Romano Orzari

Born and raised within a working class family that immigrated from England and previously Italy, Romano is able to speak four languages. In university he originally focused on mechanical engineering, but then decided to change his studies towards literature, fine arts, filmmaking and the theatre. Mostly due to his elective Russian Lit classes, seeing the films "City Lights", "The Exterminating Angel" and experiencing Frank McGuinness's play "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme". This visceral exposure pitched him towards the actor's path. Looking to find direction in supporting this inner voice, he also began experimenting as the lead singer of a post-punk band called the Pubic Beards (from Allen Ginsburg's poem "Howl"). The experience of being on stage musically along with performing in short films and plays set forth a need for more theatre training. Romano signed up for workshop classes given by Joe Dowling, former Artistic Director of the Guthrie in Minneapolis and the Abbey in Dublin. Upon completing these classes, Romano moved to New York City to further strengthen his acting education. He collectively dedicated a total five years of theatrical training beginning with The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, workshops with Ron Stetson in the Sanford Meisner Technique at Stetson Studios and another workshop with Group Theatre alumni Bobby Lewis. Though it was most importantly a three year tenure at the Stella Adler Theatre Conservatory that sealed the deal. Especially with his graduating year under the guidance of the legendary teacher herself. The three year program included very important teachers Alice Winston, Jimmy Tripp and Casey Keziah. While in his third and final year at the Stella Adler Conservatory, Romano professionally debuted in the acclaimed bio-pic film "Bix", portraying the legendary jazz pianist and songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. The film premiered in competition at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. Romano garnered good reviews in the Hollywood Reporter and Variety for playing this iconic American jazz musician. Literally learning to play the piano for the songs he performs in the film. A few months later a near fatal accident would put a complete stop to everything. While recuperating, he managed the few crumbs left within his spirit, forging forwards and not giving up on his life. This helped to define his leading role in the independent film "Burnt Eden". Romano's seamless and searing performance for the film would be honored with The Yves Montand Best Actor Award at the 1998 Kiev International Film Festival. Soon after he was also nominated for Best Lead Actor at the following events: The 1999 Gemini Awards and the 2000 Gala Metro Star Awards, both for the critically acclaimed and memorable television series "Omertà". In which he also performed speaking the four different languages. Other nominations include the 2006 ACTRA Award in a supporting role for "Baby For Sale" and the 2007 Minesota SMMASH Film Festival's Best Male Actor category for "The Overlookers". With the numerous productions that have followed, performing in leading and supporting roles, in features and series like NBC's "Taken", the Assassin Giovanni Auditore in "Assassin's Creed Lineage", "White House Down", "Immortals", The Punisher:War Zone just to name a few, he has respectively worked alongside many of the best names in the industry. Capable in either a large Hollywood production or a no budget indie film, Romano has never forgotten his blue-collar roots and is steeped with the genuine means of being a journeyman actor.