Next person biography:
Romano's journey in the world of acting began with a strong foundation in engineering, which he studied in college. However, it was the films "City Lights" by Charlie Chaplin, "The Exterminating Angel" by Luis Bunuel, and the play "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme" by Frank McGuinness that sparked his passion for acting. Under the guidance of renowned director Joe Dowling, Romano moved to New York City to pursue his dream.
He dedicated five years to intense theatre studies and training, honing his craft with some of the most esteemed teachers in the industry, including Alice Winston, Casey Keziah, Elizabeth Parish, Jimmy Tripp, and the legendary Stella Adler. During his time at the Stella Adler Theatre Conservatory, Romano was encouraged by a classmate to attend an open audition, which led to a major supporting role in the critically acclaimed film "Bix" by Pupi Avati.
Tragedy struck when Romano was involved in a near-fatal accident, which forced him to put his ambitions on hold. However, he made a remarkable recovery and went on to star in the independent film "Burnt Eden", earning him the Yves Montand Best Actor Award at the 1998 Kyiv International Film Festival. This recognition led to a string of successful roles, including a lead role in the critically acclaimed television series "Omertà", for which he received a Best Actor Nomination at the 1999 Gemini Awards and the 2000 Metro Star Awards.
Romano's talent was also recognized in the films "Baby For Sale" and "The Overlookers", earning him ACTRA Awards and Minnesota SMMASH Film Festival nominations respectively. Throughout his journey, Romano has remained committed to his craft, crediting his blue-collar upbringing for his resilience and determination. His parents, Stefano and Carmina, both played a significant role in shaping his values, with his father being a WWII Partigiano combat veteran and his mother a garment factory worker.
