Robert Romanus delights fans as he is spotted running errands in Los Angeles decades after his breakout role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Robert Romanus, the actor best known for his role as the charmingly clueless Mike Damone in the 1982 classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High, was seen this week going about a casual grocery run in Los Angeles.

At 69, he looked sprightly and relaxed in jeans, a hoodie, and tortoiseshell sunglasses, showing that the energy he brought to the screen decades ago hasn’t faded.

From Musician to Movie Star

Romanus was born into a Lebanese family in Connecticut but moved to Los Angeles to pursue music.

He worked as a singing waiter, entertaining diners until a patron bluntly suggested, “You should be an actor.” That nudge changed the trajectory of his life.

He enrolled in acting classes, fell in love with the craft, and soon landed his first movie role in the 1980 coming-of-age drama Foxes starring Jodie Foster and directed by Adrian Lyne.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A Breakthrough Role

Three years after Foxes, Romanus auditioned seven times for Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Despite director Amy Heckerling advocating for him, producers weren’t convinced until he finally secured the role of Mike Damone.

The character, a deluded self-styled lothario, offered comic relief while dishing out hilariously bad advice on “the attitude” to attract girls.

Reflecting on the film, Romanus said: “It was beautiful because nobody had any big egos.

All the actors were fairly new… There was no: ‘I am this, I am that, I want a big trailer.’

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It was just: ‘Let’s have some fun.’”

Watching Sean Penn perform inspired Romanus to work harder and grow as an actor, he recalled, “It just made me want to go home and do my homework.”

Television Roles in the 1980s

Following his film success, Romanus found recurring roles on television.

He appeared in Fame, the musical drama about a New York performing arts high school, and had a notable role on the sitcom The Facts of Life, playing Natalie Green’s boyfriend in a storyline that was both funny and culturally memorable.

Continuing a Diverse Career

In the decades since, Romanus has maintained a busy and varied career.

His TV appearances include 21 Jump Street, Weird Science, Will & Grace, Family Guy, Cold Case, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

His film work spans the American Pie franchise with The Book of Love, the parody A Halfway House Christmas, and a nostalgic connection to The Runaways, where he played a guitar teacher alongside Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning — three decades after appearing with the real Cherie Curie in Foxes.

A Career That Bridges Generations

Romanus’ journey reflects a rare ability to connect across generations of film and TV.

From his early days in coming-of-age dramas to modern pop culture touchstones, he has remained relevant while staying grounded.

His recent sighting in Los Angeles reminds fans of the longevity and dedication that have marked his career.

What’s Next?

While Romanus has not announced upcoming projects, his career suggests he could appear in new films, TV series, or streaming projects that value veteran actors with a strong cult following.

Fans might also hope for appearances at nostalgic pop culture events celebrating Fast Times at Ridgemont High or Foxes, where he could share stories from Hollywood’s iconic 1980s era.

Summary

Robert Romanus, 69, famed for his role as Mike Damone in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, was recently spotted in Los Angeles.

Born in Connecticut to a Lebanese family, he initially pursued music before moving into acting with a debut in Foxes (1980).

His career spans film and television, including Fame, The Facts of Life, American Pie Presents: The Book of Love, and The Runaways.

Known for his charm and dedication, Romanus has remained active in entertainment while maintaining a connection to his cult-classic roots.