Los Angeles, California (LAX) isn’t just one of our largest ground handling operations, it’s also home to Hollywood, the heart of the American film and entertainment industry. Among our dedicated team is Ryan Romanes, an Envoy Fleet Service Clerk who cultivates his talents beyond the workplace. When he’s not pushing back planes, scanning bags and wing-walking, Ryan shines on the big screen, showcasing his acting skills in various film and television productions. His journey into acting is a testament to the pursuit of passion and creativity, reminding us all that our dreams can take flight, no matter where we are.
Dual Paths
Ryan, who was also a musician, learned about Envoy through his bandmate, who was already part of the team. He decided to join Envoy over ten years ago and says, “I feel like working on the ramp is where the action is. Getting to interact with the aircraft is one of my favorite things to do. If someone is looking to join Envoy as a Fleet Service Clerk, I’d tell them to make sure they are physically ready because the job entails working in all weather conditions.”
Ryan (pictured left) played the bass player in the Netflix series The Brothers Sun, alongside actor Russell Wong (right).
Acting on Passion and Finding the Right Balance
As a child growing up in the LAX area, Ryan dreamed of being on television. When he grew up, he did some research, found a casting agent, began auditioning, learned a lot about film set etiquette, and started booking jobs.
Ryan (pictured left) with his team at LAX and with NBA All-Star Chris Bosh (right) on the set of NBC’s television series Parks and Recreation.
As an actor, he says it can be tricky to find time to work on films while being present for his full-time job, but he normally books gigs on his days off. When asked about any similarities between acting and his work as a Fleet Service Clerk, he said, “Being professional, prepared, on time, and following all the safety guidelines is necessary when working on the ramp or on a film set. Both fields can sometimes be stressful, so taking care of your physical and mental health is important to achieve a nice balance and the proper mindset.
Camaraderie in both fields. Here, Ryan is with his fellow LAX teammates (left) and film set castmates (right) on The Hangover Part III.
Coming Attractions
Last year, Ryan worked on the film New Years Rev, inspired by the early days of the band Green Day and an HBO Max show starring actress Sydney Sweeney. Ryan’s other film credits include the true crime docuseries Buried in the Backyard on the Oxygen Network, a national commercial for T-Mobile, and CBS’s television sitcom How I Met Your Mother, just to name a few.
He mentioned that a standout project he worked on was with NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Vince Carter for his ESPN+ series, Vince’s Places (pictured above). As a fan of Vince’s for years, seeing and working with him one-on-one was a dream come true and something he’s very proud of. “If you want to try acting but are unsure, working as a background actor is a good start. I’d say sign up with a casting agency and take the risk. You lose nothing but gain experience,” says Ryan. That’s a great way to look at it!
Way to go, Ryan! We can’t wait to see your 2025 projects and future ones on the big screen. To join our LAX team and be near the action of the ramp or Hollywood, check out our open positions and apply now.
Photos courtesy of Ryan Romanes.