Actor and comedian Ray Romano and his longtime manager and executive producer Rory Rosegarten made history on November 5, becoming the first inductees in the entertainment category of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF).
The evening began with LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo welcoming guests and reflecting on the organization’s expansion beyond music. He highlighted the success of the Everybody Loves Raymond – Celebrating 30 Years exhibition and the Hall of Fame’s continued commitment to celebrating Long Island talent.
Opening the entertainment portion of the evening was Long Island comedian Paul Anthony, who warmed up the crowd with a stand-up comedy performance. He was followed by the LIMEHOF Orchestra, led by music director Jack Licitra and featuring emerging artist Albert Liu. The musical performance included selections associated with Everybody Loves Raymond, songs by Chicago, one of Romano’s favorite bands, an original composition by Lou, and music by Earth, Wind & Fire.
Following the performances, Canadeo returned to induct Rosegarten, recognizing his more than four decades in show business and his role in helping build Romano’s career. He also praised Rosegarten’s contributions to the Hall of Fame’s Everybody Loves Raymond exhibition, which features a 70-foot set transported from Los Angeles.
Accepting the honor, Rosegarten joked about joining legendary musicians such as Billy Joel, Joan Jett, and KISS.
“We are indeed the first inductees who cannot play a single note,” he said.
Rosegarten reflected on his early career, from interviewing celebrities as a teenager to discovering Ray Romano at a New York comedy competition in the late 1980s.
“I fell in love with his comedy. I thought he was brilliant,” Rosegarten recalled. “I had no idea that he would become such a huge star.”
Rosegarten then took the stage to induct Romano, focusing on their 40-year friendship rather than his television accomplishments. One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when he recalled suffering a stroke in 2013. Romano visited him at home and reassured him, “You have a job for life. Just get better.”
“The world got to know the comedian. I got to know the guy,” Rosegarten said before welcoming Romano to the stage.
Romano accepted the honor with his trademark self-deprecating humor, crediting luck, family, and the people around him for his success. He shared behind-the-scenes stories about Everybody Loves Raymond, including the casting of Patricia Heaton and Brad Garrett and how creator Phil Rosenthal became involved with the series.
He also recalled being fired from the sitcom NewsRadio after just two days, with Rosegarten helping him through the disappointment. Months later, an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman helped launch the career that eventually led to Everybody Loves Raymond.
“We couldn’t have got here without each other,” Romano told Rosegarten.
Romano concluded with a heartfelt tribute to his wife of 39 years, Anna, thanking her for keeping him grounded throughout his career.
“Thank you for giving me another opportunity to tell my wife I love her,” he said.
The ceremony marked a new chapter for LIMEHOF while celebrating two longtime friends whose partnership helped create one of television’s most beloved sitcoms.
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