Anthony Cumia Net Worth

Anthony Cumia: The Controversial Radio Personality

Anthony Cumia is an American radio personality and broadcaster renowned for his provocative style and unfiltered commentary. With a net worth of $5 million, Cumia has made a name for himself through his work on the popular radio show ‘Opie and Anthony,’ as well as his subsequent podcast, ‘The Anthony Cumia Show.’ However, his career has been riddled with controversies, leading to his fair share of ups and downs.

Early Life and Education

Anthony Cumia was born on April 26th, 1961, in Queens, New York. Growing up in an Italian-American household, Anthony experienced a diverse upbringing in various locations around the city. His parents separated during his early teens, and he briefly lived with his father in Southern California before returning to New York.

Before entering the world of radio, Cumia worked in the HVAC industry, installing HVAC systems. However, his true passion lay in broadcasting, finding inspiration from influential figures such as Don Imus and Howard Stern during his formative years.

Career

Cumia’s career in radio began in 1994 when he submitted an O.J. Simpson parody song to Gregg ‘Opie’ Hughes’ radio show called ‘Nighttime Attitude.’ This submission eventually led to the launch of the infamous ‘Opie and Anthony’ show in 1995 on WAFF in Boston.

Despite experiencing success, controversy loomed over their career. In 1998, WAFF fired Cumia and Hughes for misleading the public during an ill-fated April Fool’s prank. Undeterred, the duo kept pushing boundaries and found themselves working for XM Satellite Radio in 2004.

However, in 2014, Anthony Cumia faced a major setback when he was fired by SiriusXM for a series of racially charged tweets directed at a woman of color who allegedly assaulted him in Times Square. This event marked the end of the ‘Opie and Anthony’ show, which had begun to fizzle out due to strained relations. At their peak, both Cumia and Hughes earned $5 million per year.

Despite these challenges, Cumia persevered and launched his own podcast called ‘The Anthony Cumia Show,’ which has garnered a loyal fanbase.

In 2018, Cumia published his memoir titled ‘Permanently Suspended: The Rise and Fall…and Rise Again of Radio’s Most Notorious Shock Jock.’ The book delves into his colorful past and received mixed reviews from critics.

Relationships

Anthony Cumia’s personal life has been just as controversial as his professional career. He married Jennifer Cumia in 1989, only seven months after she had broken up with his brother Joe. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 2002, and Cumia later admitted that marrying Jennifer was the biggest mistake of his life.

After their divorce, Cumia entered into several short-term relationships. One ended with him pleading guilty to third-degree assault charges. Notably, for his high school reunion, he brought an 18-year-old girl as his date.

Controversy

Throughout his career, Anthony Cumia has been entangled in numerous controversies that have stirred public disapproval. In April 1998, along with co-host Gregg Hughes, he was fired from WAFF Boston for falsely claiming that the Mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, died in a car accident while smuggling a young female prostitute from Haiti.

In 2002, the ‘Opie and Anthony’ show faced cancellation by WNEW in New York City for encouraging couples to have sex in public, resulting in the arrest of a Virginia couple found engaging in sexual activities inside the St.James Cathedral.

Further trouble arose in 2007 when Cumia and Hughes invited a homeless man on air who expressed his desire to rape Condoleezza Rice and Laura Bush. This led to the suspension of the ‘Opie and Anthony’ show by XM Satellite Radio.

In 2014, Cumia’s racially charged tweets against a black woman landed him in hot water yet again, resulting in his dismissal from SiriusXM. He referred to her as an “animal pig” and “a savage, illegal, violent animal.”

Outside his professional life, Cumia faced personal troubles as well. In 2015, following an argument with his girlfriend, he was arrested and charged with strangulation, assault, criminal mischief, and unlawful imprisonment. Eventually, he pled guilty to third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing.

Real Estate

In terms of his real estate investments, Cumia purchased a 4,589-square-foot home in Roslyn Heights, New York, in 2006 for $2.9 million. The luxurious house features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half-bathrooms. However, as of October 202, Cumia has put the house up for sale at $3.1 million. The listing boasts of every imaginable amenity.

Achievements

Despite the controversies that have surrounded Anthony Cumia throughout his career, he has also achieved significant success. His tenure on ‘Opie and Anthony’ garnered a dedicated fanbase and earned him recognition as a prominent radio personality. Additionally, his podcast ‘The Anthony Cumia Show’ has allowed him to maintain his presence in the broadcasting world.

While Cumia’s success has been accompanied by numerous controversies, there is no denying his impact on the radio industry.

Prior to his rise to fame, Anthony Cumia faced various challenges in his personal life and embarked on a unique journey in the broadcasting industry. Although controversies have defined his career, his talent and perseverance have kept him afloat in the ever-evolving world of radio.