Life doesn't appear to be getting any easier for any of the Mob Wives, especially in Season 5, aptly titled "Trust No One," in which the wives' blood rapidly boils and situations get downright street nasty. Perceived betrayals, life-altering conflicts, these women are constantly put to the test when lines are crossed. Just when things seem to be working out between the women, all hell breaks loose again with each pointing an accusing finger at the other as the culprit. Restraint is a true virtue.
Karen Gravano, daughter of FBI informant Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano, got her aesthetician license and became a successful business woman on her own prior to "Mob Wives." Entrepreneur and mom, Gravano has been vocal about keeping the show real like her longtime loyal friendship with fellow Mob Wife Renee Graziano.
It was Graziano's sister, Jennifer, who came up with the idea for the show, but being the daughter of Anthony Graziano (reportedly of the Bonanno Crime Family), life hasn't been a bowl of cherries for Renee either. Having endured turbulent times with ex-husband "Junior" and son A.J., there's also been a strained relationship between Renee and her father, and there's much more drama on the show between the Mob Wives this season, which airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on VH1.
So what are these women really like once the cameras stop rolling and they remove their stilettos and makeup? Between the chaos of filming the show and private time, two of the formidable Mob Wives let their guards down.
How long have you both been friends?
Renee: Karen is my younger sister Jennifer's friend (they are closer in age). Over the years Karen has become family and a dear friend to me.
Has being a part of "Mob Wives" changed your lives?
Renee: "Mob Wives" has definitely changed my life in many ways. I have a voice in a community of women that need support. I have a platform to help save lives, and although my life is being exposed at its most vulnerable times, it's the raw intensity that is helping others realize I am not different and sad, unfortunate things happen to people of all races and religions.
Karen: It's been great. I mean I have always been affiliated with that lifestyle, I just never spoke about it growing up. The word "mob" was taboo. So now to actually acknowledge the lifestyle is different and strange... But as far as being part of the show, it's been a great experience. It has been a springboard to launch other stuff and it's been fun to work with the girls, well at least some of them.
You mean like your beef with Drita?
Karen: At this point I don't feel like me and Drita have a beef, but in the prior seasons I think it was just pertaining to friendship and honestly I just chalk it up like we have different values of friendship.
How is your friendship going with Ramona?
Karen: Ramona is family to me. We will always have a friendship. That wasn't something made up for TV. There are years of history, so we will always be good.
Karen, after the success of your book "Mob Daughter," what's next for you?
Karen: I want to definitely work on the second book and possibly producing something that would involve my family more, maybe like a television series or possibly a movie. And I've definitely partnered with a fantastic clothing designer and we're in talks about launching my own clothing line.
If you both could go back in time and change anything, would you?
Karen: No, I don't believe in living in the past and everything happens for a reason, so I wouldn't change a thing... Wait, well maybe some of my wardrobe choices and hairstyles!
Renee: I would like to say never have done drugs, but if I say that then I couldn't have done some of the good I have, and if I said never married my son's father, I wouldn't have A.J. to hug and hold. So in all actuality I don't know what I would change. Maybe just my hair color or the way I spoke to others. Wait, I think I know... I wish I didn't curse as much!
Renee, how have you dealt with your addiction?
Renee: My addiction is an ongoing issue. Relapse is a part of recovery but the truth is it's worse while in season. My battle with addiction is a war I hope to win not just for myself, but for my son's sake.
If you could have a conversation with anyone who would it be?
Renee: I would love to have a conversation with God.
Karen: Oprah. I truly admire her and her strength and everything she's overcome and how successful she is but yet still seems so grounded.
Renee, how is your son doing?
Renee: A.J. is amazing. Strongest young man I know. ...but if there was something I could do to make him smile like he used to, I would be a better mom and let him have been more of a child then a grown man at such a young age. Can't cry over spilt milk (although I am now) I can only make brighter days
Karen, how's your daughter? Will she be on the show as a regular?
Karen: Karina is great. She's working on her modeling career. She does appear with me and films a lot, but I don't think she'll ever be a regular. She can wait for when they audition for "Mob Grandkids" (laughs).
Can you give us any teasers for the upcoming episodes of "Mob Wives"?
Karen: Yes, this is probably the most interesting season, and there's never a dull moment. Just when everything seems to calm down, that's when the heart of the storm will strike.
Renee: I refuse to go down without a fight.
Marina Anderson is an established actress, published author ("David Carradine: The Eye Of My Tornado"), publicist, personal manager (The Media Hound PR) and freelance writer specializing in entertainment. She was wife and personal manager to David Carradine, and responsible for resurrecting his career, which culminated in the Quentin Tarantino film "Kill Bill." Her diverse roles include starring and supporting roles in television shows, features films, webisodes and national commercials such as "The Mentalist," "Dexter," "Law & Order LA," "Seinfeld" and more. Learn more at www.MarinaAnderson.net or www.IMDB.com. Marina's passion is helping animals and she is an advocate for domestic and wildlife protection. Look for her next book (for children), "Adventures of Lulu the Collie," which stars her beloved dog, Lulu, daughter of Lassie VIII. Contact Marina at ourwebemail@gmail.com, follow her on Twitter at @flyinggoddess or visit her website at www.MarinaAnderson.net.
