Richard Romanus dies at 80, cause of death unknown

Richard Romanus, well-known for his roles in Mean Streets, has died, as per a report by The Hollywood Reporter. He was 80. The cause of death remains undisclosed. Romanus made a mark with his portrayal of Michael Longo in Martin Scorsese's 1973 crime drama, Mean Streets. His portrayal of a loan shark, entangled in a confrontational scene opposite Robert De Niro's Johnny Civello, earned him widespread acclaim for his tough-guy persona.

Richard Romanus's legacy in the entertainment industry

Aside from his performance in Mean Streets, Romanus also graced the small screen, appearing in three episodes of the seminal crime drama The Sopranos from 1999 to 2002. His portrayal as the estranged husband of Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Tony Soprano's psychiatrist, showcased his versatility and depth as an actor.

Romanus's extensive career spanned across various television shows, including Charlie's Angels, Mission: Impossible, MacGyver, The A-Team, Hawaii Five-0, and Strike Force. He also left his mark on several made-for-TV movies, imprinting his presence in Night Drive, Gold of the Amazon Women, More Than Murder, and Ghost of a Chance.

In his final role, Romanus portrayed Ben Ishak in the 2003 film The Young Black Stallion, serving as a prequel to Disney's classic, The Black Stallion, released in 1979.

All we need to know about Richard Romanus

Richard Romanus leaves behind a lasting legacy, survived by his son Robert, wife Anthea Sylbert - a distinguished costume designer nominated for an Academy Award - and his younger brother Robert Romanus, known for roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Fame.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the couple moved to Skiathos, Greece, more than two decades ago, and were named honourary citizens of the town in 2021. As per his Amazon author bio, Romanus also published three books, all set in Greece, beginning in 2011: Act III: A Small Island in the Aegean, Chrysalis, and Matoula's Echo.