Johnny Roventini(1910-1998)
- Actor
Johnny Roventini served for more than four decades as a spokesman for
Philip Morris and a living trademark for the firm's namesake brand of
cigarettes. (See note.) His voice was heard on thousands of radio and
television programs sponsored by the company, and he was seen in his
bellboy's regalia (red-trimmed black cap; black-trimmed, bright red
tunic with gold buttons; red-striped black trousers and white formal
gloves) at thousands of personal appearances across the U.S. until he
retired in 1974. And it was on account of his ever-present smile and
outstretched hand that he was a favorite of all who met him. (Note: the
Philip Morris cigarette brand ceased to exist in 1989. The company
renamed the cigarette "Commander," and that brand was still available
when Johnny died, some 65 years after he first represented Philip
Morris. It remained an unfiltered cigarette 70 millimeters
long.)
