Who is in the Olympic commercial with Ray Romano?
Unpacking the comedic duo behind NBC’s Milan‑Cortina promo
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Getting to Know Ray Romano
Raymond Albert Romano, born December 21, 1957 in New York City, rose to fame with the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005), earning multiple Emmys. Beyond TV, he’s lent his voice to Manny in the Ice Age films and starred in Men of a Certain Age and The Big Sick.
Introducing Sebastian Maniscalco
The other star? Italian‑American comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, known for his high‑energy stand‑up specials. He joins Romano in delivering the perfect humorous counterpart.
Commercial Concept & Context
NBC released a 30‑second Winter Olympics promo ahead of the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games, airing during the 2025 Kentucky Derby. The spot features Romano and Maniscalco wearing snow gear atop the Italian Alps—though the Alps were actually rendered with ILM effects.
Watch the Duo in Action
In this clip, Ray and Sebastian debate skiing, snowboarding, skeleton and luge—but keep circling back to Italian food cravings.
Key Moments & Quotes
The comedians pose with snowboards, discussing downhill speeds—only to conclude, “We should be inside with a bowl of pasta”.
Sebastian quips, “We thought ‘luge’ was a type of pasta”.
They joke over curling (“maybe with sandwiches?”) and Brian: “You want crazy? Try the skeleton”.
Production & Strategy Insights
Filmed in L.A., the mountain setting is CGI by Industrial Light & Magic—the same team behind The Mandalorian visuals.
NBC continues its star‑driven approach, previously featuring celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Megan Thee Stallion, Simone Biles, Cardi B and Peyton Manning to connect Olympics to pop culture.
Why the Pairing Works
Chemical chemistry: Romano’s wry, observational style complements Maniscalco’s animated stage persona.
Italian‑American humor: Their shared cultural background adds natural comedic flavor—culinary obsessions included.
Engaging tease: The ad entertains while subtly spotlighting Olympic sports and location.
Reception & Buzz
Media and fans responded well: AP News notes NBC’s strategy of blending entertainment with sports continues, and the ad was featured during high‑profile broadcasts. Comedy outlets echo the same: “From pasta to the podium — me and Ray representing the motherland…”.
Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts
Ray and Sebastian filmed in sunny LA—no extreme altitude required, thanks to clever CGI .
Montana outlets noted the duo’s riffing on food vs. extreme sports struck a chord with viewers, showcasing ad’s comedic strength .
Other Clips & Spin‑Offs
TikTok offers “Pasta to the Podium: Our Olympic Adventure with Ray,” a behind‑the‑scenes look at faux snowboarding antics.
Social platforms teased additional gags—like Ray losing a torch/light moment—blending promotion and humor .
Takeaway & Cultural Impact
NBC’s Italy‑themed ad leans into comedic celebrity duo to humanize Olympic marketing.
It uses cultural identity and foodie humor as a relatable hook.
By mirroring their TV and stand‑up styles in a promo, it engages viewers, not lectures.
Expect this to be the first of many appearances featuring Romano and Maniscalco throughout the Winter Games campaign.
🎬 Additional Viewing
NBC to air extended cuts during upcoming sports events.
Watch for social‑only blooper reels on NBC Sports’ TikTok and Instagram.
Full promo re-airing during pre‑Games coverage.
Final Summary
The Winter Olympics commercial features Ray Romano and Sebastian Maniscalco, delivering a delightful mix of Italian‑American humor, food obsession, and gentle poking at winter sports—all delivered atop CGI‑enhanced Alps. Their comedic rapport and cultural authenticity make the promo a standout in NBC’s celebrity‑driven Olympic marketing strategy.
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