Who Is Anna Romano? All About Ray Romano’s Real-Life Wife

Ray Romano, the beloved star of Everybody Loves Raymond, has been married to Anna Romano (née Scarpulla) since 1987. Their enduring relationship has been a testament to love, resilience, and shared values. Let’s delve into Anna’s life, her background, and her journey alongside Ray.

Early Life and Background

Born on February 24, 1963, Anna Scarpulla hails from New York City. Raised in a family with Italian roots, she shares her heritage with Ray, whose own ancestors emigrated from a small town in Sicily. In 2019, the Romanos visited Anna’s ancestral hometown in Sicily, bringing along 13 relatives to connect with their heritage .

How Anna and Ray Met

Anna and Ray’s love story began in the early 1980s when they both worked at the Williamsburg Savings Bank in Brooklyn. Ray, then pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, was still living with his parents and not yet a household name. Despite his humble beginnings, Anna saw something special in him. They started dating in 1985 and married two years later, in 1987 .

Family Life and Children

Anna and Ray are proud parents to four children:

• Alexandra “Ally” Romano (born 1990): The eldest, Ally has dabbled in acting, with appearances on her father’s show and in the Ice Age franchise. She currently works as a marketing director and got engaged in 2023 .

• Matthew and Gregory Romano (born 1993): The twins have both ventured into the entertainment industry, working on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and creating a documentary. Matthew married Erica Jane in 2024 .

• Joseph Romano (born 1998): The youngest, Joseph, was a standout basketball player in high school and inspired part of Ray’s film Somewhere in Queens .

Anna’s Battle with Breast Cancer

In 2010, Anna was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and has since made a full recovery. This experience led her and Ray to become advocates for cancer awareness, supporting organizations like the American-Italian Cancer Foundation and the Saban Free Clinic .

A Private Life Away from the Spotlight

Unlike many celebrity spouses, Anna prefers to stay out of the limelight. She has no interest in the entertainment industry and doesn’t seek attention. Ray has often credited her grounded nature as a key factor in their successful marriage .

Shared Values and Philanthropy

Beyond their personal lives, Anna and Ray share a commitment to giving back. Their philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting cancer patients and survivors, reflect their shared values and desire to make a positive impact on their communities .

Anna’s Influence on Ray’s Work

Ray often draws inspiration from his family life in his work. His character’s daughter on Everybody Loves Raymond was named after his real-life daughter, Alexandra. Additionally, elements of Anna’s breast cancer journey were incorporated into Ray’s film Somewhere in Queens, showcasing their shared experiences .

A Lasting Partnership

Anna and Ray’s 37-year marriage stands as a testament to their enduring love and mutual respect. Their ability to navigate the challenges of life together, while maintaining a strong family unit, serves as an inspiration to many.

Conclusion

Anna Romano may not seek the spotlight, but her life and partnership with Ray have been integral to his journey. From their humble beginnings to their shared triumphs and challenges, Anna’s presence has been a steadying force in Ray’s life. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, resilience, and shared values.

FAQs

1. How did Anna and Ray Romano meet?
They met while working at the Williamsburg Savings Bank in Brooklyn in the early 1980s.

2. How long have Anna and Ray been married?
They have been married since 1987, celebrating over three decades together.

3. What is Anna Romano’s profession?
Anna is a stay-at-home mom who raised their four children while Ray pursued his career.

4. Has Anna Romano been involved in any public health initiatives?
Yes, after her battle with breast cancer, Anna became an advocate for cancer awareness and supports related organizations.

5. Does Anna Romano participate in Ray’s entertainment projects?
Anna prefers to stay out of the entertainment industry and maintains a private life away from the spotlight.