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Raymond Albert Romano
Raymond Albert Romano, born on December 21, 1957, is a multi-talented American stand-up comedian, actor, and screenwriter who has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. His most iconic role was as Ray Barone in the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, a portrayal that earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards – one for acting and two as a producer. Beyond his comedic prowess, Romano is recognized for lending his voice to Manny in the beloved Ice Age film series, showcasing his versatility in the world of animated cinema. The breadth of his talent extends to accolades such as Grammy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations, further underscoring his impact on the entertainment landscape.
In 2009, Romano took on a new challenge by creating and starring in the TNT comedy drama Men of a Certain Age, a series that ran until 2011. This venture demonstrated his ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic elements in a single project. Following this, from 2012 to 2015, Romano embarked on a recurring role as Hank Rizzoli in the NBC series Parenthood, where he portrayed a love interest for Sarah Braverman.
Continuing to diversify his career, Romano ventured into film, co-starring in the romantic comedy The Big Sick (2017) and delivering a memorable performance as mob lawyer Bill Bufalino in Martin Scorsese’s epic crime film The Irishman (2019). His foray into television persisted with his portrayal of Rick Moreweather in the Epix comedy-drama series Get Shorty from 2017 to 2019.
Romano’s life was captured in the documentary film 95 Miles to Go, released in 2010, which documented his road trip across the southern United States. This film provided audiences with a unique insight into the comedian’s off-screen persona and adventures. Moreover, Romano’s return to television in 2008 with Men of a Certain Age, co-created with Mike Royce, marked another successful chapter in his career, with the series co-starring Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher.
Beyond the realm of scripted television, Romano made memorable guest appearances in popular shows like The Office, adding his comedic flair to the seventh season. He also made a notable appearance in the third-season premiere of The Middle, reuniting with Patricia Heaton, his former co-star from Everybody Loves Raymond.
Romano’s involvement with Parenthood, starting from its fourth season, showcased his commitment to television. Portraying photographer Hank Rizzoli, he crafted a character that not only had a romantic relationship with Sarah Braverman but also formed a meaningful friendship with her nephew, who has Asperger syndrome. This role was specially tailored for Romano, a testament to his appreciation for the series.
In addition to his television endeavors, Romano lent his voice to the character Manny in the Ice Age film series, starting in 2002 and spanning several sequels. His ability to bring animated characters to life further solidified his status as a versatile performer.
From 2017 to 2019, Romano took on a leading role in the MGM+ television show Get Shorty, contributing to the success of the series. In 2019, he starred in the Netflix comedy film Paddleton and once again collaborated with Martin Scorsese in The Irishman, portraying the character of mob lawyer Bill Bufalino.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Romano has been open about personal challenges, including his wife Anna’s battle with stage one breast cancer in 2010. Their decision to share their experience publicly reflects a desire to support and inspire others facing similar struggles.
Romano’s personal and professional lives intersected as he formed close friendships with colleagues, notably with Doris Roberts, who played Marie Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond. Her influence on Romano extended beyond the screen, with her mentorship playing a crucial role in his comfort on set.
Looking ahead, Romano is set to take on the role of Jim Valvano in an upcoming movie about the former NC State Wolfpack basketball coach, showcasing his ongoing commitment to diverse and compelling projects. In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, Raymond Albert Romano remains a dynamic force, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Career
Ray Romano’s journey in comedy kicked off with his participation in the 1989 Johnnie Walker Comedy Search, a pivotal moment directed by Neal Marshad, the producer of Saturday Night Live short films. His early appearances included The Comedy Channel and a recurring guest voice role on Comedy Central’s Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist. Romano’s stand-up prowess led him to compete on Star Search in the stand-up comedy category.
Although initially cast as Joe (originally Rick) in the sitcom NewsRadio, Romano was replaced by Joe Rogan. However, his appearance on Late Show with David Letterman set the stage for his association with CBS. Subsequently, he became the star of Everybody Loves Raymond, a show tailored to Romano’s comedic style. This role earned him several Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with a win in 2002. Romano also claimed two Emmy Awards as an executive producer when the show secured Outstanding Comedy Series accolades in 2003 and 2005.
Beyond sitcom success, Romano delved into stand-up comedy at prestigious events like the 1998 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Alongside comedian Kevin James, he starred in the salesman comedy Grilled.
Romano’s diverse career includes a high-stakes appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, where he won $125,000 for the NYPD’s D.A.R.E. unit. His role as Raymond made him the highest-paid television actor in 2004, and the show became a record-breaking success with a revenue of $3.9 billion.
Beyond television, Romano ventured into film with his role as Manfred (Manny) in the Ice Age animated film series. He explored documentary territory with 95 Miles to Go, showcasing a road trip across the southern United States.
Romano continued to evolve, starring in the dramedy Men of a Certain Age and making notable appearances in The Office, The Middle, and Parenthood. His versatile career also includes voice acting, poker competition, and participation in The Golf Channel’s The Haney Project.
Recent years have seen Romano’s involvement in MGM+’s Get Shorty, the Netflix comedy film Paddleton, and Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. With upcoming projects on the horizon, including a portrayal of Jim Valvano, the former NC State Wolfpack basketball coach, Romano’s enduring career remains marked by comedic brilliance and diverse achievements.
Early & Personal life
Ray Romano, born in Queens, New York City, is the second son of Luciana “Lucie” (née Fortini) (d. 2021), a piano teacher, and Albert Romano (1925–2010), a real estate agent and engineer. Raised in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, Romano has two siblings: an older brother, Richard, a sergeant with the NYPD, and a younger brother, Robert, who works as a second-grade teacher in New York City.
Romano attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs for elementary and middle school before graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1975. His academic journey included a brief stint at Queens College, where he studied accounting before venturing into show business. In 1987, Romano married Anna Scarpulla, whom he met while working at the same bank. The couple shares four children, and Romano’s character’s daughter on “Everybody Loves Raymond” was named after their real-life daughter, Alexandra “Ally” Romano.
The Romano family has left its mark on Romano’s professional life, with various members making appearances on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Romano’s daughter, Molly, portrayed the best friend of his on-screen daughter, Ally. His father, Albert Romano, appeared in several episodes as one of Frank Barone’s lodge buddies. Romano’s brother, Richard, also made appearances in select episodes. Even Romano’s wife, Anna, was featured in the background at Geoffrey and Michael’s school in a season 6 episode.
In a more personal revelation, Romano shared in February 2012 that his wife, Anna, successfully battled stage one breast cancer in 2010. Their decision to make this public was driven by a desire to share their experience and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
Romano fondly remembers his close friendship with Doris Roberts, who played Marie Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He praised her continuous thirst for knowledge and acknowledged her role as a mentor, helping him feel more at ease on set.
Mini Bio
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Raymond Albert Romano |
| Birth of Date | December 21, 1957 |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Citizenship | U.S. |
| Profession | Actor |
| Career | 1989 – Present |
| Medium | Stand-up, television, film |
| Wife | Anna Scarpulla |
| Children | 4 |
| Award Nominations | 20 + |
| Award Wins | 14 + |
| Television | 30 + |
| Films | 20 + |
| Video Games | 3 + |
| Music videos | N/A + |
| Website | rayromano.com |
Flims / Movies
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Caesar’s Salad |
| 2002 | Ice Age |
| 2004 | Welcome to Mooseport |
| 2004 | Eulogy |
| 2004 | 95 Miles to Go |
| 2006 | Ice Age: The Meltdown |
| 2006 | Grilled |
| 2008 | The Last Word |
| 2008 | The Grand |
| 2009 | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs |
| 2009 | Funny People |
| 2010 | Exporting Raymond |
| 2012 | Ice Age: Continental Drift |
| 2014 | Rob the Mob |
| 2016 | Ice Age: Collision Course |
| 2017 | The Big Sick |
| 2019 | Paddleton |
| 2019 | Bad Education |
| 2019 | The Irishman |
| 2022 | Somewhere in Queens |
| 2024 | Project Artemis |
Television / Shows
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1995–1997 | Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist |
| 1995-2015 | Late Show with David Letterman |
| 1996–2005 | Everybody Loves Raymond |
| 1997 | Cosby |
| 1998–2005 | The King of Queens |
| 1998 | The Nanny |
| 1999 | Becker – Episode: “Drive, They Said” |
| 1999–2003 | Saturday Night Live – Himself (host) – 2 episodes |
| 2002 | All That – Himself – Episode 709 |
| 2002 | Sesame Street – Himself – Episode 3,983 |
| 2005 | The Simpsons – Ray Magini (voice) – Episode: “Don’t Fear the Roofer” |
| 2007 | ‘Til Death – Guest at Italian Restaurant – Episode: “The Italian Affair” |
| 2007 | The Knights of Prosper – Himself – 3 episodes |
| 2008 | Hannah Montana – Episode: “We’re All on This Date Together” |
| 2009–2011 | Men of a Certain Age – Joe Tranelli – Main role; also writer, creator, and executive producer |
| 2011 | The Office – Merv Bronte – Episode: “Search Committee” |
| 2011 | The Middle – Nicky Kohlbrenner – Episode: “Forced Family Fun” (parts 1 & 2) |
| 2011 | Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas – Manny (voice) – TV special |
| 2014 | Maron |
| 2012–2015 | Parenthood |
| 2015 | David Letterman: A Life on Television |
| 2016 | Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade |
| 2016 | Vinyl |
| 2016 | Kevin Can Wait |
| 2017–2019 | Get Shorty |
| 2019 | Crashing |
| 2020 | One Day at a Time |
| 2021 | Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? |
| 2021–2022 | Made for Love |
| 2023 | Bupkis |
| TBA | No Good Deed |
