Hollywood Tough Guy Actor Dead at 80

Richard Romanus, an esteemed actor celebrated for his roles in the iconic film “Mean Streets” and the hit TV series “The Sopranos,” passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 80. Romanus died in a private hospital in Volos, Greece. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

He was born on February 8, 1943, in Barre, Vermont, to a Lebanese American family and was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut.

He made a significant impact in Hollywood with his portrayal of tough-guy characters. His most memorable roles include the loan shark Michael in Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” (1973), and the voice of Harry Canyon in the animated film “Heavy Metal” (1981). He voiced roles in the animated works “Wizards” and “Hey Good Lookin’,” directed by Ralph Bakshi.

Romanus was married twice. His first marriage was to Tina Bohlmann from 1967 to 1985, with whom he had a son. In 1985, he married Oscar-nominated costume designer Anthea Sylbert. (Headline Reporter)