The role was portrayed by Patty Weaver throughout her entire run on The Young and the Restless. Weaver appeared from 1982 through 2005 when she was taken off contract, remaining on recurring until 2009. She made a guest visit for Katherine Chancellor's funeral in September 2013.

In 1982, Gina went from being a con artist to a well-respected pillar of the Genoa City community, with the help of her brother, Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian). After spending five years in prison for her crimes, Gina eventually opened Gina's, an upmarket restaurant which became Genoa City's most popular eating establishment.

Gina's parents were "con artists" when she was growing up, and all did their time for their crimes. Her brother, Danny Romalotti, not wanting part of it, ran away from home as a teenager and ended up in Genoa City working as a waiter for Jonas's Restaurant with Paul Williams. In 1982, Gina, with shortened last name Roma, came to Genoa City after getting out of prison, wanting Danny's help to "go straight". For a long time Danny didn't trust her, but got her a singing job at Jonas's. Danny began his career as a teenaged rock star doing concerts in Genoa City. He was often joined by Gina and friends, Traci Abbott, Lauren Fenmore and Amy Lewis, who sang with him when he performed on stage. When Jonas decided to move on, Gina bought the restaurant and renamed it Gina's Italian Restaurant.

...
Wikipedia