Richard Romanus

Richard Romanus (born Richard Joseph Romanos; February 8, 1943 – December 23, 2023) was an American actor. He appeared in Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets and provided voices for Ralph Bakshi's animated films Wizards and Hey Good Lookin'. He played Richard La Penna, Jennifer Melfi's ex-husband, later husband again, in four episodes of The Sopranos from 1999 to 2002. In 1999, he co-wrote the Christmas film If You Believe along with his wife Anthea Sylbert, which was nominated by the Writers Guild of America TV Award for Original Long Form.

Personal life Romanus was born in Barre, Vermont, the son of Eileen (née Maloof) and Dr. Raymond Romanos, a dentist. He was of Lebanese descent. Romanus grew up Catholic. He lived in West Hartford, Connecticut, and in 1964 graduated from Xavier University with a bachelor's in philosophy, before studying acting with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York. His younger brother Robert Romanus is also an actor. They both appeared in the MacGyver episode "The Prodigal" in 1985. On May 20, 1967, he married Tina Bohlmann; they had a son before divorcing in 1980.

Romanus was married to Oscar-nominated costume designer Anthea Sylbert from August 1985 until his death. after which he focused on writing. In 2011, he published his memoirs, Act III (Aiora Press, Athens, and Armida Publications, Nicosia), and first novel, Chrysalis (Armida Publications). In 2012, Act III was short-listed for the International Rubery Book Award.

Romanus died in Volos, Greece, on December 23, 2023, at the age of 80.

Filmography This is a list of films that have featured Richard Romanus.

Films

Television (partial)