I was fortunate enough to interview one of the standout characters from the cultural pop-culture phenomenon Fast Times at Ridgemont High—actor Robert Romanus—at The Hollywood Show. He was incredibly personable and gracious and happily agreed to chat about his experiences.
Romanus is perhaps best known for his unforgettable role as ticket scalper Mike Damone in the 1982 classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High, as well as for playing Snake, Natalie Green’s boyfriend on The Facts of Life. Over the years, he has appeared in numerous fan-favorite series, including CHiPs, 21 Jump Street, MacGyver, Will & Grace, and many more.
Dive into our full conversation below and hear his reflections in his own words.
Ruchel: What do you think of The Hollywood Show? This isn’t your first time here, is it?
Robert: I did the show once about ten years ago, and this is my first time back. I’m really impressed, it’s much bigger than I expected. It’s a lot of fun. I get to see so many people I know, and the actors and fans I’ve met have been wonderful. I’m having a great time.
Ruchel: Your character “Mike” became such a memorable part of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. When you first read the script, did you have any idea it would become such a cultural touchstone?
Robert: No—honestly, I don’t think anybody did. For me, I was just really happy. It was a great role, and I was thrilled to get it. But I figured it might just be another summer movie, like Porky’s or something. And then it just… resonated. Forty years later, we’re still talking about it. It’s pretty remarkable.
Ruchel: What was the atmosphere like on set, working with a young cast that included Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Phoebe Cates—before many of them became household names?
Robert: Well, that was the beauty of it—nobody was a household name yet. So there were really no egos. We were all just working hard and having fun. I’d even go down to the set on days I wasn’t filming just to watch the others work. I’d watch Sean and think, “Oh my God, I’ve got to go home and do some homework, because these guys are all so good.”
Ruchel: Do you still keep in touch with them, or not really?
Robert: Not really. When I see them, everything’s great, but I rarely run into them.
Ruchel: Why do you think Fast Times has stood the test of time?
Robert: I think it’s lasted because of the script. Cameron Crowe went back to high school when he was about 22, hung out with the seniors, and didn’t tell them who he was or what he was doing. So the script is really written out of the mouths of the kids themselves—from their own experiences. And that’s why it resonates. No matter the decade, it connects with teenagers.
Ruchel: Do you have advice for people who are entering the business?
Robert: Well, my advice is that you have to love it—you really have to love what you do. Because there’s a lot of heartbreak and pushback. It’s not an easy career path. I like to say it’s a wonderful occupation, but it’s a horrible business.
Chatting with Robert Romanus felt like stepping back into the world of Fast Times. His honesty and down-to-earth nature made the conversation both nostalgic and inspiring. Decades later, his impact—and the film’s legacy—still resonates.
Relive the pop culture memories you grew up with!
Don’t miss the upcoming Hollywood Show, happening October 23–24 at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel.
Meet favorite stars, celebrate classic movies and TV, and enjoy a weekend filled with nostalgia, fandom, and unforgettable pop culture moments.
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel
2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
For details and guest updates: https://www.hollywoodshow.com/default/main
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