Ray Romano Wonders If Sons’ ‘Privilege’ Gave Them a ‘Disadvantage' in Life
Ray Romano Wonders If Sons’ ‘Privilege’ Gave Them a ‘Disadvantage' in Life: ‘They Have 11 Bathrooms’ (Exclusive) https://t.co/Hn0F8Ds5aZ
- People (@people) December 21, 2024
Ray Romano is reflecting on his kids' upbringing and the impact his fame may have had on it.
He discusses the upcoming documentary 'Romano Twins', which follows his sons Matt and Greg, now 31, as they open up about living at home in their mid-twenties and navigating life with a famous father.
While talking about the difficulty his sons have faced finding a career path, Ray, often thinks about how their lives might have turned out if the family hadn't been in the public eye.
“I sometimes wonder, are we presenting a disadvantage for them by providing them with so much? Necessity is the mother of invention. If they needed to go out and find a passion or find a job, would they do it?”
While he sometimes fears that his sons’ failure to launch might be a result of his fame, Ray looks back at his own trajectory for reassurance. “You look at me and I was living in a house with one bathroom in Queens, and I stayed in that house until I was 29. They have 11 bathrooms, so I’m not expecting them to want to move, but it was a problem for me until I did find a career in stand-up.”
Now both living independently, with Matt married, the twins are working on a movie script with their younger brother Joe, 26. They say their father’s success makes them believe that they, too, can make it.
“I’ve wondered if I would feel the same if my dad wasn’t who he is. I think it would’ve always been a dream, but him being in the business and having connections makes it feel achievable. It is also a testament to how thankful and privileged we are to be in this position, having a dad who has gone from not having the connections to doing it. To know that things are possible, I think that comes from having this upbringing as well.”
Though Ray admits he’s wary of his sons pursuing careers in entertainment. He’s supportive as long as they’re following their passions. “It’s an industry full of failure. You should take your privilege and use that to give yourself the time to find your passion. The river always wins. Persistence.”
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