Ray Romano

Biography

Raymond Albert Romano, popularly known as Ray Romano, is an American comedian, actor, and writer who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the lovable and often bumbling husband and father, Ray Barone, on the hit television sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. His career spans several decades, with a legacy in both television and film. Known for his signature voice and observational humor, Romano has won numerous accolades and built a long-lasting reputation in Hollywood.

Career Beginnings

Romano's early years as a comedian were challenging but formative. He started performing stand-up comedy in the late 1980s, often working in small venues. His humor was relatable, with a focus on family dynamics, marriage, and everyday life, topics that would later define his success. Romano's breakthrough came in 1989 when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This performance earned him widespread recognition in the comedy world and opened the door to more television appearances.

Throughout the early 1990s, Romano appeared on several stand-up comedy shows, including Comic Relief, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Arsenio Hall Show. His television appearances helped him gain a loyal following, but it was his next move that would cement his place in the entertainment industry.

Movie Career

In addition to his television success, Ray Romano ventured into movies, although his film career has been somewhat more sporadic compared to his television work. His first major film role came in 2002 with The 5th Wheel, a romantic comedy in which he played a supporting role. However, it was his voice work in the Ice Age franchise that solidified his status as a Hollywood star.

Romano voiced the character of Manny, a woolly mammoth, in the Ice Age series, starting with the first film in 2002. The movie was a massive commercial success, and Romano’s warm and dry humor brought Manny to life in a way that resonated with audiences of all ages. 

He reprised his role in the sequels Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), and Ice Age: Collision Course (2016). His portrayal of Manny earned him praise, and the Ice Age series itself went on to become one of the highest-grossing animated franchises in history.

Beyond Ice Age, Romano starred in other films, including Grilled (2006) and Welcome to the Rileys (2010). He also took on dramatic roles in films such as The Big Sick (2017), where he played the father of the female lead, portraying a character significantly different from his usual comedic roles.

Other Television Work

After Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano remained active in television. He appeared in guest spots and had recurring roles in series like Men of a Certain Age (2009–2011), which he also co-created and produced. In this critically acclaimed series, Romano played Joe Tranelli, a man in his 40s grappling with life changes and the complexities of aging. His work on the show was praised for its depth and humor, showcasing his ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic material.

Romano has continued to be a fixture in television, with roles in shows like Parenthood (2012) and Get Shorty (2017–2019), where he played the character of Miles Daly, a gangster-turned-Hollywood producer.