On September 19, 2024, Google honored Emerson Romero, a Cuban-American silent film actor and activist, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Born on August 19, 1900, Emerson Irving Romero rose to fame as an actor in the silent film era who played a crucial role in adapting films for audiences with hearing impairment.
And a bonus for #DisabilityPrideMonth:
— Jaipreet Virdi (@jaivirdi) July 14, 2021
A 1955 photograph of Emerson Romero with his wife Connie, and his cousin Cesar Romero, aka TV's Joker ! https://t.co/EJmFDlpcFe pic.twitter.com/iTbH8Gfx7H
When sound films, aka Talkies, became the new hype in 1927, he stepped in. He started the Theatre Guild of the Deaf in New York City and advocated for film subtitles so it was accessible to everyone, including people with hearing impairment.
Now, with Google honoring him, his efforts and accomplishments are getting global recognition, increasing curiosity amongst netizens about his personal life, wife, kids, and family.
Emerson Romero was a devoted father to his kids, Rod and Dorene!
In 1936, Emerson Romero fell in love with his wife, Emma ‘Connie’ Corneliussen, through his involvement with the Theatre Guild of the Deaf, and they got married just a year later.
The newlywed settled in the Queens neighborhoods of Woodside and Woodhaven at first but later moved to 29 Cedar Avenue in Farmingdale.
Emerson Romero and his wife Emma welcomed two kids, a son named Rod and a daughter named Dorene. As Emerson’s hearing impairment was not genetic, his children had normal hearing.
Unlike their parents, Rod and Dorene pursued an academic career instead of working in the entertainment industry, and Emerson was very supportive of their choices.
And a bonus for #DisabilityPrideMonth:
— Jaipreet Virdi (@jaivirdi) July 14, 2021
A 1955 photograph of Emerson Romero with his wife Connie, and his cousin Cesar Romero, aka TV's Joker ! https://t.co/EJmFDlpcFe pic.twitter.com/iTbH8Gfx7H
Rod attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology and got his master’s degree in electrical engineering. Likewise, Dorene obtained her degree from the renowned Sorbonne in Paris.
Later in his twilight days, Emerson Romero retired and relocated to Boulder, Colorado, to stay close to his kids, who had moved there with their respective families.
On October 16, 1972, Emerson Romero took his last breath, leaving behind his philanthropic legacy.
Additional Information
- When Emerson Romero was six years old, he lost his hearing due to a fever caused by whooping cough. After that, he attended Wright Oral School in New York City, where he received specialized education.
- His wife, Emma ‘Connie’ Corneliussen, is a graduate of the Minnesota School for the Deaf and Gallaudet College and used to teach handicrafts and gymnastics at the New York School.
- Emerson Romero is a cousin of movie star César Romero, who is famous for his role as Joke for TV’s Batman.
