So, are you BLU?

RomanCelt
By Kimberly Toms
All Photos Copyright Robert Romanino    
Fall 2007

Name: Robert Romanino

Age: 30

City: New York City, NY

Work: Screenwriter, Actor, Producer, Bartender

The Romans have always been known for their production and appreciation of the ultimate in male physical form and chiseled features, as well as a propensity toward the arts. To the Irish, credit may be given to the milky fair complexion and witty sparkle in light eyes, storytelling and humorous appreciation of libations. Combine the two cultures and bloodlines and the result is Robert Romanino, a stylish personification of New York City, a handsome collective of sincerity, intelligence and humility, perhaps a man neither fully aware of the unending promise of his future, nor the legacy he may one day leave.

Originally from Patterson , New York , Robert aspired first to be an archaeologist, after his dad presented a gift of a book about ancient Egypt . In its pages, he says, “A photograph of a mummy struck a chord.” Indiana Jones further ignited his fire.

Armed with a Bachelor’s in Ancient History and Archaeology from SUNY at Albany in 1996, Mr. Romanino seemed destined to travel a path somewhat parallel to that of Indiana Jones, the character. But then, the art behind development and presentation of that character seems to have become more attractive to Robert than the idea of actual archaeological pursuits. Could it be that, in urging him toward a future in storytelling’s modern sibling (that of film), his Irish heritage was pushing forth? 

Well, as he tends bar to support his chosen direction as a screenwriter of both short films and epics, occasionally acting – gigs that he enjoys as they prove both challenging and lacking of monotony – it becomes apparent that yes, he will be storytelling. Bartending is what so many screenwriters and actors before him have done to make ends meet while developing and growing within their craft, so that is no surprise. It also offers Robert a probable environment in which he can do something else he enjoys that might actually influence his pen. Of his work and socializing in general, he says, “I enjoy funny, outgoing, engaging people. Most important to me are the traits of honesty and loyalty.”

“I lost my mother to breast cancer in 2004. That was my first ‘kick in the face’ of reality,” he softly divulges. Of her, he writes, “My mother is my hero. She lived with dignity and grace, with a smile on her face, while she knew she was dying. Her example is one I will never forget.”

His inspirations, in addition to his mother, father and even grandparents he never met, are big ones:

Julius Caesar, because he must have been one of the most charismatic people who ever lived; Jesus Christ – this has nothing to do with being religious, I'm not – It is entirely [based upon] the curiosity of someone who loves to learn and the fact that he must have been one of the most original thinkers to have lived; Martin Luther King Jr., as everything I have ever read, that he said, moved me; John Ritter, because he made me laugh a million times and continues to, every time I see him on Three's Company; Audrey Hepburn, the epitome of a beautiful person and a perfect movie star, if you had to make one up. Many more. I am not struck by great stars, but by great achievement.

Although his direction is in screenwriting and includes acting and even producing (as he is, now), influence of that original mummy photo is not far behind. Utilizing his degree in Archaeology and Ancient History, Robert has written both an epic screenplay based upon a historic, true occurrence and a history-based television show treatment. He is still finessing the treatment, one which granted him contact from a network.

Just as we start to think he is more heavily Irish than Roman, he states, “I have no delusions about the business of acting and screenwriting. I know the risks, but I believe in what I have to offer and know in my heart that I would regret, later in life, not having given it a go.” Well, there it is: the persistence of the Italians before him.

As we look forward to the day when we will inevitably buy tickets to his major motion picture premiere, his attitude, appearance, bloodlines and traits may all be summed up with the moniker he has so aptly given himself, “RomanCelt.”