I got to meet Cesar Romero at the Golden Boot Awards Banquet in Santa Monica in 1991. It was a great pleasure for me as he had been my mom’s favorite actor since the 1930’s, and I heard about him every time he performed in another movie or on television. A big, handsome man, he played everything from Latin lovers to the Cisko Kid to the Joker in a Batman movie.

After the dinner and awards ceremony at the Golden Boot, the celebrities were still standing around the hall and visiting with anyone who approached them. I heard a lady say that Cesar Romero and Celeste Holm were just leaving. I went outside to the curb where people were waiting for the valets to bring them their cars. Sure enough, Cesar Romero was standing there alone while Celeste Holm, the Academy Award winning actress, was visiting with a group of ladies.

When I met Cesar Romero, he was 84 years old, but looked more like 60. He was still handsome, stood tall, and still had a sparkle in his eye. He was fun to talk with. When I told him he had been my mom’s favorite actor, he just responded with, “That’s a nice thing to say.” It was a few minutes I really enjoyed and knew that Mom would have enjoyed also. I didn’t get to meet Ms. Holms as she was tied up with the ladies until they left.

Dave Thomas

10/26/2023