Hubbry Logo
Michael RomanoffMichael RomanoffMain
Open search
Michael Romanoff
Community hub
Michael Romanoff
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Michael Romanoff
Michael Romanoff
Michael Romanoff
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Harry F. Gerguson (born Hershel Geguzin, February 20, 1890 – September 1, 1971), known as Michael Romanoff, was a Hollywood restaurateur, con man and actor born in Lithuania. He is perhaps best remembered as the owner of the now-defunct Romanoff's, a Beverly Hills restaurant popular with Hollywood stars in the 1940s and 1950s.

Key Information

He claimed to be a member of Russia's royal House of Romanov (sometimes spelled "Romanoff" in English). This was widely known to be untrue throughout his career, but press reports tended to treat the deception as a humorous matter.

Background

[edit]

The New Yorker ran a series of five profiles, starting October 29, 1932, tracing Romanoff's history from birth until date of publication, including his having been deported to France in May of that year to serve time for fraud.

According to U.S.A Confidential (Mortimer and Lait, 1952), though Romanoff pretended to be Russian royalty, he was actually a former Brooklyn pants presser.

Geguzin emigrated to New York City at age 10. He changed his name from Hershel to Harry F. Gerguson some time after 1900 and married Gloria Lister in 1948.

At times, he passed himself off as "Count Gladstone the son of William Gladstone", "Prince Michael Dimitri Alexandrovich Obolensky-Romanoff", nephew of Tsar Nicholas II,[1] William Wellington or Arthur Wellesley.[2]

David Niven devotes a whole chapter in his memoirs to Romanoff/Gerguson. Romanoff tells Niven to remember him to Commando chief Bob Laycock whom he knew at Eton. Niven dismisses this as nonsense, then Gerguson shows Niven a set of hair brushes with the Laycock crest and Niven is chastened. Niven learns that Gerguson took part in a cricket match at Wiseton, Notts (home of the Laycock family) involving a coal mining team. 'What were you doing down a Durham coal mine?' asks Niven. There is also a record of a Harry Gerguson escaping from hospital in 1923 in U.S. immigration files.

Romanoff died of a heart attack in Los Angeles, California, in 1971 aged 81.

Romanoff's restaurant

[edit]

From 1941 to 1951, Romanoff's was located at 326 North Rodeo Drive. In February 1951, the restaurant moved to a new location at 140 South Rodeo Drive.[3]

Romanoff generally snubbed his clientele,[4] and preferred to lunch with his dogs.[1]

KCET’s Hadley Meares writes of the restaurant, which used an elegant monogram consisting of a crown sitting over two capital letter 'R's back to back: "The décor was masculine and clubby with comfortable booths, the dance floor well waxed, the cigarette girls lovely, and the waiters well-trained and Jeeves-like."[5]

While Romanoff's featured a typical country club-style menu with items like Waldorf salad, tomatoes stuffed with crab, filet mignon, frog legs, eggs Benedict and sausages on toast, the restaurant became known for its chocolate soufflés, which were served to each guest in an individual portion.[5] Although Romanoff's restaurant is also known for popularizing the "American version" of the dessert Strawberries Romanoff,[5] it was actually created by Escoffier when he was the chef at the Carlton Hotel in London – where he had originally called it "Strawberries Americaine Style" - strawberries in Grand Marnier, blended into whipped cream and softened ice cream.[6][5]

Noodles Romanoff, which has some similarities to Beef Stroganoff, is a dish made of wide egg noodles, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese that originally appeared at Romanoff's in the mid-1950s, and became a popular menu item often mentioned in Hollywood reporting.[5] Later, after Romanoff's went out of business, the dish was served at Stouffer's Top of the Rock Restaurant in Chicago. When Stouffer's closed that restaurant, the company transferred Noodles Romanoff to its newly formed frozen food grocery division.[7] Soon, various companies' versions of Noodles Romanoff could be purchased in grocery stores for preparation at home. It was a popular side dish on American dinner tables through the 1960s, and recipes for it are available online from Betty Crocker, Creamette, and others.[8][9][10]

The restaurant closed its doors on New Year's Eve 1962.

Romanoff's On The Rocks

[edit]

In 1959, Romanoff's On The Rocks opened in Palm Springs. Paul Whiteman and Red Norvo headed the house band. On The Rocks closed in 1962, and the venue became the Pompeii nightclub, later destroyed by arson.[11]

[edit]

Romanoff is referred to in 1941's Hellzapoppin', the film version of the famous Broadway musical revue. In the film, Mischa Auer plays a "real Russian prince who is pretending to be a fake Russian prince." Although he is penniless, his deception gets him invited to high-society parties, where he can sponge off the guests and gorge himself on the food. He tells a fellow Russian expatriate, "Better that everyone should think I am a fake Russian prince. If they knew I was a real Russian prince, the novelty would wear off, and nobody would want me!"

At an early point in the original 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street, a doctor expresses the opinion that Kris Kringle is of no harm to anyone despite his insistence that he is Santa Claus. In a reference to Romanoff, the doctor compares Kringle to a well-known restaurant owner – whose name escapes him at the moment – who insists that he is a member of the Russian royal family, but is otherwise quite normal.

Romanoff was one of several guest stars on The Jack Benny Program radio show on 8 January 1950. The episode featured Benny and other regular cast members attempting to solve a murder that had taken place at the Romanoff's in Beverly Hills.[12] The episode is perhaps better known for having one of the longest laughs in the history of the series, based on a spoonerism of the name "Drew Pearson", pronounced "Drear Pooson", and quick thinking by the writers to incorporate the flub later in the program without telling Benny.[13]

Romanoff was the guest star on the December 8, 1950, "Selling the Tavern" episode of the Duffy's Tavern radio show.[14] In typical Tavern style, his claims of royalty are roundly mocked and even his small stature is joked about. Romanoff can also be heard as a contestant on the 28 November 1951 radio edition of the Groucho Marx quiz, You Bet Your Life. The television broadcast took place the next day.

In April 1957, the Jayne Mansfield–Sophia Loren photo, was taken at Romanoff's restaurant.[5]

Romanoff's was where the original rat pack—-Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Sid Luft, Judy Garland, Katharine Hepburn and Frank Sinatra—-would congregate, Myrna Loy and her husband celebrated their divorce, and Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons had their infamous reconciliation.[5]

On April 14,1957, he was a mystery guest on the television panel show What's My Line?.[15][16]

In the 1960 film Strangers When We Meet Kirk Douglas and Barbara Rush are seen dining at Romanoff's restaurant.[17] Mike Romanoff himself make an uncredited appearance.

The 1965 cartoon series Roger Ramjet features a recurring villain named Noodles Romanoff.

The exterior of the then-shuttered Romanoff's can be seen in the 1967 Fox film, A Guide for the Married Man. Romanoff himself also plays the maitre'd in a sequence in the film in a studio recreation of the restaurant's interior.

Romanoff appeared in at least 20 other films and television shows playing either himself or acting in bit roles, such as a prince, maitre d', nobleman, or some other type of sophisticated European gentleman.

In 1977, Boz Scaggs' Down Two Then Left's album cover photography by Guy Bourdin features the then-shuttered Romanoff's restaurant[18][19][20][21][22][23]

In his last credited role, Alfred Ryder played Romanoff in the 1980 Humphrey Bogart TV-biopic Bogie.[24]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1937 Sing While You're Able Prince Boris
1938 Fools for Scandal Party Guest Uncredited
1945 Hollywood and Vine Prince Romanoff - Owner of 'Romanoff's'
1947 The Other Love Megaros - Sanitarium Patient Uncredited
1948 Arch of Triumph Capt. Alidze
An Innocent Affair Venetian Room Maitre di'
1950 In a Lonely Place Prince Romanoff Uncredited
1953 Paris Model Prince Romanoff
1960 Strangers When We Meet Prince Romanoff Uncredited
1963 Move Over, Darling Floorwalker Uncredited
1964 Shock Treatment Asylum Patient at Dance Uncredited
Goodbye Charlie Restaurant Patron
1965 Von Ryan's Express Italian Nobleman Uncredited
Do Not Disturb Delegate
1966 The Glass Bottom Boat Husband Uncredited
1967 Caprice Butler
A Guide for the Married Man Romanoff's Maitre'd
Tony Rome Sal Uncredited

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Romanoff

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Romanoff (February 20, 1890 – September 1, 1971) was an American restaurateur, , and notorious impostor who rose to prominence in Hollywood by falsely claiming to be a member of Russia's Romanov , styling himself as Michael Dmitri Obolenski-Romanoff. Born Hershel Geguzin (later anglicized to Harry F. Gerguson) in , , to a Jewish merchant family, Romanoff's father died before his birth, leaving his widowed mother to raise six children amid poverty. At around age 10, he immigrated to circa 1900, where he was soon separated from his family and placed in the city's juvenile welfare system. Deemed an orphan, he was sent via the program first to , in 1904, from which he returned to New York as "incorrigible" by 1907, and later to in 1908 under the Children's Aid Society. Romanoff's early adulthood was marked by a series of elaborate cons across the and , where he adopted multiple false identities, including as an student and a German , leading to several arrests and jail terms between 1908 and 1922. By the , he had settled into his most famous as a Russian noble exiled after the Bolshevik Revolution, charming New York high society with his fabricated tales and impeccable manners despite lacking any verifiable royal ties. His imposture was exposed in the late , yet he persisted, even appearing on Broadway in the 1934 musical Say When alongside . In 1939, Romanoff leveraged his celebrity connections to open his eponymous restaurant on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, which quickly became a glamorous hotspot for Hollywood's elite, including Clark Gable, David Niven, and Joseph Cotten, as well as politicians and socialites. Known for its opulent decor, high prices, and Romanoff's witty banter—earning him the moniker "the most wonderful liar" from Life magazine—the venue epitomized mid-century glamour until its relocation in 1951 and eventual closure in 1962 due to financial difficulties. He expanded to additional outposts in Palm Springs and San Francisco, while also making cameo appearances in over a dozen films, further cementing his status as a colorful fixture in entertainment history. Romanoff died of at Good Samaritan Hospital in Hollywood at age 81, leaving behind a legacy as a self-made bon vivant whose blend of deception and charisma captivated American society for decades.

Early Life

Birth and Lithuanian Origins

Michael Romanoff was born Hershel Geguzin in 1890 in a Jewish village in , which was then part of the . He came from a modest Jewish family, but his father had passed away before his birth, leaving his mother widowed and tasked with raising six children, including the infant Hershel. By the late 1890s, escalating economic hardships and the threat of pogroms—organized anti-Jewish riots that terrorized communities across the —contributed to the broader wave of Jewish migration from the region, driven by oppression and the search for opportunity abroad. These humble Lithuanian roots starkly contrasted with the aristocratic Russian prince persona Romanoff later adopted in America.

Emigration and Early American Years

Circa 1900, at around age 10, Harry Gerguson—born Hershel Geguzin on February 20, 1890, in , , to a Jewish merchant family—immigrated to the with a family member amid the mass exodus of Eastern European Jews seeking escape from poverty and . He was separated from his family soon after arrival and placed in New York City's juvenile welfare system. They settled initially in the overcrowded tenements of New York City's Lower East Side, where the family endured extreme poverty. Orphaned in the sense of being separated and deemed an orphan by authorities, Harry was cared for briefly by the family's former servant, Mrs. Ferguson, whose surname he adopted around 1900, anglicizing it to Harry F. Gerguson to facilitate assimilation in American society—a common strategy among immigrants to evade . These tragedies thrust the young boy into survival mode; by age eight, he cycled through at least six institutions, including the New York Juvenile Asylum, as authorities sought placements for destitute immigrant children. He briefly lived with an uncle at 28 Monroe Street but frequently ran away, resorting to sleeping in churchyards and engaging in petty deceptions to secure food and shelter, which honed his early resourcefulness. To contribute to his upkeep, Gerguson took on menial jobs typical for child laborers in the immigrant enclaves, such as selling newspapers as a newsboy, working in factories, and making buttonholes in sweatshops. In 1903, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children intervened, leading to his placement on an in 1904, which relocated him to , for fostering with local families—though these arrangements proved short-lived due to his restless independence. The instability of these years, marked by familial separation and institutional upheaval, instilled in Gerguson a pragmatic adaptability and initial reliance on fabrication for basic needs, setting the stage for his later without yet venturing into elaborate schemes.

Impostor Career

Adoption of Romanoff Identity

Michael Romanoff, originally born Harry F. Gerguson in Lithuania around 1890, transitioned to his fabricated royal identity in the early 1920s after years of modest existence in the United States, adopting the elaborate name "Prince Michael Dimitri Alexandrovich Obolensky-Romanoff" to evoke the mystique of the fallen Russian imperial family. This persona emerged in 1922 in New York City, shortly after the 1917 Russian Revolution and the execution of the Romanov dynasty, capitalizing on the global fascination with surviving Russian nobility and the influx of genuine White Russian émigrés. The core elements of Romanoff's assumed identity included a cultivated British accent—honed during his time in starting around 1915—an impeccably tailored wardrobe featuring a and formal attire, and a self-taught of , , and that lent credibility to his claims. He fabricated a backstory as a cousin of Nicholas II and the morganatic son of Alexander III, asserting that he had narrowly escaped Bolshevik execution attempts in by fleeing into , blending verifiable historical events like the Romanov family's demise with invented personal details. This narrative positioned him as one of the last living Romanovs, a claim that resonated amid the era's rumors of surviving heirs. Romanoff's early validations of this persona relied on his charm and persuasive storytelling to infiltrate , beginning with small-scale deceptions that built his confidence. In 1923, Romanoff returned to his former hometown of —where he had once lived as Harry Ferguson—transformed with his Oxford accent and princely attire, but locals recognized and exposed him as the former orphan despite his guise. Such encounters highlighted the risks of his deceptions even in familiar places. Such maneuvers allowed him to dine on credit at elite clubs in New York and secure introductions among the wealthy, establishing the Romanoff identity as a viable tool for social elevation before broader applications.

Pre-Hollywood Cons and Travels

During the and , Michael Romanoff led an itinerant life as a professional impostor, using his fabricated identity as a Russian prince to secure free lodging, meals, and loans across the and without steady employment for over two decades. He traveled extensively by between cities, accumulating an enormous fount of knowledge from his varied encounters in high society and everyday survival. This period of deception honed his ability to navigate elite circles, where he presented himself as the nephew or cousin of the last Russian czar, leveraging post-revolutionary sympathy for displaced nobility. In New York, Romanoff arrived in 1922 and quickly infiltrated salons and speakeasies, posing as Prince Michael Romanoff to authenticate or debunk rival royal pretenders while obtaining loans and brokering art sales for Fifth Avenue dealers—often pocketing the proceeds himself. His imposture gained widespread attention but was publicly exposed in 1928 by The New York World, though Romanoff continued his deceptions undeterred. After a detention at Ellis Island for overplaying his noble status, he switched to the alias Prince Obolensky, granting a sympathetic newspaper interview to evade deportation by stowing away on a ferry to Manhattan. His cons there included passing bad checks, leading to arrests and months in The Tombs prison, though he continued to charm his way into social acceptance. Romanoff's European exploits featured brief stays in and , where he claimed diplomatic ties to royalty and promised investors shares in hidden Russian treasures from Leningrad to secure small loans and lavish accommodations at places like the Ritz. In , he had earlier impersonated aristocrat Willoughby de , hosting unaffordable parties and facing multiple arrests for , including a jail term during and an expulsion order in 1921; French police similarly classified him as a habitual escroquer for petty swindles and , resulting in a six-month . Midwest swindles involved fake investments and art deals in cities like St. Paul—where he was feted by railroad and lumber magnates—Wichita, , and Kansas City, including a brief stint as a department store floorwalker in Wichita that ended in for . While attending Harvard Graduate School in 1923 under false pretenses of an education, he ran up unpaid bills, such as a $257 with a local bootmaker, before expulsion. Throughout these years, Romanoff evaded prolonged consequences through his eloquent storytelling, impeccable etiquette, and an adopted accent that lent credibility to his tales, often securing releases from authorities due to charm or insufficient evidence. Arrests for fraud occurred sporadically, including in in the early 1930s for stowing away and , but he successfully contested deportations, prolonging his peripatetic career across the U.S. and until his first trip to Hollywood in 1927, after which he increasingly focused on while continuing deceptions elsewhere.

Hollywood Ascendancy

Social Integration in Entertainment

In the late 1930s, Michael Romanoff arrived in , drawn by the allure of the burgeoning and seeking a new chapter after years of peripatetic cons across the and Europe. Driving an old Ford convertible from New York in the autumn of 1936, he initially supported himself through odd jobs, including bit parts as an extra on film sets and sporadic work as a historical for productions requiring expertise on Russian or European —a role he embellished with his fabricated royal persona. His early days involved hustling at the Clover Club casino on Sunset Boulevard, where he charmed patrons with tales of imperial lineage, gradually building a network among Hollywood's fringes. Romanoff's ascent as a accelerated through persistent networking at lavish parties and informal gatherings, where his eccentric charm and worldly anecdotes—drawn from his pre-Hollywood travels—captivated attendees despite whispers of his imposture. He frequently crashed high-profile events, such as movie premieres, arriving uninvited but disarming hosts with impeccable manners and self-assured bonhomie, which often secured him invitations to subsequent soirées. By hosting his own modest salons in rented spaces or friends' homes, he cultivated a reputation as an enigmatic bon vivant, fostering relationships with emerging stars and industry insiders who overlooked his dubious for the entertainment he provided. Key among his connections were friendships with and , both of whom embraced Romanoff's flamboyance and included him in their inner circles, including the informal "Holmby Hills "—a group of actors and entertainers known for late-night revelries and mutual support in the competitive Hollywood milieu. Niven, in particular, recalled Romanoff's infectious wit and loyalty, describing him as a fixture at gatherings where he dispensed mock "royal etiquette" advice, such as proper toasting protocols or navigating social , which endeared him to the group's more straitlaced members. These ties granted him entrées to major studios, where his counsel on aristocratic customs occasionally informed script details or set designs. A pivotal moment came in the early 1940s when Romanoff was introduced to producer through mutual acquaintances in Beverly Hills social scenes, leading to Zanuck's sponsorship and minor advisory consultations on films evoking European nobility. Despite the industry's awareness of his fabricated identity—exposed publicly as early as the —Zanuck and others valued Romanoff's affable discretion and cultural flair, solidifying his acceptance among Hollywood's elite and paving the way for greater influence. This integration, built on rather than credentials, exemplified Romanoff's unique navigation of Tinseltown's blend of and spectacle.

Establishment of Romanoff's Restaurant

In December 1940, Michael Romanoff established his eponymous restaurant at 326 North in , transforming his social connections into a viable business venture. With an initial investment of $7,500 borrowed from celebrity friends—including , Darryl Zanuck, ($350), (350),[CharlieChaplin](/page/CharlieChaplin)(350), [Charlie Chaplin](/page/Charlie_Chaplin) (250), , ($200), and others—the enterprise opened as a glamorous dining spot amid the early era's rising Hollywood elite. Designed by architect Douglas Honnold, the venue quickly became a symbol of continental cuisine and exclusivity, drawing regular patrons such as , who reserved a permanent table, and , who frequented it as a social hub. Romanoff's specialized in upscale continental fare, with signature dishes including Chicken Romanoff—a preparation of diced, simmered cold boiled chicken breast served in a creamy sauce—and Noodles Romanoff, featuring egg noodles in a rich and cheese blend that became enduringly popular. The restaurant's allure stemmed from its celebrity clientele, which encompassed stars like , , and , turning it into a must-visit landmark for Hollywood's during the and . Romanoff himself managed the operations with a flamboyant personal touch, often appearing in a tuxedo as the impeccable host while enforcing strict etiquette; he was known for snubbing even famous guests, which added to the venue's mystique. Annual New Year's Eve parties at Romanoff's evolved into legendary social events, attracting the entertainment industry's elite and reinforcing its status as a post-war emblem of glamour and sophistication. In 1951, seeking greater stability, Romanoff relocated the restaurant to a newly constructed building at 140 South , also designed by Honnold, which allowed ownership of the property and sustained its operations for another decade. The establishment thrived financially and epitomizing Hollywood's golden age until its final closure on 1962, marking the end of an era as changing tastes diminished its draw.

Later Business Ventures

Opening of Romanoff's On The Rocks

In the , Michael Romanoff expanded his culinary empire with a location in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, which operated as an upscale outpost but struggled with profitability and closed around 1962. In 1959, Michael Romanoff expanded his culinary empire by opening Romanoff's On The Rocks in Cathedral City, near , along Highway 111, as a more casual extension of his renowned Beverly Hills establishment. This desert outpost was designed to appeal to vacationing Hollywood elite during the burgeoning scene, offering a relaxed atmosphere themed around the casual phrase "on the rocks" to contrast the formal elegance of the original restaurant, which provided the financial foundation for this venture. The venue featured live entertainment and functioned as a supper club, drawing prominent figures from the entertainment world for social gatherings and parties. It became a favored spot for members of the Rat Pack, including Frank Sinatra, who visited regularly, as well as Lauren Bacall, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., who enjoyed its vibrant, celebrity-filled ambiance. Despite its initial allure, Romanoff's On The Rocks faced significant challenges from escalating operational costs and stiff competition from established local clubs in the Palm Springs area, leading to its short-lived operation. The restaurant ran only until 1962, after which the space was repurposed as the Pompeii nightclub.

Decline and Closures

By the late 1950s, Romanoff's flagship restaurant in Beverly Hills began experiencing a noticeable decline in patronage following the death of in 1957, a key regular whose absence contributed to reduced celebrity traffic. This shift was exacerbated by broader financial pressures in the , including rising operational costs and a crackdown on expense accounts through 1962 tax law changes, which curtailed business entertainment deductions and led to decreased spending at high-end venues like Romanoff's. Additionally, evolving dining tastes among younger Hollywood stars favored more casual and less formal establishments over the restaurant's elegant, old-guard ambiance, further eroding its appeal. These challenges culminated in the closure of the main Romanoff's on December 31, 1962, after a final dinner that served as an emotional farewell, drawing members of the Hollywood elite for one last gathering at the iconic spot. Michael Romanoff, then over 70 and citing personal fatigue from engaging with changing industry dynamics, opted to retire, selling the property in 1963 to settle debts; the building was subsequently demolished in 1964 for an office complex. The expansion venture, Romanoff's On The Rocks in Palm Springs, which had opened in 1959, also shuttered in 1962 amid similar low profitability and waning popularity, effectively ending Romanoff's era of growth. The site was repurposed as a called Pompeii after the 1962 closure and was ultimately destroyed by in 1993.

Entertainment Contributions

Acting Roles

Michael Romanoff's acting career spanned over three decades, with more than 20 credits listed on from 1937 to 1968, many of them uncredited bit parts that capitalized on his cultivated image of European aristocracy. He made his screen debut in the 1937 musical comedy Sing While You're Able, portraying Prince Boris in a role that mirrored his self-proclaimed royal persona. Throughout his , Romanoff frequently appeared in small roles that required poise and sophistication, often without drawing significant attention but contributing to the ambiance of high-society scenes. Typecast as princes, noblemen, or maitre d's, Romanoff's performances drew directly from his notorious background as a "professional impostor," allowing him to infuse authenticity into characters of refined demeanor. Notable examples include his portrayal of Prince Romanoff, the owner of the fictionalized 'Romanoff's' eatery, in the 1945 comedy . These roles, typically lasting mere minutes on screen, underscored his niche in evoking old-world luxury without demanding dramatic range. Romanoff secured many of these opportunities through his extensive Hollywood social network, which included friendships with stars like and , enabling cameos in major productions from studios such as and His bit parts often added to period dramas and comedies set in elite environments, such as his uncredited appearance as Prince Romanoff in the 1950 In a Lonely Place. According to records, Romanoff amassed a total of 22 acting credits, with the majority concentrated in the and —a period that coincided with the height of his fame as the proprietor of Romanoff's restaurant, further blurring the lines between his public persona and on-screen characters.

Film and Media Appearances

Michael Romanoff made several cameo appearances in films, often portraying himself or a character inspired by his royal , which added a layer of authenticity to Hollywood's glamorous narratives. In the 1960 drama Strangers When We Meet, directed by , Romanoff appeared uncredited as Prince Romanoff, a role that subtly nodded to his identity and social standing among the elite. His brief on-screen presence in such productions capitalized on his as an aristocratic figure, blending his real-life mystique with cinematic flair. Romanoff was also referenced in notable films that playfully alluded to his fabricated nobility. The 1941 musical comedy Hellzapoppin', a of the popular Broadway , includes a character portrayed by as a "real Russian prince," widely interpreted as a satirical nod to Romanoff's as a supposed Romanov descendant. Similarly, in the 1947 holiday classic , a doctor's line dismissing Kris Kringle's harmless delusions references Romanoff directly, highlighting his reputation as a charming impostor in Hollywood circles during the era. Beyond films, Romanoff extended his entertainment footprint into television and radio, where his engaging stories of royal escapades captivated audiences. He appeared as a mystery guest on the CBS panel show What's My Line? on April 14, 1957, where panelists Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis, and others guessed his occupation as the owner of a famous Hollywood restaurant, showcasing his celebrity status. On radio, Romanoff was a frequent guest, touting his elaborate tales in interviews; for instance, he joined Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on their variety program on September 14, 1947, entertaining listeners with anecdotes from his purported aristocratic background, and appeared on The Hedda Hopper Show on February 4, 1951, discussing Hollywood gossip. These media spots reinforced his influence on parody characters in entertainment, as his larger-than-life image inspired humorous depictions of faux nobility in subsequent productions.

Personal Life and Death

Marriages and Family

Michael Romanoff's personal life was marked by a series of romantic entanglements shaped by his nomadic and impostor existence, though records confirm only one formal . Throughout the and , as he drifted across and America under various aliases, Romanoff engaged in short-lived unions with socialites and acquaintances, often leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake due to his peripatetic lifestyle and fabricated personas. In 1948, at the age of 58, Romanoff married Gloria Lister, his 27-year-old business manager and former bookkeeper, in a ceremony in , on July 13. Lister had joined Romanoff's staff in 1945, initially handling finances during its early challenges, and her sharp acumen proved instrumental in stabilizing the venture amid Hollywood's competitive dining scene. Their union enhanced Romanoff's image as a charismatic "prince consort" within elite social circles, blending his self-styled nobility with Lister's poised support, which helped cement his acceptance among stars and moguls. The couple had no confirmed children, and their marriage endured until Romanoff's death, though it was tested by the ongoing of his fabricated background. Lister remained a steadfast partner through the restaurant's peak and subsequent declines, managing operations as financial pressures mounted in the 1960s. Romanoff and Lister resided in a Beverly Hills home that served as a private hub for intimate gatherings with Hollywood friends, reflecting a more settled phase after years of instability. Despite his earlier romantic indiscretions with prominent women, the marriage provided a foundation of loyalty, even as Romanoff's health began to falter with emerging cardiac concerns in the mid-1960s, coinciding with business setbacks that strained family stability.

Final Years and Passing

Following the closure of his restaurants in 1962, Michael Romanoff retired to his Beverly Hills home, where he spent his remaining years in elegant and contented seclusion with his wife, Gloria. He made occasional media appearances, including bit roles on television shows such as Julia in 1969 and Nanny and the Professor in 1971, often playing characters like a maitre d' that echoed his public persona. These engagements, along with residuals from his earlier acting work in films and television, contributed to his financial stability after the end of his restaurant ventures. In his later years, Romanoff's health declined due to ongoing heart issues, leading him to live more quietly while reflecting on his colorful career as a and Hollywood fixture. On September 1, 1971, he suffered a fatal heart attack while shopping at a Beverly Hills bookstore and was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in , where he died at the age of 81. No formal was held, though a memorial service was planned on the West Coast and attended by many of his Hollywood friends, including celebrities who had frequented his establishments over the decades. Romanoff was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at sea. His estate was valued modestly, reflecting a life of past extravagance tempered by later simplicity.

Legacy

Cultural and Culinary Influence

Michael Romanoff's culinary legacy is most prominently embodied in signature dishes from his Beverly Hills restaurant, such as Noodles Romanoff, a creamy baked pasta made with egg noodles, sour cream, cottage cheese, and Parmesan, which became a national sensation in the mid-20th century. This dish, along with others like Strawberries Romanoff—fresh berries macerated in liqueurs and served with whipped cream and ice cream—exemplified the opulent, French-inspired fare that drew Hollywood's elite and helped establish Romanoff's as a benchmark for upscale, celebrity-centric dining. By blending high-end cuisine with theatrical presentation, Romanoff influenced the culture of exclusive eateries, paving the way for modern steakhouses and fine-dining spots that prioritize glamour and star power over mere sustenance. Beyond the kitchen, Romanoff epitomized the glamour of and Hollywood, transforming his restaurant into a social nexus where informal gatherings fostered the era's relaxed yet elite networking. As an associate of the original Holmby Hills —alongside , , and later —he hosted their lunches and outings, shaping the archetype of casual Hollywood socializing amid luxury. His flamboyant persona as a Russian added a layer of faux-royalty that permeated pop culture, embedding the allure of fabricated into the fabric of celebrity lore. Romanoff's enduring symbols persist in the transformation of his original 326 N. Rodeo Drive site into a Saint Laurent boutique amid Rodeo Drive's luxury retail landscape, a nod to its role in elevating Beverly Hills as a global symbol of affluence. Recipes from the , including Noodles Romanoff, continued to appear in 1970s cookbooks like Betty Crocker's Dinner in a Dish, ensuring their place in American home cooking and perpetuating Romanoff's influence on mid-century culinary trends. Michael Romanoff's life as a Russian prince and Hollywood restaurateur has inspired several posthumous portrayals in media, often highlighting his impostor persona and social ascent. In 1997, author Jane Pejsa published Romanoff: Prince of Rogues: The Life and Times of a Hollywood Icon, a biography that chronicles his transformation from Lithuanian immigrant Hershel Geguzin to a celebrated figure in Beverly Hills society, drawing on interviews and archival materials to explore his cons and charisma. A 2002 retrospective in the revisited Romanoff's legacy, dubbing him the "Prince of Beverly Hills" and recounting his daily routines with pet bulldogs and celebrity patronage at Romanoff's restaurant, based on historical accounts of his flamboyant lifestyle. In television, the 2018 Amazon anthology series , created by , features an episode titled "The Royal We" where portrays a character named Michael Romanoff, a man convinced of his Romanov descent amid a failing and , explicitly nodding to the real Romanoff's fabricated and Hollywood ties. Recent podcasts have revived interest in Romanoff as an of the charming impostor. The 2025 episode "Prince Michael Romanoff: The High Prince of Hollywood" from Wondery's Scamfluencers series details his origins, grifts, and empire, framing his story as a in reinvention for modern audiences. Similarly, a 2020 episode of the L.A. Meekly podcast examines his Beverly Hills reign through historical anecdotes, emphasizing his role in .

References

  1. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-25-me-then25-story.html
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/02/archives/michael-romanoff-the-prince-and-restaurant-owner-dead.html
  3. https://orphantraindepot.org/the-mysterious-beginnings-of-orphan-train-historys-most-famous-con-man-harry-gerguson-or-prince-michael-romanoff/
  4. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1932/10/29/the-education-of-a-prince-i
  5. https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/wp-content/uploads/satevepost/the_downfall_of_prince_mike.pdf
  6. https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2010/06/royal-deceivers/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0738985/bio/
  8. https://mikedashhistory.com/2010/12/31/a-russian-prince-on-a-wichita-road-gang/
  9. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rat-Pack
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1971/09/03/archives/friends-of-michael-romanoff-plan-coast-memorial-service-prince-nnd.html
  11. https://www.beverlyhills.org/DocumentCenter/View/5287/Number-10-Report-PDF
  12. https://www.thesupersonic.blackbird.xyz/p/it-didnt-happen-by-accident-las-original
  13. https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/2010/03/09/restaurant-ing-with-royalty/
  14. https://rwcn-idwiki-2.restaurantwarecollectors.com/content/romanoffs-san-francisco-ca-2/
  15. https://www.palmspringslife.com/arts-culture/in-the-swing/
  16. https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2019/07/06/mike-romanoffs-rocks-fit-hollywood-palm-springs-royalty/1661409001/
  17. https://visitpalmsprings.com/blog/post/architects-that-built-palm-springs-a-quincy-jones/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0738985/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029566/
  20. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/michael_romanoff
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037786/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054345/fullcredits/
  23. https://www.classicmoviehub.com/facts-and-trivia/film/hellzapoppin-1941/
  24. https://www.classicmoviehub.com/facts-and-trivia/film/miracle-on-34th-street-1947/page/2/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0746559/
  26. https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/variety/edgar-bergen-and-charlie-mccarthy/michael-romanoff-guest-1947-09-14
  27. https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/gossip/the-hedda-hopper-show/guest-mike-romanoff-1951-02-04
  28. https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/GDX2-MNR/gloria-lister-1921-2013
  29. https://time.com/archive/6608786/personality-jun-9-1952/
  30. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/377250817/
  31. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6816958/michael-romanoff
  32. https://www.thetakeout.com/1867180/the-romanoff-restaurant-california-local
  33. https://www.rubylane.com/item/155181-RL-06088/VAC-Betty-Crocker%25E2%2580%2599s-1970-Dinner-Dish
  34. https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/Romanoff-Prince-Rogues-Life-Times-Hollywood-Icon/17556822944/bd
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6599482/
  36. https://wondery.com/shows/scamfluencers/episode/10539-prince-michael-romanoff-the-high-prince-of-hollywood/
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9m3EXI8oto
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.