Frank D'Angelo

D'Angelo was born in Toronto to Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Carmela D'Angelo.{{cite news|author=Hoffman, Andy|date=February 23, 2007|title=I am the product, the product is me|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070222.rmangelo0223/BNStory/specialROBmagazine/home?pageRequested=all&print=true|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=May 29, 2009|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125141824/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070222.rmangelo0223/BNStory/specialROBmagazine/home?pageRequested=all&print=true|url-status=dead}} His father owned Napoli Foods.{{cite news|author=Wells, Jennifer|date=November 4, 2007|title=The ballad of Frank D'Angelo|url=https://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/273365|publisher=Toronto Star|access-date=May 29, 2009}} The younger D'Angelo showed an interest in business at an early age: at age 9 he outsourced his newspaper delivery of the Toronto Telegram to other children. He had many sales positions, sometimes concurrently. He purchased his first home at age 20. D'Angelo started in the food industry working for his father until Napoli was sold to Saputo.

D'Angelo is founder and president of D'Angelo Brands, Inc., which produces and markets beverages and some canned food items in Canada. It started in 1986 by selling apple juice door-to-door,{{cite web|author=Menzies, David|date=July 31, 2006|title=The Scrappy Entrepreneur|url=http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/marketer/article.jsp?content=20060731_69044_69044|publisher=Marketer News|access-date=May 29, 2009|archive-date=January 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125141822/http://marketingmag.ca/english/news/marketer/article.jsp?content=20060731_69044_69044|url-status=dead}} and the company quickly grew to success with the financial backing of Canadian politician Al Palladini. His company filed for credit protection in late 2007. On February 16, 2008, a numbered company owned by D'Angelo's family bought back D'Angelo Brands.{{cite web |url=http://www.globalmalt.de/joomla1011/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=755&Itemid=64 |access-date=August 15, 2008 |title=CANADA: Founder of Steelback Breweries returns to drinks business |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719032722/http://www.globalmalt.de/joomla1011/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=755&Itemid=64 |url-status=dead }} Cheetah Power Surge is an energy drink produced by D'Angelo Brands. In one commercial, he interviewed Ben Johnson in a pretend talk show titled 'Being Frank', which would later become the title of his actual talk show.

In September 2002, he started and was the CEO of Steelback Brewery.{{cite web|date=September 17, 2002|title=D'Angelo acquires new facility|url=http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Supply-Chain/D-Angelo-acquires-new-facility|publisher=foodproductiondaily.com|access-date=May 29, 2009}} Steelback commercials from 2002 to 2007 always starred Frank D'Angelo and presented him as a known celebrity (although he was relatively unknown) and the face of Steelback. He has said that "I am the Brand". Steelback invested around $15M per year on advertising. The ads were often shown in high-cost slots during Hockey Night In Canada broadcasts. Hockey related spots starred him and hockey celebrities such as Shayne Corson, Darcy Tucker and Phil Esposito.{{cite web|date=July 2, 2002|title=Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Stars Retained As D'Angelo Brands' Spokesmen|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/company-activities-management/product-management/5972259-1.html|publisher=Business Wire|access-date=May 29, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=March 2021}} He was replaced after the company's financial problems in late 2007. By 2010, the Steelback Brewery was closed.

D'Angelo was criticized for his running of Steelback after reportedly racking up more than $120 million in debt, largely for advertising campaigns featuring himself with sports celebrities, before filing for bankruptcy protection from Steelback's list of more than 400 creditors, including Bernard Sherman's Apotex, Mike Cecere's advertising and marketing firms, the Toronto Argos, the Ottawa 67's, bars, small market teams and sports clubs and a few charities.{{cite web|title=Steelback creditors queue up |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/steelback-creditors-queue-up/article700003/|website=The Globe & Mail|publisher=theglobeandmail.com|date=December 17, 2007 |access-date=June 4, 2021}} When Steelback went into receivership, D'Angelo had continued to spend $15 million per year on advertising despite only taking in revenues of $3 million per year.{{cite web|title=The Frank D'Angelo cinematic universe |url=https://torontoist.com/2015/06/the-frank-dangelo-cinematic-universe/|website=Torontoist|publisher=torontoist.com|date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=June 4, 2021}} He owed more than $100 million, plus another $20 million plus, to Barry Sherman's Wasanda Enterprises alone.{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Jennifer |title=D'Angelo's furtunes fading fast |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/dangelos-fortunes-fading-fast/article_1e7010ab-61f9-526c-9305-c6fa2bd109bd.html |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Toronto Star |date=November 20, 2007}}{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Jennifer |title=Frank D'Angelo moves upstairs at brewery |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/frank-dangelo-moves-upstairs-at-brewery/article_55f4a3fd-0917-5080-b6e5-55249099f63d.html |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Toronto Star |date=November 2, 2007}}

Canadian Business magazine described the Steelback operation as "a mistake from start to finish" not only due to mismanagement on the marketing front but poor packaging choices and the inconsistent quality of its beers.{{cite web|title=The Ode: Steelback Brewery |url=https://www.canadianbusiness.com/lifestyle/the-ode-steelback-brewery/|website=Canadian Business|publisher=canadianbusiness.com|date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=June 4, 2021}}

D'Angelo owned the Forget About It Supper Club restaurant on King Street in Toronto.{{cite web|author=Hasselback, Drew|date=February 12, 2009|title=Frank D'Angelo is back in the lime light|url=http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpposted/archive/2008/02/12/frank-d-angelo-is-back-in-the-lime-light.aspx|publisher=National Post|access-date=May 30, 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He taped his talk show, The Being Frank Show with Frank D'Angelo in its basement, which he had turned into a studio, for five seasons before moving to his InYourEar Studios in Mississauga for another eight seasons. The restaurant has since closed. D'Angelo had owned it for 17 years.

In 2006, the company purchased the naming rights to the Steelback Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, the new home of the Ontario Hockey League Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for $1.35 million over 10 years,{{Cite news |title=Steelback Breweries files for bankruptcy protection; City expects naming-rights deal will continue |date=2007-11-21 |newspaper=The Sault Star |url=http://www.city.sault-ste-marie.on.ca/contentadmin/UserFiles/File/CityDepartments/Clerks/Media%20Archive/2007/Sault%20Star%20Articles/11%2021Steelback.pdf |access-date=2009-02-03 |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706192747/http://www.city.sault-ste-marie.on.ca/contentadmin/UserFiles/File/CityDepartments/Clerks/Media%20Archive/2007/Sault%20Star%20Articles/11%2021Steelback.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-06}} a fee that went largely unpaid.{{cite web |last1=Helwig |first1=David |title=D'Angelo admits sex with woman |date=April 21, 2009 |url=https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/dangelo-admits-sex-with-woman-but-hes-not-guilty-122977 |publisher=The Soo Today |access-date=10 August 2023}}

In early 2006 he expressed interest in reviving the Canadian Football League's Ottawa Renegades{{cite web |last1=Forde |first1=Duane |title=Thanks, but no thanks |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2006/05/22/thanks__but_no_thanks/ |website=CFL.ca |date=May 22, 2006 |publisher=The CFL |access-date=11 August 2023}} and renaming them the Ottawa Steelbacks but the league rejected him as an owner,{{cite news |last1=Naylor |first1=David |title=CFL passes on D'Angelo |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/cfl-passes-on-dangelo/article20416500/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=November 3, 2006}} with media speculating it was because he was "egotistical" and a "shameless publicity hound".[http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=b463964d-fb45-4e62-96e0-ec340868b071&k=6250 In rejecting D'Angelo's bid for Ottawa franchise, CFL came out a winner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108145804/http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=b463964d-fb45-4e62-96e0-ec340868b071&k=6250 |date=November 8, 2012 }}. Canada.com (November 21, 2007). Retrieved on December 27, 2011.

On December 18, 2006, D'Angelo declared an interest in buying the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL hockey team with his partner Barry Sherman.{{cite web |last1=ESPN News Services |title=Report: Canadian brewery owner interested in Pens |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2700430 |website=ESPN.com |date=December 17, 2006 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 9, 2023}}

In 2011, D'Angelo sparred with MMA fighter Francis Carmont, and a segment about the fight aired on Being Frank.{{cite web |last1=D'Angelo |first1=Frank |title=Frank D'Angelo in MMA fight |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i1a3_LGfj0 |website=youtube.com |publisher=frankdangelomusic |access-date=10 August 2023}}{{cite web |title=Wannabe talk show host "fights" UFC fighter Francis Carmont |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cringe/comments/2uzzwo/wannabe_talk_show_host_fights_ufc_fighter_francis/ |website=reddit.com |date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=10 August 2023}}

In March 2012, D'Angelo launched a sports-themed media website called Next Sport Star{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/944127/nextsportstar-com-is-set-to-launch-nss-broadcast-portal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329054222/http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/944127/nextsportstar-com-is-set-to-launch-nss-broadcast-portal|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 29, 2012|title=NextSportStar.com is Set to Launch NSS Broadcast Portal|access-date=April 13, 2017}} where he hosts a weekly show with Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Phil Esposito and former Toronto Maple Leafs assistant general manager Bill Watters. The site was backed by the late Canadian pharmaceutical billionaire Bernard Sherman, who also backed D'Angelo in his Steelback Brewery enterprise.{{cite news |first=Jonathon|last=Gatehouse|title=A meal with Frank D'Angelo: Pitchman, entrepreneur, auteur |url=https://www.macleans.ca/culture/movies/a-lunch-with-frank-dangelo-pitchman-entrepreneur-film-auteur/ |access-date=December 8, 2019 |work=MacLeans |publisher=St. Joseph Communications |date=February 24, 2016}}

After Toronto's Mayor John Tory stepped down in February, 2023, D'Angelo issued a press release announcing that he would be running in the 2023 Toronto mayoral by-election.{{cite web|title=Frank D'Angelo, Canadian Businessman to run for Mayor of Toronto|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/frank-d-angelo-canadian-businessman-to-run-for-mayor-of-toronto-843086788.html|access-date=July 4, 2023}} His announced platform included six issues: improving the city's infrastructure, improving the city's transit system, improving climate change, getting homelessness to a much better place, increasing affordable housing, and improving the city's safety.

He finished 26th out of a record field of 102 candidates, with 343 votes (0.05%), in the election on June 26.{{cite web|title=Toronto Mayor Election Results|url=https://www.cp24.com/toronto-election-results|work=cp24.com|access-date=July 3, 2023}} That night he tweeted to thank his supporters and congratulate his fellow candidates including the winner, Olivia Chow.

{{cite web|title=Frank D'Angelo What's Life Without A Dream?|url=https://twitter.com/FrankDangelo23/status/1673498568496234502|access-date=July 4, 2023}}

D'Angelo, whose musical idol is Gino Vannelli, toured Canada in 1978, singing with his band.{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Jennifer |title=The ballad of Frank D'Angelo: The story of consummate promoter Frank D'Angelo, started in apple juice and moved on to beer. It could be a rags to riches tale, except we're not quite sure about the riches part. |url=https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/the-ballad-of-frank-dangelo/article_28080f1e-b20d-5765-8c78-cf18f5f05a8a.html |access-date=10 August 2023 |work=The St. Catharine's Standard |date=November 4, 2007}}

D'Angelo is currently the singer for his 24-piece band self named, formerly named after his former brewery Steelback,{{cite web|date=September 27, 2002|title=Steelback CEO and Loverboy lead singer Mike Reno release inspirational song for breast cancer research|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/mmnr/steelback/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003100540/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/mmnr/steelback/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 3, 2006|publisher=News Wire|access-date=May 29, 2009}} which includes Mike Reno from Loverboy.

In February, 2007, he performed with the Steelback 2-4 at the Casino Sault Ste. Marie after a charity hockey game sponsored by the Steelback brewery.{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Andy |title=I am the product, the product is me |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/i-am-the-product-the-product-is-me/article20393589/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=February 23, 2007}}

He has performed the opening anthem and other songs at Toronto Argonauts CFL games which were sponsored by his company Steelback Brewery.{{cite web|title=Argos hit sour note on McMahon|url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/columnists/2007/07/27/argos_hit_sour_note_on_mcmahon.html|work=thestar.com|date=July 27, 2007 |access-date=June 1, 2021}}

{{cite news|title=Steelback creditors queue up |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/steelback-creditors-queue-up/article700003/|website=The Globe & Mail|publisher=theglobeandmail.com|date=December 17, 2007 |access-date=June 4, 2021}}

At a July 26, 2007 home loss against the Montreal Alouettes he was booed while performing the national anthem{{cite web|title=Argonauts, D'Angelo fail to impress|url=http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=11bdbb4c-794b-4e53-8005-753d67811756&sponsor=|website=canada.com|access-date=April 5, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2021|url=https://www.toronto.com/community-story/6765621-five-off-key-versions-of-canadian-anthem-at-sports-events/|website=toronto.com |access-date=June 1, 2021}} and jeered again during his halftime show with The Steelback 2-4,{{cite news |last1=Fitz-Gerald |first1=Sean |title=Argos' offence stalls, despite Allen's return |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2007/07/27/argos__offence_stalls__despite_allen_s_return/ |access-date=11 August 2023 |work=National Post |date=July 27, 2007}} D'Angelo later issued an apology for the performance,{{cite web|title=Steelback Brewery: An Open Apology From Frank D'Angelo to Toronto Argos Fans |url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/steelback-brewery-an-open-apology-from-frank-dangelo-to-toronto-argos-fans-756819.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419191254/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/steelback-brewery-an-open-apology-from-frank-dangelo-to-toronto-argos-fans-756819.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 19, 2016|website=MarketWired |access-date=April 5, 2016}} which toronto.com described as a "staggeringly atonal" rendition by a "Vegas lounge act" in its list of "Five off-key versions of the Canadian anthem at sporting events".{{cite web|title=Five off-key versions of Canadian anthem at sports events |url=https://www.toronto.com/community-story/6765621-five-off-key-versions-of-canadian-anthem-at-sports-events/|website=toronto.com |access-date=June 1, 2021}}

He released a recording of "Silent Night" in November 2009, with an RnB vocal style. Profits from sales went to support Toronto charities which help the homeless.{{cite web |date=November 4, 2002 |title=Frank D'Angelo launches his own campaign to help the homeless this holiday season |url=http://frankdangelo.ca/2009/11/frank-dangelo-launches-his-own-campaign-to-help-the-homeless-this-holiday-season/ |publisher=News Wire |access-date=December 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213150652/http://frankdangelo.ca/2009/11/frank-dangelo-launches-his-own-campaign-to-help-the-homeless-this-holiday-season/ |archive-date=December 13, 2009 |url-status=dead }} D'Angelo has also been an active volunteer to help the city's homeless.{{cite web |date=November 21, 2009 |title=Frank D'Angelo Campaigns To Help The Homeless. |url=http://canadianmusician.com/news.php?news_id=363&start=0&category_id=&parent_id=&arcyear=&arcmonth= |publisher=Canadian Musician |access-date=December 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708113947/http://canadianmusician.com/news.php?news_id=363&start=0&category_id=&parent_id=&arcyear=&arcmonth= |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

On April 29, 2010, he held the Frank D'Angelo Benefit Concert at Hugh's Room in Toronto to benefit Haitian relief experts,{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Betsy |title=Frank D'Angelo comfortable in his own skin despite 'tough times' |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/frank-d-angelo-comfortable-in-his-own-skin-despite-tough-times/article_e80c36c8-8499-50e9-943a-159e2f9efc03.html |access-date=11 August 2023 |work=The Toronto Star |date=April 18, 2010}} featuring a special audience address by Phil Esposito.{{cite web |last1=D'Angelo |first1=Frank |title=Frank D'Angelo - Live at The Hugh's Room |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ5BvwQ96TQ |website=YouTube |publisher=Frank D'Angelo |access-date=11 August 2023}}

On Saturday, June 18. 2011, D'Angelo and his band performed live at the HMV store in Woodbridge, Ontario.{{cite web |last1=Newmarket Era |title=Frank D'Angelo brings musical sounds to HMV Woodbridge |url=https://www.yorkregion.com/news/frank-dangelo-brings-musical-sounds-to-hmv-woodbridge/article_791ef6b8-7366-5c52-a1c0-77ff3b4e956e.html |website=yorkregion.com |date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=9 August 2023}}

On February 7, 2014, Frank D'Angelo and his band performed live at his Forget About It Supper Club in Toronto.{{cite web |title=February 28, 2014 |url=https://www.facebook.com/forgetaboutitsupperclub/posts/frank-dangelo-performed-live-on-february-7th-2014-the-night-was-success-deliciou/1446945745538102/ |website=Facebook |publisher=Forget About It Supper Club |access-date=11 August 2023}}

In August, 2014 he performed at Taste of the Danforth, a food festival in Greek town in Toronto's east end.{{cite web |title=Krinos Taste of the Danforth |url=http://tasteofthedanforth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/PRESS-RELEASE-Krinos-Taste-of-the-Danforth-7-29-14.pdf |website=tasteofthedanforth.com |access-date=25 August 2023}}

On April 16, 2016 D'Angelo and the Steelback 2-4 performed at the Seneca Queen Theatre in Niagara Falls, in support of screenings of his film Sicilian Vampire in the same space.{{cite news |last1=Law |first1=John |title=Frank D'Angelo brings band, bloodsuckers to Falls |url=https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/entertainment/frank-d-angelo-brings-band-bloodsuckers-to-falls/article_57aa0146-c2d1-5bfe-8dcf-3db4d460428f.html |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Niagara Falls Review |date=April 13, 2016}}

Frank D'Angelo and the Steelback 2-4's first album, You Gotta Believe to Believe, raised funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Breast Cancer Society and the Hospital for Sick Children{{Cite web |title=Change A Life Today |url=http://www.dangelobrands.ca/charity/index.asp |access-date=2024-07-09}} and came out in 2007. On May 21, 2009, they announced the release of their second album Full Circle with nine original songs and four cover tunes.{{cite press release|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/21/c6002.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526192326/http://newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/21/c6002.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 26, 2009|title=D'ANGELO BRANDS: Frank D'Angelo comes Full Circle!|publisher=Newswire.ca|date=May 21, 2009|access-date=December 27, 2011}} D'Angelo has to date released 18 studio albums including 150+ original songs written by him. His music is on Spotify, Apple and digital platforms worldwide. D'Angelo's music is distributed by Sony Orchard. D'Angelo also has a YouTube channel, frankdangelomusic, where all his music videos and movie trailers are available.

In November 2010, D'Angelo purchased airtime on a number of Canadian television stations to launch his The Being Frank Show, which usually broadcast on Friday nights at 11:30pm. The show premiered November 5, 2010 on CHCH TV in Hamilton, Ontario. The show is interspersed with "commercial timeouts" which also feature D'Angelo promoting his D'Angelo Brands products, and other related products.

D'Angelo also hosts NSS Live an internet live broadcast show on nextsportstar.com, broadcast Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 5pm, and featuring Phil Esposito, Bill Watters and other guests.

D'Angelo hosts a one hour radio show on the Jewel Radio network across Canada, on Sunday from 6pm to 7pm. It's on temporary hiatus.

He has written, produced, directed, scored and starred in nine feature-length films through his company, In Your Ear Productions. Distribution is through iTunes, Amazon and various vod worldwide. Canadian & American cable companies. His first film Real Gangsters was released in 2013. Followed by "The Big Fat Stone" and "No Deposit". In 2015, he released the horror drama film Sicilian Vampire. This was followed by The Red Maple Leaf in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Frank-DAngelos-SICILIAN-VAMPIRE-Available-on-Video-On-Demand-June-1st-20160531#|title=Frank D'Angelo's SICILIAN VAMPIRE Available on Video-On-Demand June 1st|first=Movies News|last=Desk|access-date=April 13, 2017}} D'Angelo completed his sixth feature film The Neighborhood, which premiered June 15, 2017, in Toronto at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival.{{Citation needed|date=June 2017}} His seventh film, The Joke Thief co-starring Steven Kerzner (Ed the Sock), Frank's former sidekick on Being Frank, was released in 2018, followed by The Last Big Save, and Making a Deal with the Devil.

In 2019 he appeared in a supporting acting role in Kire Paputts' film The Last Porno Show.Norman Wilner, [https://nowtoronto.com/movies/tiff2019/tiff-review-the-last-porno-show/ "TIFF review: The Last Porno Show"]. Now, August 28, 2019. D'Angelo is working on a new project, delayed by Covid-19.

D'Angelo is a self-trained film maker. He shoots on a very tight shooting schedule, often using multiple cameras and angles, allowing him to shoot close-ups and wide shots in the same take. He employs a recurring cast of actors including Tony Nardi, Daniel Baldwin, Jason Blicker, John Ashton, Alyson Court, and Art Hindle.{{cite news |last1=Howard |first1=Linda |title=Film review: Frank D'Angelo strikes comedy gold in The Joke Thief |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/16587125.film-review-frank-dangelo-strikes-comedy-gold-in-the-joke-thief/ |access-date=December 8, 2019 |work=Herald Scotland |publisher=Herald & Times Group |date=August 20, 2018}} He also tends to uses big name guest stars. Past films have included Margot Kidder, James Caan, Paul Sorvino and Martin Landau.

D'Angelo utilizes four wall distribution, and small releases in region theater chains, wherein he and/or co-investors (notably his friend/business partner Barry Sherman) pay to both produce his films and also rent select large market movie screens on which to screen them. Some former Hollywood stars' expenses were paid with cash{{cite news |last1=Schneller |first1=Johanna |title=Frank D'Angelo: Restaurateur, songwriter, filmmaker, whirlwind |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/frank-dangelo-restauranteur-songwriter-filmmaker-whirlwind/article25119302/ |access-date=9 August 2023 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=June 25, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Gatehouse |first1=Jonathon |title=A meal with Frank D'Angelo: Pitchman, entrepreneur, auteur |url=https://macleans.ca/culture/movies/a-lunch-with-frank-dangelo-pitchman-entrepreneur-film-auteur/ |access-date=9 August 2023 |work=Maclean's Magazine |date=February 24, 2016}} to appear alongside D'Angelo in what Cracked.com describes as "the world's most expensive celebrity selfie".{{cite news |last1=Voets |first1=Cedric |title=Sicilian Vampires and James Caan: Canada's Tommy Wiseau's Cinematic Universe |url=https://www.cracked.com/article_30208_sicilian-vampires-and-james-caan-canadas-tommy-wiseaus-cinematic-universe.html |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=Cracked Magazine |publisher=cracked.com |date=April 30, 2021}} He also submits his films to various indy film festivals which have questionable legitimacy; for example, he has won 14 awards at the Action on Film Film Festival.{{cite news |last1=Kilkenny |first1=Katie |title=How Below-the-Radar Film Festivals Can Prety on Struggling Filmmakers |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/how-below-radar-film-festivals-can-prey-struggling-filmmakers-1250714/ |access-date=August 9, 2023 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 31, 2019}} For his methods, D'Angelo has been described as a "particularly egregious" character in the industry.{{cite magazine |last1=Rizov |first1=Vadim |title=How Did an Oscar-Nominated Legend End Up in This Painfully Amateurish Horror Film? |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/james-caan-sicilian-vampire |access-date=May 13, 2021 |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=November 10, 2015}}

Some critics have savaged his film Sicilian Vampire.{{cite web |last1=FYI Staff |title=Vanity Fair Takes A Bite Out Of Frank D'Angelo's Big Screen Ambitions |url=https://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2015/11/16/vanity-fair-takes-bite-out-frank-dangelos-big-screen-ambitions |website=fyimusicnews.ca |date=November 16, 2015 |publisher=FYI Music News |access-date=11 August 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Rizov |first1=Vadim |title=How Did an Oscar-Nominated Legend End Up in This Painfully Amateurish Horror Film?: Welcome to the world of "four-walled" vanity films. James Caan would show you to your seat, but … he's not feeling well today. |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/james-caan-sicilian-vampire |access-date=11 August 2023 |magazine=Vanity Fair |issue=December, 2015 |date=November 10, 2015}}

After appearing in D'Angelo's Sicilian Vampire, James Caan did not attend its premiere and later claimed he only worked for the "dubiously talented" filmmaker out of a desperate need for cash caused by legal issues related to his divorce. Caan referred to his appearance in the movie as a humiliation in court, saying he'd rather die broke than be reduced to doing another D'Angelo film.{{cite news |last1=Voets |first1=Cedric |title=James Caan reportedly strapped for cash amid messy divorce |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/james-caan-reportedly-strapped-for-cash-amid-messy-divorce |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=New York Post |publisher=foxnews.com |date=January 5, 2016}} However, he did in fact later appear in another D'Angelo feature two years later, 2017's The Red Maple Leaf.{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Umberto |title=James Caan, 'Godfather' and 'Thief' Actor, Dies at 82 |url=https://www.thewrap.com/james-caan-godfather-and-thief-actor-dies-at-82/ |website=thewrap.com |date=July 7, 2022 |publisher=The Wrap |access-date=20 February 2024}}

On June 9, 2007, D'Angelo was arrested in the alleged sexual assault of the 21-year-old daughter of a business associate.{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Betsy |title=Frank D'Angelo faces obstruct justice charges |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/crime/frank-dangelo-faces-obstruct-justice-charges/article_1dc5ffaa-6073-5ec4-8185-910154bd2418.html#:~:text=D'Angelo%20was%20acquitted%20last,The%20trial%20lasted%20one%20day. |access-date=10 August 2023 |work=The Toronto Star |date=May 15, 2009}}{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/article/227363 | work=The Star | location=Toronto | title=Brewer charged in sex case | first=Betsy | last=Powell | date=June 20, 2007 | access-date=May 2, 2010}} He admitted to having had sexual intercourse with the woman but claimed she initiated it,{{cite news |last1=Helwig |first1=David |title=D'Angelo admits sex with woman |url=https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/dangelo-admits-sex-with-woman-but-hes-not-guilty-122977 |access-date=10 August 2023 |work=The Soo Today |date=April 21, 2009}} and was acquitted on April 21, 2009.[https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ex-beer-mogul-found-not-guilty-of-sex-assault-1.391674 Ex-beer mogul found not guilty of sex assault | CTV Toronto]. Toronto.ctv.ca (April 21, 2009). Retrieved on December 27, 2011. Justice John Hamilton said he found the evidence of both D'Angelo and his accuser credible. But in handing down his ruling, Hamilton added D'Angelo "may be" or is "probably" guilty of the crime.{{cite news|title = Judge says former brewery owner 'probably guilty' of sexual assault, but acquits him|url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/judge-says-former-brewery-owner-probably-guilty-of-sexual-assault-but-acquits-him-1.830045|website = www.cbc.ca|access-date = December 6, 2015}}

Several days after being acquitted, D'Angelo hosted a party at his Forget About It Supper Club. An Ontario Provincial Police surveillance team took photographs showing veteran Ontario Provincial Police sergeant Michael Rutigliano, and two crown attorneys, Richard Bennett and Domenic Basile, present at the same celebration.{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/638589 | work=The Star | location=Toronto | title=OPP photos tie Crowns to D'Angelo victory bash | first=Betsy | last=Powell | date=May 22, 2009 | access-date=May 2, 2010}} On May 14, Rutigliano was charged with attempting to influence the outcome of the case.[https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/634378 Accused] in Bombardier fraud, Ontario Provincial Police sergeant now faces sex case charge Toronto Star, accessed May 14, 2009 He was accused of conspiring with D'Angelo to obstruct the prosecution of the case.[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090514.wbombardier14art2302/BNStory/National/home OPP officer, Crown accused of fixing charges, court filings show]The Globe and Mail, accessed May 14, 2009 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517130451/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090514.wbombardier14art2302/BNStory/National/home |date=May 17, 2009 }} D'Angelo was charged the next day with conspiring to obstruct justice and obstructing justice.{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/634817 | work=The Star | location=Toronto | title=Frank D'Angelo faces obstruct justice charges | first=Betsy | last=Powell | date=May 15, 2009 | access-date=May 2, 2010}} He was to appear in court on June 8, 2009, in Brampton,[https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gajmwrWC6y8tmIcaB_X84vQA2qqQ]{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and his case was adjourned until May 31, 2010.{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/797247--d-angelo-comfortable-in-his-own-skin-despite-tough-times | work=The Star | location=Toronto | title=Frank D'Angelo comfortable in his own skin despite 'tough times' | first=Betsy | last=Powell | date=April 18, 2010 | access-date=May 2, 2010}} On September 2, 2010, the obstruction charges against D'Angelo were stayed permanently.{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Bob|title=Obstruction charges stayed against beverage magnate |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/856215--obstruction-charges-stayed-against-beverage-magnate|access-date=May 5, 2011|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=September 2, 2010}}

In June 2007, D'Angelo launched a $2 million libel suit against blogger Neate Sager for an unrelated posting on Sager's blog site. D'Angelo dropped the suit when Sager posted an apology.[http://www.blogger.com/profile/08757652892056684490 Gebruikersprofiel: sager]. Blogger. Retrieved on December 27, 2011.[https://www.ctvnews.ca/brewer-launches-2m-lawsuit-against-blogger-1.244552 Brewer launches $2M lawsuit against blogger | CTV News] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513201912/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070611/blog_lawsuit_070611?s_name=&no_ads= |date=May 13, 2008 }}. Ctv.ca (June 11, 2007). Retrieved on December 27, 2011.

After former Toronto Maple Leafs player Mike Zigomanis was demoted to the club's minor league affiliate, and nude photos he had sent to an ex-girlfriend surfaced online, D'Angelo released Zigomanis as a "brand ambassador" for Cheetah energy drinks citing the morals clause in his contract. Zigomanis sued D'Angelo for breach of contract and won a $262,500 settlement in November 2016.{{cite news |last1=Hopper |first1=Tristin |title=The Maple Leaf vs. the energy drink tycoon: Hijacked penis photos no reason to fire Zigomanis, judge rules |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-maple-leaf-vs-the-energy-drink-tycoon-hijacked-penis-photos-no-reason-to-fire-mike-zigomanis-judge |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=The National Post |date=November 17, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Pazzano |first1=Sam |title=Former Leaf Mike Zigomanis wins suit against Frank D'Angelo |url=https://torontosun.com/2016/11/17/former-leaf-mike-zigomanis-wins-suit-against-frank-dangelo |access-date=9 August 2023 |work=The Toronto Sun |date=November 17, 2016}}{{cite web |last1=Westhead |first1=Rick |title=Former Leaf player, fired for morals clause, wins lawsuit |url=https://www.tsn.ca/former-leaf-player-fired-for-morals-clause-wins-lawsuit-1.610515 |website=TSN.ca |date=November 17, 2016 |publisher=The Sports Network |access-date=9 August 2023}}{{cite news |title=Court orders Frank D'Angelo to cough up $163K in dick pic debacle |url=https://frankmag.ca/2016/11/frank-dangelo/ |access-date=10 August 2023 |work=Frank Magazine |date=November 17, 2016}}

D'Angelo has been cited as a potential suspect in the unsolved murder of his long-time business partner Barry Sherman.{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Kevin Donovan Chief Investigative |date=2024-09-04 |title=Barry and Honey Sherman murder probe was kept away from ties to offshore banking and to Edmonton Oilers’ owner |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/barry-and-honey-sherman-murder-probe-was-kept-away-from-ties-to-offshore-banking-and/article_7cbb2c00-594e-5bfd-bf47-63873cb001ae.html |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}} In an October 2018 Bloomberg News article, D'Angelo said "The worst thing that could have happened to Frank D'Angelo is Barry dying" and expressed regret that he had not been able to save a man he regarded as a close friend.{{cite news |last=Campbell |first=Matt |date=October 24, 2018 |title=Who Killed the Billionaire Founder of a Generic Drug Empire? |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2018-apotex-billionaire-murder/ |access-date=July 30, 2018 |newspaper=Bloomberg}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{official|frankdangelo.ca}}
• {{IMDb name|nm0195264}}

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Category:1959 births

Category:Businesspeople from Toronto

Category:Canadian brewers

Category:Canadian male film actors

Category:Canadian people of Italian descent

Category:Canadian television talk show hosts

Category:Living people

Category:Male actors from Toronto

Category:Screenwriters from Toronto

Category:21st-century Canadian male actors

Category:21st-century Canadian screenwriters