelled?
Mob Wives ended in 2016 after six seasons due to a combination of factors. Declining viewership in later seasons reduced its viability for VH1. Production disputes, including failed negotiations with the network, were exacerbated by the Weinstein scandal, which disrupted potential talks for a reboot of the series.
Jennifer Graziano sold the show’s rights, and the new owners opted not to revive it, as it continues to generate revenue through streaming on Paramount+. Big Ang’s death also left an emotional void, making a continuation without her challenging.
Which Mob Wives died?
Angela “Big Ang” Raiola, a fan favourite for her larger-than-life personality, died on February 18, 2016, from complications of throat cancer and pneumonia. She died shortly before the series finale.
Where are the Mob Wives cast now after the show?
VH1’s Mob Wives, which aired from 2011 to 2016, captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of women connected to Staten Island’s mafia underworld. After the TV series ended with its sixth season titled Mob Wives: The Last Stand, fans were left wondering about the cast’s futures.
1. Drita D’Avanzo
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- Date of birth: 6 February 1976
- Children: Aleeya D'Avanzo, Gizelle D'Avanzo
- Parents: Nezir Selmani, Kadima Selmani
Drita D’Avanzo was known for her fiery temper and Albanian roots. She was always the standout on Mob Wives. Post-show, she leaned into her public persona, launching the Drita Uncut podcast and developing a scripted series about her life, from her upbringing in the projects to her mafia connections.
She also runs Lady Boss, a cosmetics brand, and hosts mob wife aesthetic contests, capitalising on the trend’s resurgence. Drita faced legal troubles in 2019 when she and her husband, Lee D’Avanzo, were arrested during a home raid for drug and firearm possession. Her charges were dropped, but Lee was sentenced to 64 months in prison.
Are Drita and Lee still together from Mob Wives?
Drita revealed in March 2024 that she and Lee (a reputed Colombo crime family member), married since 2000, have been separated for years, with no divorce filing yet. She plans to announce the divorce when it is finalised. The couple has two daughters, Aleeya and Gizelle.
2. Karen Gravano
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- Date of birth: 8 May 1972
- Children: Karina Seabrook
- Parents: Sammy Gravano, Debra Scibetta
Karen Gravano, daughter of Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, leveraged her Mob Wives fame to build a multifaceted career. She co-authored the bestselling book Mob Daughter: The Mafia, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, and Me! and owns Pizza Nostra, a New Jersey pizzeria.
Karen also hosts The Sitdown Podcast and served as an executive producer on MTV’s Families of the Mafia. The podcast features her daughter, Karina, and father, Sammy, who was released from prison in 2017. Her relationship with Xavier Williams, serving a life sentence for selling drugs, remains a focus, with Karen advocating for his freedom.
Why did Karen leave Mob Wives?
Karen exited after season three due to escalating feuds. The feuds were particularly with Drita over her past relationship with Lee, which fueled much of the show’s drama.
Her departure was also influenced by her discomfort with the show’s portrayal of her conflicts, which she felt misrepresented her intentions. However, she returned for season five.
3. Carla Facciolo
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Carla Facciolo, whose ex-husband, Joseph Ferragamo, served time for stock fraud, has maintained a lower profile since appearing on Mob Wives. She launched Carla Faccio Soap, a Prosecco line, and health and beauty products, focusing on her role as a single mother to twins Joseph and Carmen.
Carla has expressed interest in publishing an Italian cookbook but has no confirmed projects yet. Her social media presence offers glimpses into her family life, with her dog Elvis often featured.
Why did Carla leave Mob Wives?
Carla left after season three due to intense drama, particularly with Renee Graziano. Their constant confrontations over personal issues strained their friendship.
She also clashed with Love Majewski, leading to a physical altercation that prompted her exit. Carla returned briefly for the final season but chose to prioritise her family and business over the show’s volatility.
4. Renee Graziano
Source: Getty Images
Renee Graziano, daughter of Anthony Graziano and sister of creator Jennifer Graziano, faced significant challenges after the show. She battled addiction, surviving a near-fatal fentanyl intake in 2023 and a DUI arrest in 2022.
Renee appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and Marriage Boot Camp and authored two books, Playing with Fire and How to Use a Meat Cleaver. Despite her challenges, she remains actively involved in the entertainment industry. However, her relationships with castmates like Drita remain strained.
Other cast members
Other cast members and their whereabouts include:
- Natalie Guercio, known for feuds with Renee and Karen, launched Natalie Elise Beauty and works as a cosmetologist and VIP host in Miami.
- Alicia DiMichele, now married to Rob, runs a boutique and is a grandmother.
- Ramona Rizzo, who left after season three, has a strained relationship with her daughters but keeps a low profile.
These women, like their co-stars, have moved on with their lives after the show, with varying degrees of success.
Who are the Mob Wives married to?
Most Mob Wives cast members are divorced or separated:
- Carla is divorced from Joseph Ferragamo.
- Renee is divorced from Hector Pagan Jr., who became a DEA informant.
- Karen is not married but dating Xavier Williams.
- Drita is separated from Lee D’Avanzo.
- Alicia DiMichele, a season four cast member, is divorced from Eddie Garofalo Jr. and married to Rob.
- Big Ang was separated from Neil Murphy at the time of her death.
Wrapping up
The Mob Wives cast now has forged diverse paths since the show's 2016 cancellation, driven by declining ratings, production issues, and the impact of the Weinstein scandal. Unfortunately, Angela "Big Ang" Raiola died in February 2016. Drita D'Avanzo, Karen Gravano, and Carla Facciolo pursued entrepreneurial ventures, and Renee Graziano battled personal challenges.
Are you looking for more information about the Highway to Heaven cast today? Tuko.co shared an informative article about the lives of talented actors and actresses after their show ended.
The Highway to Heaven cast left a lasting legacy on TV. Whether they have continued acting, taken on different paths, or are no longer alive, they hold a special place in their fans' hearts. Read the article to learn more about the cast now.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
