Robert Romanus: Fast Times Star Spotted in Los Angeles at 69
An actor who starred in one of the most iconic films of the 1980s and appeared on two beloved television series was spotted in Los Angeles this week, looking as sprightly as ever. Robert Romanus, now aged 69, was glimpsed during a grocery run, dressed casually in jeans, a hoodie, and tortoiseshell sunglasses.
Breakthrough Role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Romanus is best remembered for his role as Mike Damone, the ticket scalper with delusions of grandeur, in the 1982 coming-of-age classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The film, based on a book by Cameron Crowe, served as a career breakthrough for Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh, the latter of whom later became one of Quentin Tarantino's leading ladies. It also launched director Amy Heckerling, who went on to make Clueless.
Romanus had to audition seven times for the part because producers were initially unconvinced, despite Heckerling's advocacy. He recalled the experience fondly, noting the lack of big egos on set. "It was all fun, man," he said. "It was beautiful because nobody had any big egos. It was really a summer film. Wasn’t a big budget." He added that watching Sean Penn perform inspired him to work harder, saying, "I have to go home and do my homework."
Early Career and Television Success
Born to a Lebanese family in Connecticut, Romanus initially moved to Los Angeles to pursue music, working as a singing waiter until a patron suggested he try acting. He enrolled in an acting class, fell in love with the profession, and landed his first movie role in the 1980 drama Foxes, starring Jodie Foster and directed by Adrian Lyne.
In the 1980s, he secured recurring roles on two hit TV series:
- Fame: The musical drama about a performing arts high school in New York, which has produced real-life stars like Al Pacino and Jennifer Aniston.
- The Facts of Life: The long-running sitcom about a girls' boarding school, where he played the boyfriend of Natalie Green, portrayed by Mindy Cohn.
Later Projects and Full-Circle Moments
Over the decades, Romanus has maintained a steady presence in entertainment, with guest roles on popular shows such as:
- 21 Jump Street
- Weird Science
- Will & Grace
- Family Guy
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
His film work includes American Pie Presents: The Book of Love and the parody A Halfway House Christmas. In a notable full-circle moment, he played a guitar teacher in the 2010 biopic The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Curie. This role connected back to his debut in Foxes, which also featured the real Cherie Curie.
Now at 69, Romanus continues to be recognized for his contributions to 1980s pop culture, with his recent sighting in Los Angeles reminding fans of his enduring legacy in film and television.
