T. Rafael Cimino is an American novelist and screenwriter.

Todd Rafael Cimino was born on June 4th, 1963, in Wayne, New Jersey, USA. He grew up in Key Largo, Florida, in the Florida Keys, attending the Island Christian School in Islamorada, Florida, where he graduated in 1981. He then attended the University of Florida and the Florida Atlantic University, graduating 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.