Ray Romano

Ray Romano was born on December 21, 1957, in Queens, New York City. He grew up in the Forest Hills neighborhood and was raised by his parents Albert Romano, a real estate agent and engineer, and Lucie Fortini, a piano teacher. Romano has two siblings, Richard and Robert. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School and later Queens College. His upbringing in New York City significantly influenced his comedic style and career.

Ray Romano became a household name with the premiere of the sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond' on September 13, 1996. The show aired on CBS and was created by Philip Rosenthal. Romano played the lead role of Raymond Barone, a sportswriter living with his wife and three children, frequently dealing with his meddling parents and older brother. The show's portrayal of family dynamics resonated with audiences, making it a critical and commercial success.

On March 10, 2002, Ray Romano won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. This recognition was a testament to his excellent portrayal of the character Raymond Barone and the show's popularity. The Emmy win solidified Romano's reputation as a talented actor in the television industry and contributed to his future success in various entertainment ventures.

The series finale of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' aired on May 16, 2004. The show ran for nine seasons with a total of 210 episodes. Its final episode was watched by approximately 32.94 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched series finales in television history. 'Everybody Loves Raymond' received numerous awards, including 15 Emmy Awards. Romano's performance and the show's writing were critically acclaimed throughout its run.

Ray Romano returned to his stand-up comedy roots with the release of his Netflix comedy special 'Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner' on October 14, 2018. The special was filmed at the Comedy Cellar and the Village Underground, two iconic clubs in New York City. Romano delivered a set that showcased his seasoned comedic timing and ability to engage with the audience on personal and relatable topics, earning it positive reviews from critics.

Ray Romano expanded his acting career beyond comedy with the premiere of 'Men of a Certain Age' on December 7, 2009, on the TNT network. The show, co-created by Romano and Mike Royce, explored the lives of three middle-aged friends dealing with the realities of aging. Romano played the character Joe Tranelli, a former semi-pro golfer turned party store owner. The series received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of middle-aged life and Romano's dramatic performance.

On June 20, 2011, TNT announced the cancellation of 'Men of a Certain Age' after two seasons. Despite positive critical reception and a devoted fanbase, the show struggled with low ratings. However, Romano's performance was universally praised, and the series earned a Peabody Award for its depiction of friendship and life challenges faced by men in their 40s and 50s. Romano continued to pursue a variety of roles in film and television following the cancellation.

Ray Romano co-starred in 'The Big Sick', which premiered on November 24, 2015. Based on the real-life courtship of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, the film features Romano as Terry, the father of Emily. 'The Big Sick' received critical acclaim for its humorous yet touching portrayal of cross-cultural relationships. Romano's performance was noted for its depth and warmth, showcasing his ability to handle dramatic roles effectively alongside comedy.

Ray Romano starred in the independent film 'Paddleton', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 10, 2019. The film, directed by Alex Lehmann, is a poignant comedy-drama about two neighbors and the terminal cancer diagnosis of one of them, portrayed by Mark Duplass. Romano's role as Andy allowed him to exhibit a nuanced performance, balancing humor with emotional depth. His work in the film was praised for its authenticity and warmth.

Ray Romano appeared in Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman', released on November 1, 2019. The highly anticipated film starred Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. Romano played Bill Bufalino, a lawyer with ties to the Teamsters, marking a significant departure from his comedic roots. The film was praised for its storytelling and direction, with Romano's performance receiving positive reviews. 'The Irishman' was widely considered a cinematic masterpiece.