The musician Jeff Romley has built a successful career for himself and is widely known for marrying composer Stephen Sondheim. From his early days in the theatre to being a producer, Romley’s life is a testament to his versatility and dedication. This article discusses his childhood, career, public appearances, and marriage to Stephen Sondheim.
Early Life and Education
Jeffery Scott Romley was born in 1980, in New York City. Romley was raised in a town one hour north of the city. He attended James Madison University in Virginia and graduated with a bachelor of business administration degree. His college years also included theatre classes.
Career
Romley worked in several entertainment capacities. He started as an assistant at the William Morris Agency, where he developed the agency’s theatre department newsletter. The role allowed him to work on Broadway productions such as “The Producers,” “Hairspray,” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Besides his theatre work, Romley has also worked in sales and marketing for companies including Bustle, CollegeHumor and Broadband Enterprises. He started Romley Ventures in 2018, through which he produced shows such as “The Chris Mann Show” and “The Randy Rainbow Show.” His work for The Randy Rainbow Show earned him multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.
Public Appearances
While Romley tends to keep a low profile in public, his marriage to Stephen Sondheim put him in the limelight. They appeared together at industry events, where Romley was noted for his support. Romley has also exhibited his photography at art shows. He has had his photography, often of classic Americana settings, shown in galleries like Artsee Eyewear.
Marriage to Stephen Sondheim
A major chapter of Jeff Romley’s life was his relationship with Stephen Sondheim. They both worked in theatre and started dating in the late 2000s. Despite their age difference (fifty years apart), they dated for a while and got married in 2017. Both Romley and Sondheim lived in Manhattan and Roxbury CT, where they lived in relative seclusion.
Their marriage was built on mutual respect and companionship. Sondheim frequently referenced how happy Romley made him, and Romley stayed with Sondheim until his death in November 2021. After Sondheim died, Romley received a share of his estate, with other beneficiaries including the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the Library of Congress.
Controversies
Despite a mostly private life, Romley has faced some controversies – centered on his relationship with Sondheim. Their significant age gap attracted national headlines. But both Romley and Sondheim handled the attention graciously – focusing on their love and commitment rather than other people’s opinions.
Another point of contention is over an inheritance Romley received after Sondheim died. Some critics questioned the distribution of Sondheim’s estate but Romley has remained discrete and respectful throughout.
Conclusion
Jeff Romley has achieved artistic success through personal determination and quiet strength. From his early theatre days to his work as a producer and his marriage to Stephen Sondheim, Romley has navigated his journey with grace and resilience.
