When Fast Times at Ridgemont High hit the movie houses in 1982, the biggest star in the film was television actor, Ray Walston. Little did anyone know at the time that three members of that talented ensemble, Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Judge Reinhold would end up having long Hollywood careers.
That movie has aged well and so has the performance of Robert Romanus as the shifty ticket scalper, Mike Damone. In fact it's his character that helps create the innocent charm, wit and overall nostalgic mood this movie generates. And after several recent viewings one can't help but scratch their head in wondering why this actor didn't land more mainstream projects.
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It's not that Robert Romanus hasn't worked. He's had guest starring roles in the television shows, Fame, The Facts of Life, St. Elsewhere and 21 Jump Street just to name a few, as well as a slew of low budget independent movies like Mojave Phone Booth. It's just that big Hollywood break never happened for him.
Today, he still acts, but puts most of his creative energy into his band, Papa's Kitchen, that regularly plays in the LA area. If you've never heard of this actor, then you've never seen Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Watch the movie then you will understand why Robert Romanus is Not Very Famous...but should be.
That movie has aged well and so has the performance of Robert Romanus as the shifty ticket scalper, Mike Damone. In fact it's his character that helps create the innocent charm, wit and overall nostalgic mood this movie generates. And after several recent viewings one can't help but scratch their head in wondering why this actor didn't land more mainstream projects.
It's not that Robert Romanus hasn't worked. He's had guest starring roles in the television shows, Fame, The Facts of Life, St. Elsewhere and 21 Jump Street just to name a few, as well as a slew of low budget independent movies like Mojave Phone Booth. It's just that big Hollywood break never happened for him.
Today, he still acts, but puts most of his creative energy into his band, Papa's Kitchen, that regularly plays in the LA area. If you've never heard of this actor, then you've never seen Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Watch the movie then you will understand why Robert Romanus is Not Very Famous...but should be.
robert made the movie in my opinion. i interviewed him on my blog and... am happy about that.
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