Meet Randy Cheramie

PERSONAL INFO: I was born Randolph Joseph Cheramie Jr. (Randy Cheramie is fine!) at Baptist Hospital, New Orleans on March 23, 1954. 

My parents were Randolph Cheramie Sr. and Cecelia Marie Terrebonne Cheramie. My late sister, eight years older than me, was Rachel; my brother, Todd, is eight years younger. 

I was born into a restaurant family. Our family business was Randolphís Restaurant in Golden Meadow. My parents ran it from 1946 to 1981, when I took over, until I sold it in 2001. It was said by many that Randolphís was an oasis ñ the best food for miles around. I am very proud of the reputation of that small restaurant. 

My wife, Kathy, and I have been married for 32 years. We have three children ñ Kimberly, Stephanie and Jean-Luc ñ and have seven grandchildren. 

I was formally educated and trained to be a stage actor. I worked professionally for a few years, most notably at the Alley Theatre in Houston, before settling down and taking over the helm at Randolphís. I still work from time to time on stage in New Orleans, and I also do voice-over work for commercials, industrial training films and audio books. 

Iím currently the executive director of the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University. I reside in Thibodaux and love to read about chefs or anything pertaining to fine dining. I also like action novels by Patterson and Child. 

WHAT IS A TALENT YOU HAVE THAT FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT: I was almost a music major in college. I played the trombone. 

IF YOU HAD TO SPEND A YEAR ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU TAKE ALONG: Presuming the island provided food and water, and my wife was with me, I would absolutely have to take my dog Bernie. 

YOUíRE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LOTTERY WINNER. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO: Buy a small condo in Manhattan so my wife and I could eat out often in that dynamic dining city and go to the theatre and visit art museums whenever I wanted.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL: I have a fewÖJacques Pepin, because he is a chef of monumental importance. His technique in the kitchen is flawless, he holds a masterís degree in French literature, and, for a Frenchman of his talent, I find him to be very humble and unpretentious. (Iím French; I know how the French can be!) Gene Hackman and Rod Steiger ñ both consummate character actors! They shunned the limelight, had a deep understanding and respect of the actors work ethic, and they never let you catch them acting. 

IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO, WHO WOULD YOU BE AND WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPER POWER BE: (Trumpet fanfare) Able to feed vast amounts of people with a wave of his whisk, faster than a food processor, itísÖitís Food Man! Ensuring no man, woman or child go hungry!

FIVE PEOPLE ñ PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE ñ YOUíD INVITE TO DINNER: Mark Twain, for his wit and conversation; Sir Lawrence Olivier, the greatest actor of the 20th century; John Gielgud or Ian McKellen, great actors and very funny; Jacque Pepin, for reasons stated earlier; and Julia Child, because sheís Julia Child!

TV GUILTY PLEASURE: ìThe Voice.î 

PROUDEST MOMENT: Besides my children and grandchildren, when former customers of my old restaurant, Randolphís, in Golden Meadow, decided to raise $60,000 for a culinary scholarship in honor of my parents, The Randolph and Cecelia Cheramie Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Culinary Arts.

BEST ADVICE YOUíVE EVER BEEN GIVEN: My father told me to choose a vocation I would absolutely love, because, ìIf you love it, youíll never have to work for a living!î

5 FAVORITE SONGS OF ALL TIMES: Favorites because of the memories they provide:

ìTracks of My Tearsî ñ The Linda Ronstadt version,

ìSarah Smileî ñ Hall and Oats

ìLetís Stay Togetherî ñ Al Green

ìStairway to Heavenî ñ Led Zeppelin

ìAmericaî ñ Simon and Garfunkel

WHATíS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND: Two Lee Child novels.

WE ALL HAVE GUILTY PLEASURES. WHATíS YOURS: Fried chicken and action movies.

HOW DO YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU: I hope they would use words such as, honest, funny, loyal, good cook, good actor, good father, good friend, good man.

IF YOU DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY: For the most part, nothing! I had great parents who really loved me. I got along great with a brother and sister whom I love. I had a great education studying what truly interested me. My wife and I have enjoyed over 30 years together. Our children are all successful. My grandchildren are a joy! I still work and get paid as a stage and voice actor, and I have a full-time job I really enjoy. What more could I ask for? I am truly blessed!

Fiddler on the Roof

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