Ray Romano, the beloved star of Everybody Loves Raymond, has officially entered a new chapter of life as a grandfather. His daughter, Ally Romano, 35, revealed that she and her husband Zachary Wilezol welcomed their first child, a son named Rex Roman Wilezol, on February 25, 2026.
A Joyful Announcement on Social Media
Ally shared the heartwarming news on Instagram, posting a sweet message to mark her son's one-month milestone. "One month with my guy, Rex Roman Wilezol," she wrote. "He (begrudgingly) arrived on 2/25/26 with very long legs, massive hands, a full head of hair and the most perfect lips."
She added that while the start to parenthood wasn't exactly as they imagined, their "strong, very big boy" has shown them a new meaning to love. Ally included emojis of a green heart and green dinosaur, expressing, "He's given us a run for our money, but he's my new bestie and a trooper!"
First Glimpse of Baby Rex
The new mother shared an adorable image of the infant wearing striped blue pajamas on a green blanket, accompanied by a footprint marking his birth date. Ray Romano, 68, who is now a first-time grandfather, was pictured in New York City in 2023, beaming with pride.
Romano's Family and Anticipation
Romano is father to three other children with his wife Anna Romano: twin sons Matthew and Gregory, 33, and youngest son Joseph, 28. The comic-actor, known for roles in films like The Big Sick, The Irishman, and the Ice Age franchise, recently spoke to the Today show about eagerly awaiting grandparenthood.
"We have a little boy coming, and it's our first—and, I hear it's great," Romano said. "I hear it's the best thing in the world because it's like a parent—you get to play with them, and then when they smell, you give them back."
Choosing a Grandfather Nickname
The How to Survive Without Me actor also discussed potential nicknames for his new role. "You know, my father was Papa Al, so I think we're going to try to go with Papa Ray," he explained. "But sometimes it evolves into something else, you know?"
Ally and Zachary's Love Story
Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol tied the knot on September 21, 2024, at the New York Public Library. She previously told People magazine that she "was smitten" after they met three years earlier through acquaintances.
Recalling their first encounter, Ally said, "He spilled martinis all over me and told me I looked like Carmela Soprano," referencing Edie Falco's character on the iconic HBO series The Sopranos. She added with a laugh, "There's more to that story!"
Wilezol proposed on April 14, 2023, after the couple attended the Broadway show Shucked, marking a romantic milestone in their relationship.
Ray Romano's Broadway Debut
In other news, Ray Romano recently made his Broadway debut in the show All Out for a limited three-week run. Speaking to the Today show last month, he described the part as perfect for him.
"Over the years I've been offered a couple of Broadway things," the Queens native said, "and I never really had the courage to do a full play that runs for months. This seemed like the perfect little introduction to Broadway."
As the Romano family celebrates this new addition, fans and well-wishers are sharing in their joy, marking a special moment for the veteran actor and his growing family.
