Like “Everybody Loves Raymond,” the film is based at least in part on Romano’s life.
But Romano himself did not agree.
“I fought it to the last minute,” he toldVariety.
“I’d never done it,” he explained.
“And who am I?
Will the cast even respect what I have to say?
In addition, I didn’t know lenses from a shutter from whatever.”
It was Romano’s agent who convinced him to take on the challenge.
Though Romano eventually took that advice, he wasn’t pleased that his agent talked him into doing it.
“He twisted my arm and I finally said yes,” Romano stated.
Still, it took time for Romano’s hesitancy to dissipate.
“I go, ‘I can’t do it, can’t do this.
“By day three, I’m not joking.
Romano’s reluctance to direct reveals his humility, as does his stand-up comedy.
Many describe Romano as self-deprecating on and off stage, and the last to toot his own horn.
He once joked about this part of himself toVanity Fair.
