Anna Romano is more than just the wife of famous comedian and actor Ray Romano. While many recognize her as the woman behind the Everybody Loves Raymond star, she has her own inspiring journey filled with career achievements, personal battles, and a nearly four-decade-long love story. From her early life to her battle with cancer and her contributions to the entertainment industry, this article dives deep into everything you need to know about Anna Romano.
Who is Anna Romano?
Anna Romano, born Anna Scarpulla on February 24, 1963, is an American woman of Italian heritage. She was born to immigrant parents from Sicily, Italy, and grew up in a close-knit family. Although she is mostly known as Ray Romano’s wife, Anna has had a fulfilling career behind the camera and has played a crucial role in her husband’s success.
Unlike many celebrity wives, Anna has always maintained a relatively private life, staying away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. However, her strong presence and influence in Ray Romano’s life have not gone unnoticed.
How Did Ray Romano and Anna Romano Meet?
Anna and Ray Romano met in the early 1980s while working at the Williamsburg Savings Bank in New York. At the time, Ray was still trying to establish himself in the world of comedy, while Anna worked as a bank teller.
Ray has often joked about how he wasn’t the best at his job at the bank, but what he lacked in financial expertise, he made up for with his humor. Anna once shared that what attracted her to Ray was his kindness and ability to make her laugh.
After dating for two years, the couple tied the knot in 1987, beginning a marriage that has now lasted nearly 40 years.
Anna Romano’s Role in Ray Romano’s Success
Ray Romano’s career skyrocketed in the 1990s when he became the lead star of Everybody Loves Raymond, one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. The show was heavily inspired by Ray’s real-life experiences, and Anna played a major role in shaping the stories that entertained millions.
Though she mostly stayed out of the spotlight, Anna provided constant support to Ray. She managed the household while Ray focused on his acting and comedy career. In interviews, Ray has often mentioned how Anna keeps him grounded and reminds him not to take himself too seriously.
Anna Romano’s Work in the Entertainment Industry
While Anna chose to stay behind the scenes for most of her life, she did try her hand at acting and cinematography.
Acting Career
Anna made a brief appearance in an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond in 2001, though she did not pursue a full-fledged acting career.
Cinematography
Anna worked as a cinematographer on a few projects, including:
- Because She’s Worth It (2012) – A short film
- Class (2015) – A television series
Despite these roles, she preferred to focus on her family rather than actively working in Hollywood.
Anna Romano’s Battle with Breast Cancer
In 2010, Anna Romano was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. This shocking diagnosis was a challenging time for her and her family.
Anna underwent surgery, radiation, and four rounds of chemotherapy. Though the journey was tough, she came out stronger, eventually becoming cancer-free.
In interviews, Anna has spoken about how her cancer battle changed her outlook on life. She learned to prioritize her health and became more involved in breast cancer awareness campaigns. Ray Romano has also actively supported breast cancer charities in honor of his wife’s fight against the disease.
The Romano Family: Life with Four Kids
Anna and Ray Romano have four children:
- Alexandra Romano – Their eldest daughter, Alexandra (born in 1990), has dabbled in acting and voiceover work.
- Matthew and Gregory Romano – The couple’s twin sons were born in 1993.
- Joseph Romano – The youngest son, born in 1998, has maintained a relatively private life.
Despite Ray’s fame, the Romanos raised their children away from the Hollywood spotlight, ensuring they had a normal upbringing.
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A Love Story That Stood the Test of Time
Hollywood marriages often face challenges, but Anna and Ray Romano’s nearly 40-year marriage is proof that love and partnership can last even in the entertainment industry.
Ray has often joked about how Anna is unimpressed by his fame and how she keeps him humble. This down-to-earth dynamic has helped them maintain a strong and happy marriage.
In 2019, the Romanos took a family trip to Sicily, bringing along 13 relatives to visit Anna’s parents’ hometown. This trip highlighted the importance of their Italian heritage and how they continue to stay connected to their roots.
Anna Romano’s Life Today
Today, Anna Romano enjoys a quiet life away from the public eye. Though she occasionally appears alongside her husband at events, she prefers to spend time with family and focus on philanthropic efforts.
She remains a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness and continues to support her husband as he explores new projects in film and television.
Conclusion
Anna Romano may not be a Hollywood superstar, but she is an inspiring woman who has built a life filled with love, resilience, and dedication. From supporting Ray Romano’s career to battling cancer with courage, her story is one of strength and grace.
Her nearly 40-year marriage to Ray Romano is a rare example of love enduring in the entertainment industry, proving that real-life love stories can be just as compelling as those on screen.
FAQs About Anna Romano
Q: Who is Anna Romano?
A: Anna Romano is the wife of comedian and actor Ray Romano. She is also a former cinematographer and breast cancer survivor.
Q: How did Anna Romano and Ray Romano meet?
A: They met while working at a bank in New York in the early 1980s and got married in 1987.
Q: Does Anna Romano have children?
A: Yes, she and Ray Romano have four children—Alexandra, Matthew, Gregory, and Joseph.
Q: What does Anna Romano do now?
A: She lives a private life, focusing on her family and supporting breast cancer awareness causes.
Q: Did Anna Romano act in Everybody Loves Raymond?
A: She made a small guest appearance in one episode but did not pursue an acting career.