Mike Romanoff, formerly known as Harry F. Gerguson, was a remarkable individual who mastered the art of deception, earning him the title of "professional impostor". With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Romanoff traveled extensively and pursued various occupations across the globe, even briefly attending several prestigious universities.
As a result, Romanoff accumulated an impressive wealth of information, which he leveraged to claim expertise in various fields. When Hollywood filmmakers required a technical advisor for a European-set movie, Romanoff confidently stepped forward, securing a comfortable salary in the process.
Romanoff's charismatic personality made him a beloved figure among the film industry elite, and he went on to open a restaurant that became a popular haunt for many Hollywood stars. Despite making only a few on-screen appearances, Romanoff's fraudulent exploits can be seen in the 1937 film Sing While You're Able.
Romanoff's close friendship with David Niven is well-documented, with Niven dedicating an entire chapter to Romanoff's colorful life in his book "Bring On the Empty Horses".