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Ray Romano
Ray Romano (Raymond Albert Romano), born on December 21, 1957, is a versatile American stand-up comedian, actor, and screenwriter. Renowned for his portrayal of Ray Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, he clinched three Primetime Emmy Awards, one for acting and two as a producer. Romano also left his mark as the voice of Manny in the Ice Age film series, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Beyond his sitcom success, Romano ventured into creating and starring in the TNT comedy drama Men of a Certain Age from 2009 to 2011. Transitioning seamlessly, he took on a recurring role as Hank Rizzoli in the NBC series Parenthood from 2012 to 2015. His acting prowess extended to the big screen with notable performances in The Big Sick (2017) and Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman (2019), where he portrayed mob lawyer Bill Bufalino.
From 2017 to 2019, Romano graced the Epix comedy-drama series Get Shorty as Rick Moreweather, showcasing his enduring talent. Born in Queens, New York City, Romano is the second son of Luciana “Lucie” (née Fortini) and Albert Romano. Growing up in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens with Italian descent, he has an older brother, Richard, a sergeant with the NYPD, and a younger brother, Robert, who is a second-grade teacher in New York City.
Ray Romano educational journey took him through Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills for elementary and middle school. After a transfer from Archbishop Molloy High School, he graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1975, sharing a high school class with Fran Drescher. Before venturing into show business, Romano briefly pursued accounting at Queens College in Flushing, New York.
Career
Ray Romano embarked on his comedic journey by participating in the Johnnie Walker Comedy Search in 1989, a competition directed by Neal Marshad, the producer of Saturday Night Live short films. He made early appearances on The Comedy Channel and Comedy Central, where he became a recurring guest voice on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist. Despite a setback as the original cast for Joe (initially named Rick) on NewsRadio, Romano rebounded by showcasing his stand-up routine on Late Show with David Letterman, establishing connections with CBS. This led to the creation of his own show, Everybody Loves Raymond, on CBS, aligning with Romano’s distinctive humor. The series garnered him six Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002.
Beyond sitcom success, Romano diversified his career. He co-starred with Kevin James in the salesman comedy Grilled and achieved fame on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2000, winning $125,000 for the NYPD’s D.A.R.E. unit. Romano’s journey continued with notable achievements, including becoming the highest-paid television actor in 2004 for Everybody Loves Raymond, breaking revenue records. He showcased his versatility in various projects, from guest appearances on The Price Is Right to starring in the documentary 95 Miles to Go, a road trip exploration.
Romano’s return to television included the TNT dramedy Men of a Certain Age, which he co-created. He further expanded his acting portfolio with appearances on The Office, The Middle, and Parenthood, portraying photographer Hank Rizzoli. Romano also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to the character Manny in the Ice Age film series. More recently, he played a key role in the MGM+ television show Get Shorty from 2017 to 2019. In 2019, Romano starred in the Netflix comedy film Paddleton and portrayed mob lawyer Bill Bufalino in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. Looking ahead, he is set to portray Jim Valvano in an upcoming movie about the former NC State Wolfpack basketball coach. Throughout his career, Ray Romano has showcased his comedic prowess and versatility, leaving an indelible mark in the entertainment industry.
Competitions
Ray Romano, the renowned actor and comedian, showcased his competitive spirit beyond the world of entertainment by participating in multiple editions of the prestigious World Series of Poker. His poker pursuits spanned from 2007 to 2015, demonstrating a consistent interest in the high-stakes world of professional poker. In addition to his poker endeavors, Romano delved into the realm of golf, becoming a prominent figure on The Golf Channel’s original series, The Haney Project. During the second season, which aired in early 2010, Romano enlisted the guidance of Hank Haney, Tiger Woods’ former coach, with the goal of enhancing his golf skills. Despite facing a personal setback with the passing of his father, Albert Romano, in March 2010, Ray remained committed to the show, aspiring to break 80 by the season’s end.
Romano’s passion for golf extended to his participation in notable golf tournaments, such as the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. In 2012, he achieved a notable fifth-place finish alongside his partner, Australian professional Steven Bowditch. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone for Romano, who, after 11 previous attempts, qualified for the final round for the first time.
Furthermore, Ray Romano annually graces the greens of the American Century Championship, a renowned celebrity golf tournament hosted by NBC at Lake Tahoe every July. His consistent involvement in such esteemed golf events reflects not only his love for the sport but also his dedication to honing his skills alongside fellow celebrities and athletes. In essence, Ray Romano’s multifaceted interests and competitive spirit shine through not just on screen but also in the diverse arenas of poker and golf, adding layers to his already illustrious career.
Early & Personal life
Ray Romano, the acclaimed actor and comedian, hails from Queens, New York City, where he was born as the second son to Luciana “Lucie” (née Fortini) and Albert Romano. Luciana, a piano teacher, passed away in 2021, while Albert, a real estate agent and engineer, left a lasting impact on Ray’s life until his passing in 2010. Raised in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, Romano has an older brother, Richard, who serves as a sergeant with the NYPD, and a younger brother, Robert, who is a second-grade teacher in New York City.
Romano’s educational journey took him through Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills for elementary and middle school. After transferring from Archbishop Molloy High School, he graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1975. Interestingly, Romano shared a high school class with Fran Drescher. Before venturing into show business, he briefly attended Queens College, focusing on accounting. In 1987, Romano tied the knot with Anna Scarpulla, whom he met while working at the same bank. The couple shares a beautiful family with four children. Notably, Romano’s character’s daughter on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” named Alexandra “Ally” Romano, was inspired by his real-life daughter.
While the series initially featured Romano’s real-life twin sons’ names, Gregory and Matthew, he later opted to change them to Geoffrey and Michael for convenience. Romano humorously shared that his brother wasn’t pleased with Ray Barone’s television brother. Romano’s family has left an indelible mark on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” making various appearances on the show. His daughter appeared as Molly, and his father, Albert, portrayed one of Frank Barone’s lodge buddies. Additionally, his brother and wife had notable appearances in select episodes.
In a more personal revelation, Romano shared in February 2012 that his wife, Anna, successfully battled stage one breast cancer in 2010. The couple chose to go public with their experience, aiming to share and inspire others. Romano’s connection with his on-screen family extended beyond the set. He was close friends with Doris Roberts, who played Marie Barone, and considered her a mentor. Roberts’ passion for lifelong learning left a lasting impression on Romano, who appreciated her guidance and friendship.
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Caesar’s Salad | Policeman |
| 2002 | Ice Age | Manfred “Manny” (voice) |
| 2004 | Welcome to Mooseport | Handy Harrison |
| 2004 | Eulogy | Skip Collins |
| 2004 | 95 Miles to Go | Himself |
| 2006 | Ice Age: The Meltdown | Manny (voice) |
| 2006 | Grilled | Maurice |
| 2008 | The Last Word | Abel |
| 2008 | The Grand | Fred Marsh |
| 2009 | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | Manny (voice) |
| 2009 | Funny People | Himself (Cameo) |
| 2010 | Exporting Raymond | |
| 2012 | Ice Age: Continental Drift | Manny (voice) |
| 2014 | Rob the Mob | Jerry Cardozo |
| 2016 | Ice Age: Collision Course | Manny (voice) |
| 2017 | The Big Sick | Terry Gardner |
| 2019 | Paddleton | Andy Freeman (Executive Producer) |
| 2019 | Bad Education | Big Bob Spicer |
| 2019 | The Irishman | Bill Bufalino |
| 2022 | Somewhere in Queens | Leo Russo (Director, Writer, Producer) |
| 2024 | Project Artemis | TBA (Post-production) |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995–1997 | Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist | Ray (voice) |
| 1995-2015 | Late Show with David Letterman | himself |
| 1996–2005 | Everybody Loves Raymond | Raymond Barone (Main role; also writer and executive producer) |
| 1997 | Cosby | Episode: “Lucas Raymondicus” |
| 1998–2005 | The King of Queens | 4 episodes |
| 1998 | The Nanny | Episode: “The Reunion Show” |
| 1999 | Becker | Episode: “Drive, They Said” |
| 1999–2003 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (host) |
| 2002 | All That | Himself |
| 2002 | Sesame Street | Himself |
| 2005 | The Simpsons | Ray Magini (voice) |
| 2007 | ‘Til Death | Guest at Italian Restaurant |
| 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) |
| 2011 | The Office | Merv Bronte |
| The Middle | Nicky Kohlbrenner | |
| Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas | Manny (voice) | |
| 2014 | Maron | Himself |
| 2012–2015 | Parenthood | Hank Rizzoli (Recurring role) |
| 2015 | David Letterman: A Life on Television | Himself (host) |
| 2016 | Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade | Manny (voice) |
| Vinyl | Zak Yankovich (Main role) | |
| Kevin Can Wait | Vic | |
| 2017–2019 | Get Shorty | Rick Moreweather (Main role) |
| 2019 | Crashing | Himself |
| 2020 | One Day at a Time | Brian |
| 2021 | Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? | Himself |
| 2021–2022 | Made for Love | Herbert Green (Main role) |
| 2023 | Bupkis | Himself |
| TBA | No Good Deed | Paul Morgan (Main Role) |
Video Games
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Ice Age 2: The Meltdown |
| 2009 | Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs |
| 2013 | Ice Age Village |
Writing Credits
In addition to serving as the star and producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Ray Romano contributed as a co-writer for several episodes across various seasons:
Season One:
- “Why Are We Here?” (with Tom Paris)
Season Two:
- “Golf” (with Tom Caltabiano and Kevin James)
- “The Wedding” (with Philip Rosenthal)
Season Three:
- “Ray Home Alone” (with Tucker Cawley)
- “How They Met” (with Philip Rosenthal)
Season Four:
- “Debra’s Workout” (with Tom Caltabiano and Mike Royce)
- “Bad Moon Rising” (with Philip Rosenthal)
Season Five:
- “Super Bowl” (with Mike Royce)
Season Six:
- “Jealous Robert” (with Tom Caltabiano)
- “Talk to Your Daughter” (with Tucker Cawley)
- “The First Time” (with Tom Caltabiano and Mike Royce)
Season Seven:
- “She’s the One” (with Philip Rosenthal)
- “The Bachelor Party” (with Mike Royce and Tom Caltabiano)
Season Nine:
- “Angry Sex” (with Lew Schneider and Mike Scully)
Additionally, in the series “Men of a Certain Age:”
Season One:
- “Pilot” (with Mike Royce)
- “Let It Go” (with Mike Royce)
- “Back in the Shit” (teleplay) with Mike Royce
Season Two:
- “If I Could, I Surely Would” (with Mike Royce)
Discography
- Live at Carnegie Hall (2001, Columbia) – CD
Bibliography
- Everything and a Kite (non-fiction) (1999)
- Raymie, Dickie and the Bean (children’s) (2005)
- Everybody Loves Raymond: Our Family Album (2004)
Awards
| Association | Year | Category | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| America Film Institute Awards | 2002 | Actor of the Year – Male – TV Series | Nominated |
| American Comedy Awards | 1999 | Funniest Male Performer in a TV Series (Leading Role) Network, Cable or Syndication | |
| 2000 | Won | ||
| 2001 | Nominated | ||
| The BAM Awards | 2017 | Best Cast | |
| Behind the Voice Actors Awards | 2013 | Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film | |
| CableACE Awards | 1995 | Animated Programming Special or Series (as Producer) | Won |
| Denver Film Critics Society | 2018 | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
| Gold Derby Awards | 2005 | Comedy Lead Actor | |
| Comedy Episode of the Year (for Writing episode “Finale”) | |||
| 2020 | Ensemble Cast | ||
| Golden Globes | 2000 | Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical | |
| 2001 | |||
| Grammy Awards | 2002 | Best Spoken Comedy Album | |
| 2006 | Best Spoken Word Album for Children | ||
| IGN Summer Movie Awards | 2009 | ||
| Indiana Film Journalists Association | 2019 | Best Actor | |
| Kid’s Choice Awards | 2003 | Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie | |
| 2010 | |||
| North Texas Film Critics Association | 2017 | Best Supporting Actor | |
| Online Film & Television Association | 2000 | Best Actor in a Comedy Series | |
| Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2001 | Best Actor in a Comedy Series | ||
| Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2002 | |||
| 2003 | |||
| 2014 | Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series | ||
| 2020 | Best Ensemble | ||
| People’s Choice Awards | 2002 | Favorite Male Television Performer (tied with Kelsey Grammer) | Won |
| 2003 | Favorite Male Television Performer | ||
| 2004 | |||
| 2006 | |||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 1999 | Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer) | Nominated |
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2000 | Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer) | ||
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2001 | Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer) | ||
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2002 | Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer) | ||
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Won | ||
| 2003 | Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer) | ||
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | ||
| 2004 | Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer) | ||
| 2005 | Won | ||
| Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (as Writer) | Nominated | ||
| utstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | |||
| Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special (as Producer) | |||
| Producers Guild Awards | 2003 | Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy | |
| 2004 | |||
| San Diego Film Critics Society Awards | 2017 | Best Comedic Performance | |
| Satellite Awards | 2002 | Best Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 1999 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |
| 2000 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | ||
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2002 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | ||
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2003 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | ||
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Won | ||
| 2004 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2005 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | ||
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | |||
| 2006 | |||
| 2018 | Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | ||
| 2020 | |||
| TCA Awards | 1999 | Individual Achievement in Comedy | |
| 2000 | |||
| 2001 | |||
| 2002 | |||
| 2005 | |||
| TV Guide Awards | 2000 | Favorite Actor in a Comedy | |
| 2001 | Actor of the Year in a Comedy Series | Won | |
| Viewers for Quality Television Awards | 1997 | Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series | Nominated |
| 1998 | |||
| 1999 | Won | ||
| 2000 | |||
| Writers Guild Awards | 2011 | New Series (for Writing) | Nominated |
