Johnny Roventini
Johnny Roventini, also known as John Louis Roventini and popularly as Johnny Philip Morris, (August 15, 1910 – November 30, 1998), was an American actor.
Johnny Roventini | |
|---|---|
Johnny Roventini as "Johnny the Bellboy" for Philip Morris, c. 1940s | |
| Born | John Louis Roventini August 15, 1910 |
| Died | November 30, 1998 (aged 88) Suffern, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | bellboy character actor |
| Known for | Character of Johnny the Bellboy for Philip Morris advertising. |
Less than four feet tall as a fully developed adult, Roventini was working as a bellboy at the New Yorker Hotel in 1933 when he was discovered by an advertising mogul, who had him perform a page, issuing a "Call for Philip Morris". He reportedly could always vocalize a perfect B-flat tone as he repeated those words, literally over a million times during his career, according to his own estimate.
He soon became famous as a product spokesman for Philip Morris brand cigarettes in radio, television and print advertising media. He was described by Philip Morris personnel as a "living trademark", and represented the company for over 40 years. He also played roles in the growth of broadcast media, most notably helping Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz with the initial success of their innovative I Love Lucy comedy series beginning in 1951.