Romance-novel icon Fabio becomes an American citizen in downtown LA

Turn down the lights and light some celebratory candles — male model Fabio, known from the covers of numerous romance novels and as a butter substitute spokesperson, became a United States citizen on Wednesday.

Fabio (full name Fabio Lanzoni) was one of 6,000 Angelenos to take the Oath of Allegiance and become naturalized citizens Wednesday at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown L.A., according to a release from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

"This is one of the happiest days of my life," Fabio said in a statement. "Over the course of my career I've had the opportunity to travel the globe and America is still the greatest country on earth. There is no such thing as an Italian dream or an English dream but the American dream is alive and well."

Actor/comedian Rob Schneider was also at the ceremony, as Schneider's wife was becoming a U.S. citizen, according to the USCIS. Former Laker Mychal Thompson was also in attendance.

Fabio at the ceremony

The USCIS noted that Fabio's new citizenship also comes with American rights, including the right to vote — and American responsibilities, such as jury duty. They also noted he has the right to become an elected official now, so stay tuned to see if those romance novels become political statements in the future.