Hollywood’s New Jewish Actors: Meet Bklyn Born Aaron Ronnie Almani

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In the convoluted world of entrepreneurship, few stories encapsulate the highs and lows quite like that of Ronnie Almani: businessman, actor, and producer. From designing the jewelry to building clothing websites to managing shoe stores and diving into the hemp and wellness industries, Ronnie’s journey is a rollercoaster of successes, betrayals, legal troubles, and, ultimately, redemption.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Aaron Ronnie Almani, also known as Ronnie Almani, has made a name for himself not only in New York City but also in Tel Aviv. He recently shared his complex life journey in an intimate interview for the Jewish Voice. What emerges from his personal story is the growth and transformation that has shaped the person he is today.

Describing himself as focused and having a “tunnel vision,” Almani points out the importance of regular self-reflection on his intentions and goals. When asked if he has always been this way, Almani responded with a laugh, stating that his current demeanor is a result of constant, non-linear transformation. A decade ago, he admitted to being a completely different person—one with animosity, anger, and a penchant for non-stop partying. Reflecting on his past self, Almani humorously remarked that if he could meet the person he was a decade ago, he would want to “knock him out.”

Acting: A Passion Unveiled

Ronnie Almani’s journey into the world of creative arts began at an early age. Designing, creating, selling, manufacturing, and finishing jewelry since the age of 14, he quickly established his niche in the fine jewelry and diamond industry. However, his fascination for the camera began when he stumbled upon a film set in Tel Aviv, moving him away from early experiences in modeling.

 

A Life in the Spotlight: Early Years and Theatrical Success

Ronnie has been a prominent figure in the New York City theater scene, taking on lead roles in acting performances of NYC plays and Off-Broadway shows. His versatility extends to feature films and television, with notable principal roles in productions like Mob Town (2019), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), Reunion (2011), and Inside Man (2023) starring Emile Hirsch.

Currently, Ronnie plays one of the lead roles in an Amazon Prime show called “Crash the System,” which he describes as an artistic yet gruesome, Quentin Tarantino-style series. The second season of “Crash the System” with Ronnie as a Mossad agent is coming out later this year.

 

Film Producer Extraordinaire: A Glimpse into “Mersey Boys”

Apart from his acting talent, Ronnie Almani, a big Scorsese fan, has proven himself as a film producer with the award-winning short film, “Mersey Boys.” The drama, set in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, tells the story of Al Moran, an Irish American professor, at the Liverpool Art College, crossing paths with a young student named John Lennon. Ronnie’s goal is to make it into a feature film.

“Mersey Boys” earned multiple awards, including an Award of Merit at the Depth of Field International Film Festival Competition (2021), a Silver Award at the International New York Film Festival (2021), and a Best Short Film Award at the Near Nazareth Film Festival (2021).

Rocky Road

Things haven’t always run smoothly for Ronnie. While simultaneously pursuing his artistic career, he encountered some challenges in his business ventures and personal affairs.

When Ronnie turned 12, he and his family moved to Israel, and his stable upbringing took an unexpected turn. Switching from city to city, Ronnie attended eight different schools and it was at around that age that he started his first job washing dishes. “I had no choice,” he says. Shortly after, he started helping his father run the family business.

Moving between New York and Tel Aviv, Ronnie started designing websites. However, familial ties quickly became strained due to disagreements and conflicts in management styles. The split led Ronnie to open a new site, only to face challenges and eventually close shop in 2006. The struggle continued as he delved into managing shoe stores, and eventually parted ways with the position.

One of Ronnie’s ventures was selling wedding rings online. He got in the business with his friend, however, the friend’s involvement in dubious activities brought challenges and legal troubles into Ronnie’s life. A buyout turned into a legal battle, revealing the complexities of business partnerships and the consequences of associating with the wrong people.

The turning point in Ronnie Almani’s life came around ten years ago when everything around him fell apart—family, relationships, finances, business, and health. Amid this chaotic period, he described feeling both demolished and “embraced from above.” It was during that pivotal moment that the paradigm shifted in his perspective and priorities. His hard work and quest for truth led him onto a spiritual path of self-discovery and return to faith.

From Loss to Redemption: Rabbi Pinto’s Miracle

Ronnie was not quite ready to disclose all the tribulations of his life, but despite facing personal and financial challenges, Ronnie persevered. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, and how the setbacks enabled him to start negotiating better deals, being open to new opportunities, and most importantly, associating with people based on their character and merits rather than their material and superficial attributes.

And with this mindset, Ronnie’s took a new and unexpected turn. While learning the Torah and attending Rabbi Pinto’s events, an opportunity presented itself. It was at one of those Rabbi Pinto’s events where Ronnie met a new business partner, the encounter resulting in growing a new and successful business. “Spiritual synchronicity,” as Ronnie puts it.

 

Wellness Brand: A Return to Original Medicine

And just like that, Ronnie found himself in the wellness industry, creating products that combine botanicals with CBD and slight THC. “The goal is to embrace the healing properties of plants, a return to the original medicine,” Almani describes. His award-winning wellness store EndoMen, located in SoHo, is the leading brand in the hemp and CBD industry.

Ronnie reflects on this new venture, expressing his joy in contributing to people’s well-being. His involvement in the cannabis industry aligns with his overarching philosophy of creating positive experiences for others, both physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Ronnie shares, “I am happy to be in the industry that helps people and I hope to continue to serve the New York community and its needs.”

 

Ronnie Almani’s Unconventional Journey

Ronnie Almani’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and multifaceted success. From a tumultuous past to becoming a successful artist, entrepreneur, and mentor, Almani exemplifies the power of determination, and a passion for doing good. Ronnie’s dedicated to spiritual and physical healing; his willingness to forgive and move forward unprecedented.

While reflecting on the current tragic affairs in the Middle East, Ronnie emphasizes, “Israel is like a divinely lit bright candle in a very dark room. Now, why would you want to try to put out that candle? Instead, try lighting another candle. That’s how we fight darkness – by lighting up the room.”