Anthony Cumia

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Anthony Cumia
Anthony Cumia.jpg
Cumia in 2007
Born (1961-04-26) April 26, 1961 (age 60)
Flushing, Queens, New York, U.S.
Alma materElwood-John H. Glenn High School
Spouse(s)
Jennifer Cumia
​
​
(m. 1990; div. 2002)​
Career
ShowThe Anthony Cumia Show
NetworkCompound Media
CountryUnited States
Previous show(s)Opie and Anthony
The Artie and Anthony Show

Anthony Cumia (born April 26, 1961) is an American radio personality and broadcaster who is best known as the co-host, with Gregg "Opie" Hughes, of the Opie and Anthony radio show, which aired from 1995 to 2014; the show featured comedian Jim Norton beginning in 2001.

In 2014, Cumia was fired by SiriusXM Radio after posting a series of "racially-charged and hate-filled" tweets.[1][2] He started his own video podcast soon after named The Anthony Cumia Show, which aired until September 2017, when he started The Artie and Anthony Show with comedian and actor Artie Lange. In May 2018, Lange left the show and was replaced by Dave Landau; the show's name reverted to The Anthony Cumia Show.

Early life[]

Cumia was born in Flushing, Queens,[3] in 1961,[4] into an Italian-American family. He has an elder brother, Joe, and a younger sister, Dawn.[5] The family lived in various locations on Long Island including Elwood and East Islip.[3][6] Cumia attended Timber Point Elementary School in East Islip,[7] followed by Elwood-John H. Glenn High School in Elwood. One of his teachers was actress Joyce MacKenzie. After his parents separated, Cumia spent his early teenage years living with his father in San Juan Capistrano, California.[8]

Before he started his radio career, Cumia installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.[6] He wanted to get into radio, and was influenced by popular New York City personalities Howard Stern and Don Imus.[9]

Career[]

Opie and Anthony (1994–2014)[]

Main article: Opie and Anthony
Cumia at the XM studio in 2005

Cumia first met radio personality Gregg "Opie" Hughes when the latter held an O. J. Simpson song parody contest on his Nighttime Attitude show on Long Island radio station WBAB. He and Joe decided to enter the contest, and recorded an entry as Rotgut titled "Gonna Electric Shock OJ" to the tune of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding.[10] The song was a hit with Hughes, who played it several times on his show and, in September 1994, invited the Cumias to the studio to perform the song live.[11] Cumia began to contribute and produce comedy bits for Hughes and the station's morning show soon after, while working his installation job. By early 1995, Hughes and Cumia decided to become the hosts of their own radio show, and Hughes produced an air check and sent it to several stations.

Hughes and Cumia accepted an offer to host afternoons at WAAF in Boston, Massachusetts, and launched Opie and Anthony in March 1995.[12] Cumia originally thought that by getting into radio he would make very good money, but later said his salary at WAAF was barely higher than doing manual labour.[13] The pair were fired in April 1998 for an April Fool's Day prank that had listeners believe Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was killed in a car accident while transporting a young female Haitian prostitute.[14] Cumia referred to their days on WAAF as the most cringe-inducing moments of his career.[15]

In June 1998, Opie and Anthony began at WNEW in New York City in afternoons, becoming a top 10 afternoon drive show in two years.[16] Around 2000, Hughes considered leaving the show but Cumia convinced him to stay as Infinity Broadcasting promised them a more lucrative contract and have the show nationally syndicated. The show developed further when comedian Jim Norton joined the show as their co-host in 2001, as a chemical addition to the entourage.[17] By mid-2002, Opie and Anthony was syndicated on 17 stations nationwide.[18] On August 22, 2002, Opie and Anthony was cancelled over their "Sex for Sam 3" segment five days earlier that involved a Virginia couple having simulated sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Infinity kept Hughes and Cumia from being hired for the duration of their contract which expired in mid-2004.[18]

"We had done radio together for 20 years ... we had grown into two remarkably different people, and I think things that each-other did that annoyed us became a lot more pronounced. ... As time went on, like any relationship, it just became tougher. We weren't as close as we were at the beginning. Once I got fired, I think we both just decided to spend some time away."

—Cumia on his relationship with Hughes after his firing, 2015.[15]

On October 4, 2004, the show returned to the air on XM Satellite Radio, a subscription-based satellite radio service. From April 2006 to March 2009, part of the show was simulcast on nine terrestrial radio stations owned by CBS Radio that was compliant to the broadcast regulations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission.[19] During this time, XM suspended the show for thirty days on May 15, 2007, after a homeless man dubbed "Homeless Charlie" expressed his wish to rape Condoleezza Rice and Laura Bush.[20]

On July 3, 2014, Cumia was fired by SiriusXM for a series of tweets against a black woman who allegedly assaulted him which were described by the company as "racially-charged and hate-filled".[1][21] His firing came after Cumia stated that he was repeatedly punched by a black woman as he was taking pictures in Times Square.[1][22][23] In the following week, Cumia refused to apologize for the incident.[24] He deleted the tweets after being fired.[25]

Live from the Compound (2012–2014)[]

During his time at SiriusXM, Cumia gradually built a studio in his home to broadcast. In 2012, he launched Live from the Compound via Ustream that he started as a hobby and involved discussions on a variety of matters and "drunk karaoke".[15][26] Cumia retired the program in 2014.

Compound Media (2014–present)[]

In the week after his firing from SiriusXM in July 2014, Cumia announced the launch of The Anthony Cumia Show,[27] a "live, uncensored HD video podcast" broadcast from his home studio.[28] Initially he was "petrified" about the show's success and lacked the confidence to turn the project into a full-time job, but hired people to help get the show running in one month.[15] The show launched on August 4, 2014, through his subscription-based network, Compound Media which was initially known as The Anthony Cumia Network, from Monday through Thursday from 4–6 pm.[29] In June 2015, Cumia expanded the network with new shows added to the weekly schedule. In August 2015, Cumia relocated his show to a studio in New York City to better suit guests and the new hosts.[15][30]

On August 21, 2017, Cumia announced the addition of comedian and actor Artie Lange as the co-host of his new show, The Artie and Anthony Show. The show launched on September 5 and continued on the same schedule as The Anthony Cumia Show.[31] The show lasted eight months and ended with Lange's departure on May 14, 2018. One week prior to Lange's departure, the show had added comedian Dave Landau as a permanent third mic. With Lange leaving the show, Landau took over as co-host and the show title switched to The Anthony Cumia Show with Dave Landau. In March 2021, Landau left the show to join Louder with Crowder.

On November 20, 2018, Post Hill Press released Cumia's book, titled Permanently Suspended: The Rise and Fall... and Rise Again of Radio's Most Notorious Shock Jock. It features a foreword by Jim Norton.[32]

Other ventures[]

XFL Gameday[]

Along with Opie, Cumia co-hosted XFL Gameday, a pregame show for Vince McMahon's startup football league, for four weeks in February 2001. The half-hour show was produced by NBC's owned and operated stations and shown on Channel 4 in New York. The show was taped on Wednesdays at the WWF's "World" restaurant in Times Square, and was open to the public. It featured analysis by WNBC sportscaster Bruce Beck and New York/New Jersey Hitmen head coach Rusty Tillman, but also featured plenty of raunch. One segment featured Opie and Anthony as chefs, inserting a cucumber between two melons.

After the show's cancellation four weeks into the season, XFL creator Vince McMahon stated that he'd had no creative control over the show, further elaborating, "I heard it was horrible. Had I seen it, I would have shut it down."[33]

Demented World[]

Main article: Demented World

Opie, along with Anthony released a compilation of segments from their show that aired on WAAF on a CD entitled Demented World in November 1997.[34]

Opie and Anthony Traveling Virus[]

Main article: Opie and Anthony's Traveling Virus Comedy Tour

The Traveling Virus was a comedy tour headlined by Opie and Anthony, as well as friends of the show, that performed in various cities during 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Search and Destroy[]

On the morning of March 26, 2008, Opie & Anthony revealed they had taped a pilot for Comedy Central. The show was titled Search & Destroy and it featured teams of comedians performing various tasks throughout New York City.[35] Opie and Anthony believe that it may have been too graphic even for cable television.[35] Comedy Central did not pick the show up.

Personal life[]

In 1987, Cumia met the future Jennifer Cumia who was dating his brother, Joseph, at the time.[36] Anthony began dating her in 1989 after she broke up with Joe, and the two married after seven months.[37] In March 2002, they finalized their divorce.[37] Cumia later stated that marrying Jennifer was the biggest mistake of his life.[9] He dated Jill Nicolini in 2008,[citation needed] and model Melissa Stetten in 2012.[38]

On December 19, 2015, Cumia was in an argument at his house with his girlfriend Danielle Brand, the daughter of Stress Factory owner Vinnie Brand, which turned violent.[39][40] He was arrested by Nassau County police on charges of strangulation, assault, criminal mischief, and unlawful imprisonment. Cumia was released without bail on December 21, at which time his attorney stated that Cumia denied the allegations.[41] In June 2016 Cumia pled guilty to third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing in a plea deal.[42] As a condition of the deal, if Cumia completed six months of outpatient alcohol rehab and participated in a program designed for batterers, the original charges to which he pled guilty would be dropped and reduced to harassment, which would not leave Cumia with a record.[43] Cumia later admitted on his show to biting Brand's hand because he "was pissed" and "out of [his] mind".[44] Cumia spent April 2016 in rehabilitation.[45] He said that although his decision to enter rehab was related to the December 2015 incident, it was not court-ordered.[46][47]

Cumia is a supporter of the National Rifle Association and has had a carry permit for New York City.[48] His favorite weapon was the Heckler & Koch P2000 .40 caliber, which he normally carried with him, in addition to his PPKS .380 ACP.[49]

In 2006, Cumia bought a home in Roslyn Heights, New York for $2.9 million. In 2020, he put the home up for sale with the intention to move to a southern state that more closely aligns with his views.[50][51]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c Ryan Sit; Joe Kemp. "Anthony Cumia, host of Opie and Anthony, tells News he has 'options' after being fired by SiriusXM for racist Twitter rant". www.nydailynews.com. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  2. ^ Miriam Coleman (2014-07-06). "'Opie & Anthony' Host Anthony Cumia Fired After Racist Twitter Tirade". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2016-11-01.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Cumia, Russo & Trackman 2018, p. 14.
  4. ^ Eidler, Scott; Irizarry, Lisa (December 20, 2015). "Anthony Cumia of 'Opie and Anthony' released without bail". Newsday. New York. Retrieved March 31, 2016. Cumia, 54...
  5. ^ Cumia, Russo & Trackman 2018, p. 16.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b Santos, Fernanda (August 17, 2002). "Joke may be on shock jocks". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
  7. ^ Cumia, Russo & Trackman 2018, p. 19.
  8. ^ Madore, James T.; Gay, Verne (September 3, 2002). "Drive Time: Ambition, ratings and money push radio jocks toward the edge". Newsday. p. B8.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b Director, Lynda Bekore Content; Companies, Tarkenton (24 February 2015). "The Anthony Cumia Interview: On Becoming a Media Mogul, and the Surprising Person Who Inspired Him".
  10. ^ "Untitled Document".
  11. ^ "Opie and Anthony celebrate twenty years in radio with a live SiriusXM Unmasked from Carolines in NYC". The Laugh Button. 23 April 2014.
  12. ^ "Unofficial Opie and Anthony Audio Archive".
  13. ^ "RADIO ONLINE ®".
  14. ^ "FCC hoax policy". 2005. Retrieved 2007-12-01.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Cumia, Anthony (January 27, 2015). "IamA Anthony Cumia, host of The Anthony Cumia Show. AMA!". Reddit. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  16. ^ "Opie & Anthony Return To CBS Radio Beginning Wednesday, April 26". CBS Radio. 2006-04-24. Archived from the original on 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2007-12-01.
  17. ^ February 17, 2015, Opie stated during Larry King interview
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b Goodman, Peter (August 23, 2002). "Station shocks jocks by dropping show". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  19. ^ Opie & Anthony are in. NY Daily News. April 22, 2006
  20. ^ "XM Radio Suspends Opie & Anthony". XM Satellite Radio. 2007-05-15. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-01.
  21. ^ Coleman, Miriam (July 6, 2014). "'Opie & Anthony' Host Anthony Cumia Fired After Racist Twitter Tirade". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  22. ^ Todd Leopold, Opie & Anthony's' Anthony Cumia fired over tweets CNN, July 4, 2014.
  23. ^ SiriusXM Host Claims "Cuntrag" Assaulted Him in Racist Twitter Rant Gawker. Retrieved on September 29, 2018.
  24. ^ "Anthony Cumia is Beaten Up Again on Red Eye". 12 July 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2018 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ Anthony Cumia confirms he'll launch new Internet-based show from his home after SiriusXM firing. New York Daily News. Retrieved on July 9, 2014.
  26. ^ "Live From The Compound".
  27. ^ Gregg 'Opie' Hughes and new partner Jim Norton sign deal to maintain morning radio show on SiriusXM. New York Daily News. Retrieved on October 6, 2014.
  28. ^ "Embattled Former Opie and Anthony Host to Launch New Show". TheBlaze.com. July 19, 2014. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  29. ^ Lerman, Ali (31 July 2014). "Anthony Cumia Was "Getting Tired of SiriusXM's Bullshit" Anyway".
  30. ^ "Former Sirius XM Host Anthony Cumia Hires Gavin McInnes". 10 June 2015.
  31. ^ "Anthony Cumia Announces New Co-Host". The Interrobang. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  32. ^ "Kvlt of Cactus #12 - Anthony Cumia". Kvlt of Cactus (Podcast). 22 September 2017.
  33. ^ Richard Sandomir (2001-03-24). "PRO FOOTBALL; McMahon Readies XFL For Life Without NBC". NY Times. Retrieved 2016-06-02.
  34. ^ Noble, Barnes &. "No Results Page".
  35. ^ Jump up to: a b Lafayette, Jon. (2008-03-12) Opie & Anthony, 'Krod Mandoon' on Burgeoning Comedy Central Slate – TVWeek – News. TVWeek. Retrieved on 2011-11-11.
  36. ^ "Opie & Anthony: Ant Talks About Divorce With Marc Maron & Jose Canseco (04/01/08)". YouTube. April 1, 2008.
  37. ^ Jump up to: a b Gregorian, Dareh (March 20, 2002). "Radio-Raunch Man in R-Rated Divorce". New York Post. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  38. ^ Two Years After My Breakup, I’m STILL Being Harassed Online
  39. ^ "The Anthony & Dani Show: The Unarmed Edition". April 18, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  40. ^ Coughlan, Maggie (21 December 2015). "Inside Anthony Cumia's twisted relationship with his girlfriend". Page Six. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  41. ^ "Girlfriend of former shock jock Anthony Cumia streams footage of alleged domestic abuse on Periscope". ew. December 20, 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
  42. ^ "Radio shock jock pleads guilty to LI assault".
  43. ^ Siegler, Mara. "Anthony Anthony Cumia pleads guilty in domestic violence case".
  44. ^ The Bladonator (2018-11-18), Anthony Cumia admits biting a young girl's hand, retrieved 2019-04-08
  45. ^ "Anthony Cumia To Take April Off, Hints Stint In Rehab". AllAccess.net. March 31, 2016. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  46. ^ "Anthony Cumia Headed to Rehab". TheInterrobang.com. March 30, 2016. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  47. ^ Howerton, Jason (March 30, 2016). "Former 'Opie and Anthony' Star Anthony Cumia Drops Surprise Announcement: I'm Going to Rehab". TheBlaze.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  48. ^ Grove, Lloyd (9 July 2014). "Anthony Cumia: 'I Have No Regrets'".
  49. ^ "High Profile NYC Celeb With a Concealed Carry Permit Responds to New York's New Laws: 'We're All Just Sheep Now'". 16 January 2013.
  50. ^ Zap, Claudine (October 20, 2020). "Radio Personality Anthony Cumia of 'Opie and Anthony' Fame Selling $3.1M NY Home". Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  51. ^ FM, Player, 164 – SKIPPY THE HITMAN, retrieved 2020-10-29

Sources

  • Cumia, Anthony; Russo, Johnny; Trackman, Brad (2018). Permanently Suspended: The Rise and Fall... and Rise Again of Radio's Most Notorious Shock Jock. Post Hill Press. ISBN 978-1-642-93091-7.

External links[]

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