T. Rafael Cimino (born Todd Rafael Cimino, June 4th, 1963 Wayne, NJ, USA) is an American novelist and screenwriter. He grew up in Key Largo, Florida in the Florida Keys, attending the Island Christian School in Islamorada, Florida where he graduated from in 1981. He then attended the University of Florida and the Florida Atlantic University where he graduated with a Master’s degree in Naval Architecture. While in South Florida, Cimino was heavily involved in water sports, including offshore powerboat racing. In 1982, Cimino became the youngest competitor to win the coveted APBA (American Powerboat Association) Offshore U. S. National Championship. He later won numerous National and World Championships.

Cimino is the son of Peter Cimino and