Ray Romano says 'Everybody Loves Raymond' reboot will 'never' happen Erin Jensen, USA TODAYNovember 25, 2025 at 2:30 AM 8 "Everybody Loves Raymond" debuted Sept.13, 1996 on CBS. Inspired by star Ray Romano's standup routines, the sitcom centered on the nuttybutlovable Barone family, and ran for nine seasons before concluding in May 2005. Let's take a look back at the cast and what they've been up to since the show's end. " datasrc=https://ift.tt/51YnkXZ.
- - Ray Romano says 'Everybody Loves Raymond' reboot will 'never' happen
Erin Jensen, USA TODAYNovember 25, 2025 at 2:30 AM
8
"Everybody Loves Raymond" debuted Sept.13, 1996 on CBS. Inspired by star Ray Romano's stand-up routines, the sitcom centered on the nutty-but-lovable Barone family, and ran for nine seasons before concluding in May 2005. Let's take a look back at the cast and what they've been up to since the show's end.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/1HyPRGN class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
"Everybody Loves Raymond" debuted Sept.13, 1996 on CBS. Inspired by star Ray Romano's stand-up routines, the sitcom centered on the nutty-but-lovable Barone family, and ran for nine seasons before concluding in May 2005. Let's take a look back at the cast and what they've been up to since the show's end.
">"Everybody Loves Raymond" debuted Sept.13, 1996 on CBS. Inspired by star Ray Romano's stand-up routines, the sitcom centered on the nutty-but-lovable Barone family, and ran for nine seasons before concluding in May 2005. Let's take a look back at the cast and what they've been up to since the show's end.
" src=https://ift.tt/1HyPRGN class=caas-img>Ray Romano as Ray Barone
After performing standup on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in May 1995, Romano, with wife Anna Romano in 1999, was offered a development deal that resulted in "Everybody Loves Raymond." Romano's character, also named Ray, was a sportswriter living on Long Island with his wife (Patricia Heaton) and their three children, across the street from his parents and brother.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Ray Romano as Ray Barone
After performing standup on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in May 1995, Romano, with wife Anna Romano in 1999, was offered a development deal that resulted in "Everybody Loves Raymond." Romano's character, also named Ray, was a sportswriter living on Long Island with his wife (Patricia Heaton) and their three children, across the street from his parents and brother.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/LenVSvz class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Ray Romano as Ray Barone
After performing standup on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in May 1995, Romano, with wife Anna Romano in 1999, was offered a development deal that resulted in "Everybody Loves Raymond." Romano's character, also named Ray, was a sportswriter living on Long Island with his wife (Patricia Heaton) and their three children, across the street from his parents and brother.
">Ray Romano as Ray Barone
After performing standup on the "Late Show with David Letterman" in May 1995, Romano, with wife Anna Romano in 1999, was offered a development deal that resulted in "Everybody Loves Raymond." Romano's character, also named Ray, was a sportswriter living on Long Island with his wife (Patricia Heaton) and their three children, across the street from his parents and brother.
" src=https://ift.tt/LenVSvz class=caas-img>Following the end of "Raymond," Romano reprised his role of Manny the mammoth for the "Ice Age" films and TV movies. He also returned to series television as the love interest of Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham) on NBC's "Parenthood" (2010–2015). Recently, Romano appeared in Netflix's 2024 mystery dramedy "No Good Deed," with costars Lisa Kudrow and Linda Cardellini.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/zFIOxZX class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Following the end of "Raymond," Romano reprised his role of Manny the mammoth for the "Ice Age" films and TV movies. He also returned to series television as the love interest of Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham) on NBC's "Parenthood" (2010–2015). Recently, Romano appeared in Netflix's 2024 mystery dramedy "No Good Deed," with costars Lisa Kudrow and Linda Cardellini.
">Following the end of "Raymond," Romano reprised his role of Manny the mammoth for the "Ice Age" films and TV movies. He also returned to series television as the love interest of Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham) on NBC's "Parenthood" (2010–2015). Recently, Romano appeared in Netflix's 2024 mystery dramedy "No Good Deed," with costars Lisa Kudrow and Linda Cardellini.
" src=https://ift.tt/zFIOxZX class=caas-img>Patricia Heaton as Debra BaronePatricia Heaton, at the series wrap party in 2005, said in 1998 that 200 women auditioned for Ray's tolerates-no-BS wife Debra. She'd heard, "they were looking for a Patricia Heaton-type, but that I was not available," Heaton said at the event. "Which was true because I was at home clipping coupons, trying to save $0.60 on two packs of Ball Park Franks, because I didn't have a job!"
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Patricia Heaton as Debra BaronePatricia Heaton, at the series wrap party in 2005, said in 1998 that 200 women auditioned for Ray's tolerates-no-BS wife Debra. She'd heard, "they were looking for a Patricia Heaton-type, but that I was not available," Heaton said at the event. "Which was true because I was at home clipping coupons, trying to save $0.60 on two packs of Ball Park Franks, because I didn't have a job!"
" data-src=https://ift.tt/5ferOo8 class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Patricia Heaton as Debra BaronePatricia Heaton, at the series wrap party in 2005, said in 1998 that 200 women auditioned for Ray's tolerates-no-BS wife Debra. She'd heard, "they were looking for a Patricia Heaton-type, but that I was not available," Heaton said at the event. "Which was true because I was at home clipping coupons, trying to save $0.60 on two packs of Ball Park Franks, because I didn't have a job!"
">Patricia Heaton as Debra BaronePatricia Heaton, at the series wrap party in 2005, said in 1998 that 200 women auditioned for Ray's tolerates-no-BS wife Debra. She'd heard, "they were looking for a Patricia Heaton-type, but that I was not available," Heaton said at the event. "Which was true because I was at home clipping coupons, trying to save $0.60 on two packs of Ball Park Franks, because I didn't have a job!"
" src=https://ift.tt/5ferOo8 class=caas-img>Heaton, at an event in May 2025, found another sweet spot as a sitcom mom in ABC's "The Middle" (2009-2018). Frankie Heck, was put through the ringer as a mom of three on the series. The frosting-loving Frankie even accidentally ate her older son's toenails, after he put the clippings in a chip bag.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/S2a9i8L class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Heaton, at an event in May 2025, found another sweet spot as a sitcom mom in ABC's "The Middle" (2009-2018). Frankie Heck, was put through the ringer as a mom of three on the series. The frosting-loving Frankie even accidentally ate her older son's toenails, after he put the clippings in a chip bag.
">Heaton, at an event in May 2025, found another sweet spot as a sitcom mom in ABC's "The Middle" (2009-2018). Frankie Heck, was put through the ringer as a mom of three on the series. The frosting-loving Frankie even accidentally ate her older son's toenails, after he put the clippings in a chip bag.
" src=https://ift.tt/S2a9i8L class=caas-img>Doris Roberts as Marie Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's extremely involved (read: overbearing) mother, Roberts, at the Emmys in 2000, was a TV veteran with credits on shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "All in the Family" and "The Love Boat." She'd also played a secretary on NBC's procedural "Remington Steele" (1982 –1987) and Ellen Griswold's mom in the classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Doris Roberts as Marie Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's extremely involved (read: overbearing) mother, Roberts, at the Emmys in 2000, was a TV veteran with credits on shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "All in the Family" and "The Love Boat." She'd also played a secretary on NBC's procedural "Remington Steele" (1982 –1987) and Ellen Griswold's mom in the classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/bpBCAwh class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Doris Roberts as Marie Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's extremely involved (read: overbearing) mother, Roberts, at the Emmys in 2000, was a TV veteran with credits on shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "All in the Family" and "The Love Boat." She'd also played a secretary on NBC's procedural "Remington Steele" (1982 –1987) and Ellen Griswold's mom in the classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
">Doris Roberts as Marie Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's extremely involved (read: overbearing) mother, Roberts, at the Emmys in 2000, was a TV veteran with credits on shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "All in the Family" and "The Love Boat." She'd also played a secretary on NBC's procedural "Remington Steele" (1982 –1987) and Ellen Griswold's mom in the classic "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
" src=https://ift.tt/bpBCAwh class=caas-img>Roberts died in 2016 at the age of 90, after suffering a massive stroke, according to reports.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>After "Raymond" wrapped, Roberts (seen here in 2015) starred as the titular caregiver in the 2006 comedy "Grandma's Boy." She also appeared on Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives" and reunited with Heaton on episodes of "The Middle."
Roberts died in 2016 at the age of 90, after suffering a massive stroke, according to reports.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/S7BjckC class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
After "Raymond" wrapped, Roberts (seen here in 2015) starred as the titular caregiver in the 2006 comedy "Grandma's Boy." She also appeared on Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives" and reunited with Heaton on episodes of "The Middle."
Roberts died in 2016 at the age of 90, after suffering a massive stroke, according to reports.
">After "Raymond" wrapped, Roberts (seen here in 2015) starred as the titular caregiver in the 2006 comedy "Grandma's Boy." She also appeared on Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives" and reunited with Heaton on episodes of "The Middle."
Roberts died in 2016 at the age of 90, after suffering a massive stroke, according to reports.
" src=https://ift.tt/S7BjckC class=caas-img>Peter Boyle as Frank Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's dad, husband and nemesis to Marie, Boyle, at the wrap party in April 2005, acted in such film classics as "Taxi Driver" (1976) and Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" (1974) as the monster himself.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Peter Boyle as Frank Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's dad, husband and nemesis to Marie, Boyle, at the wrap party in April 2005, acted in such film classics as "Taxi Driver" (1976) and Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" (1974) as the monster himself.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/xEDO2SC class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Peter Boyle as Frank Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's dad, husband and nemesis to Marie, Boyle, at the wrap party in April 2005, acted in such film classics as "Taxi Driver" (1976) and Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" (1974) as the monster himself.
">Peter Boyle as Frank Barone
Prior to landing the role as Ray's dad, husband and nemesis to Marie, Boyle, at the wrap party in April 2005, acted in such film classics as "Taxi Driver" (1976) and Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" (1974) as the monster himself.
" src=https://ift.tt/xEDO2SC class=caas-img>Boyle died in December 2006 at 71 from heart disease and multiple myeloma.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Boyle, with his wife Loraine in 2006, spoke of the ways in which he and Frank differed to the Television Academy Foundation. "I went to college, and I went to therapy," Boyle said. "I have a little more awareness, but I do have a bad temper. So I've spent a lifetime dealing with that."Boyle died in December 2006 at 71 from heart disease and multiple myeloma.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/FYGKASC class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Boyle, with his wife Loraine in 2006, spoke of the ways in which he and Frank differed to the Television Academy Foundation. "I went to college, and I went to therapy," Boyle said. "I have a little more awareness, but I do have a bad temper. So I've spent a lifetime dealing with that."Boyle died in December 2006 at 71 from heart disease and multiple myeloma.
">Boyle, with his wife Loraine in 2006, spoke of the ways in which he and Frank differed to the Television Academy Foundation. "I went to college, and I went to therapy," Boyle said. "I have a little more awareness, but I do have a bad temper. So I've spent a lifetime dealing with that."Boyle died in December 2006 at 71 from heart disease and multiple myeloma.
" src=https://ift.tt/FYGKASC class=caas-img>Brad Garrett as Robert Barone
Prior to playing Ray's envious older brother, Brad Garrett, at the Emmys in 2002, found success as a standup comedian. After winning "Star Search" in 1984, he appeared on episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Mad About You" and "Seinfeld."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Brad Garrett as Robert Barone
Prior to playing Ray's envious older brother, Brad Garrett, at the Emmys in 2002, found success as a standup comedian. After winning "Star Search" in 1984, he appeared on episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Mad About You" and "Seinfeld."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/z817fQa class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Brad Garrett as Robert Barone
Prior to playing Ray's envious older brother, Brad Garrett, at the Emmys in 2002, found success as a standup comedian. After winning "Star Search" in 1984, he appeared on episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Mad About You" and "Seinfeld."
">Brad Garrett as Robert Barone
Prior to playing Ray's envious older brother, Brad Garrett, at the Emmys in 2002, found success as a standup comedian. After winning "Star Search" in 1984, he appeared on episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Mad About You" and "Seinfeld."
" src=https://ift.tt/z817fQa class=caas-img>Following the end of "Raymond," Garrett continued finding work as a voice actor, lending his baritone voice to animated features like "Ratatouille," "Tangled" and "Finding Dory."He reunited with Romano at the Emmys in 2025.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>For "Raymond," Garrett earned three supporting actor Emmys and an additional nod for his portrayal of "The Honeymooners" star Jackie Gleason in the 2002 TV movie "Gleason."
Following the end of "Raymond," Garrett continued finding work as a voice actor, lending his baritone voice to animated features like "Ratatouille," "Tangled" and "Finding Dory."He reunited with Romano at the Emmys in 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cdEPU4Y class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
For "Raymond," Garrett earned three supporting actor Emmys and an additional nod for his portrayal of "The Honeymooners" star Jackie Gleason in the 2002 TV movie "Gleason."
Following the end of "Raymond," Garrett continued finding work as a voice actor, lending his baritone voice to animated features like "Ratatouille," "Tangled" and "Finding Dory."He reunited with Romano at the Emmys in 2025.
">For "Raymond," Garrett earned three supporting actor Emmys and an additional nod for his portrayal of "The Honeymooners" star Jackie Gleason in the 2002 TV movie "Gleason."
Following the end of "Raymond," Garrett continued finding work as a voice actor, lending his baritone voice to animated features like "Ratatouille," "Tangled" and "Finding Dory."He reunited with Romano at the Emmys in 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/cdEPU4Y class=caas-img>Monica Horan as Amy Barone
Monica Horan, who played Robert's love interest and eventual wife, has actually been married to series creator Phil Rosenthal since 1990. They posed at the series' wrap party in April 2005. Before getting the role, Horan thought she'd given up acting and fired her agent. "Then the following week Phil said, 'I want you to come in on this show,'" Horan shared.
"He wrote (the role) to me," she said. "He thought that my personality would be funny with Brad and with Robert."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Monica Horan as Amy Barone
Monica Horan, who played Robert's love interest and eventual wife, has actually been married to series creator Phil Rosenthal since 1990. They posed at the series' wrap party in April 2005. Before getting the role, Horan thought she'd given up acting and fired her agent. "Then the following week Phil said, 'I want you to come in on this show,'" Horan shared.
"He wrote (the role) to me," she said. "He thought that my personality would be funny with Brad and with Robert."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/WGpS0v7 class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Monica Horan as Amy Barone
Monica Horan, who played Robert's love interest and eventual wife, has actually been married to series creator Phil Rosenthal since 1990. They posed at the series' wrap party in April 2005. Before getting the role, Horan thought she'd given up acting and fired her agent. "Then the following week Phil said, 'I want you to come in on this show,'" Horan shared.
"He wrote (the role) to me," she said. "He thought that my personality would be funny with Brad and with Robert."
">Monica Horan as Amy Barone
Monica Horan, who played Robert's love interest and eventual wife, has actually been married to series creator Phil Rosenthal since 1990. They posed at the series' wrap party in April 2005. Before getting the role, Horan thought she'd given up acting and fired her agent. "Then the following week Phil said, 'I want you to come in on this show,'" Horan shared.
"He wrote (the role) to me," she said. "He thought that my personality would be funny with Brad and with Robert."
" src=https://ift.tt/WGpS0v7 class=caas-img>After "Raymond" ended, Horan (with Rosenthal in 2020), acted in "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday" (2016), "The Middle" and the CBS soap "The Bold and the Beautiful."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/uR6wSQk class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
After "Raymond" ended, Horan (with Rosenthal in 2020), acted in "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday" (2016), "The Middle" and the CBS soap "The Bold and the Beautiful."
">After "Raymond" ended, Horan (with Rosenthal in 2020), acted in "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday" (2016), "The Middle" and the CBS soap "The Bold and the Beautiful."
" src=https://ift.tt/uR6wSQk class=caas-img>Madylin Sweeten as Ally Barone
Ray and Debra's children were played by child actors who were siblings in real life. Madylin Sweeten, born in 1991, portrayed the eldest of the three.She got a boost from her co-stars at the American Comedy Awards in Los Angeles in April 2001.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Madylin Sweeten as Ally Barone
Ray and Debra's children were played by child actors who were siblings in real life. Madylin Sweeten, born in 1991, portrayed the eldest of the three.She got a boost from her co-stars at the American Comedy Awards in Los Angeles in April 2001.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Qy6rRts class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Madylin Sweeten as Ally Barone
Ray and Debra's children were played by child actors who were siblings in real life. Madylin Sweeten, born in 1991, portrayed the eldest of the three.She got a boost from her co-stars at the American Comedy Awards in Los Angeles in April 2001.
">Madylin Sweeten as Ally Barone
Ray and Debra's children were played by child actors who were siblings in real life. Madylin Sweeten, born in 1991, portrayed the eldest of the three.She got a boost from her co-stars at the American Comedy Awards in Los Angeles in April 2001.
" src=https://ift.tt/Qy6rRts class=caas-img>Madylin Sweeten, with her brothers Sawyer and Sullivan in 2010, continued to act and recently appeared in series like "Grey's Anatomy" (2017), "Lucifer" (2019) and "Dirty John" (2020).
" data-src=https://ift.tt/pRA7M0Y class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Madylin Sweeten, with her brothers Sawyer and Sullivan in 2010, continued to act and recently appeared in series like "Grey's Anatomy" (2017), "Lucifer" (2019) and "Dirty John" (2020).
">Madylin Sweeten, with her brothers Sawyer and Sullivan in 2010, continued to act and recently appeared in series like "Grey's Anatomy" (2017), "Lucifer" (2019) and "Dirty John" (2020).
" src=https://ift.tt/pRA7M0Y class=caas-img>Sullivan Sweeten as Michael BaroneSullivan Sweeten, right, tackled the role of the Barone twins with his brother Sawyer Sweeten. The pair, born in 1995, were just toddlers when the series began. Here, they pose at the series' 2005 wrap party.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Sullivan Sweeten as Michael BaroneSullivan Sweeten, right, tackled the role of the Barone twins with his brother Sawyer Sweeten. The pair, born in 1995, were just toddlers when the series began. Here, they pose at the series' 2005 wrap party.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/46Cz97E class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Sullivan Sweeten as Michael BaroneSullivan Sweeten, right, tackled the role of the Barone twins with his brother Sawyer Sweeten. The pair, born in 1995, were just toddlers when the series began. Here, they pose at the series' 2005 wrap party.
">Sullivan Sweeten as Michael BaroneSullivan Sweeten, right, tackled the role of the Barone twins with his brother Sawyer Sweeten. The pair, born in 1995, were just toddlers when the series began. Here, they pose at the series' 2005 wrap party.
" src=https://ift.tt/46Cz97E class=caas-img>Sawyer Sweeten as Geoffrey Barone
Sawyer Sweeten, left, with his brother in 2004, did not act after "Raymond" ended.
He died by suicide in 2015 at 19, a few weeks shy of his 20th birthday.
After news of his death broke, Madylin took to her Facebook page to express her grief.
"At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love," she wrote. "Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Sawyer Sweeten as Geoffrey Barone
Sawyer Sweeten, left, with his brother in 2004, did not act after "Raymond" ended.
He died by suicide in 2015 at 19, a few weeks shy of his 20th birthday.
After news of his death broke, Madylin took to her Facebook page to express her grief.
"At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love," she wrote. "Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/dZvnl7K class=caas-img data-headline="See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion" data-caption="
Sawyer Sweeten as Geoffrey Barone
Sawyer Sweeten, left, with his brother in 2004, did not act after "Raymond" ended.
He died by suicide in 2015 at 19, a few weeks shy of his 20th birthday.
After news of his death broke, Madylin took to her Facebook page to express her grief.
"At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love," she wrote. "Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
">Sawyer Sweeten as Geoffrey Barone
Sawyer Sweeten, left, with his brother in 2004, did not act after "Raymond" ended.
He died by suicide in 2015 at 19, a few weeks shy of his 20th birthday.
After news of his death broke, Madylin took to her Facebook page to express her grief.
"At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love," she wrote. "Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
" src=https://ift.tt/dZvnl7K class=caas-img>
1 / 17See photos of the 'Everybody Loves Raymond' cast then and now, ahead of series reunion
"Everybody Loves Raymond" debuted Sept.13, 1996 on CBS. Inspired by star Ray Romano's stand-up routines, the sitcom centered on the nutty-but-lovable Barone family, and ran for nine seasons before concluding in May 2005. Let's take a look back at the cast and what they've been up to since the show's end.
The Barones are back!
The stars of "Everybody Loves Raymond," which racked up 15 Emmy Awards during the show's nine-season run on CBS, gathered once more to mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of the sitcom's premiere.
The series, inspired by the stand-up routine of lead Ray Romano, debuted on Sept. 13, 1996. It centered on sportswriter Ray Barone (Romano), his nonsense-intolerant wife Debra (Patricia Heaton) and their three young children (played by real-life siblings Madylin, Sawyer and Sullivan Sweeten), who live across the street from Ray's parents (Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle) and brother (Brad Garrett).
In the 90-minute "Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion" that aired Nov. 24 (streaming now on Paramount+), the stars regaled fans with their favorite episodes, shared stories from auditions, and honored those on the cast who have died.
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Romano, now 67, revealed Heaton stood out among the more than 200 actresses who read for the role of his wife.
"There was a part that says, 'She kisses her husband,' and every other actress just kind of mimed it," Romano said. "For some reason, she did it, and when she walked out, I go, 'That's the one!' "
Heaton, also 67, joked, "That's how desperate I was to get the job."
Here are other notable moments from the reunion:
Ray Romano explains why an 'Everybody Loves Raymond' reboot is 'never' going to happen
Romano was quick to explain at the top of the reunion why the beloved series will never be revived.
"We're never going to do (a reboot) because we're missing three cast members, three family members," Romano said, referring to Boyle, Roberts and Sawyer Sweeten. "We would never try to do the show without them."
Peter Boyle plants a smooch on onscreen wife Doris Roberts at the wrap party for "Everybody Loves Raymond" on April 28, 2005.
Boyle died in 2006 at age 71, from heart disease and multiple myeloma. Roberts, 90, died in 2016 from a massive stroke. Sawyer died by suicide a few weeks short of his 20th birthday in 2015.
Even if the show returned, "It wouldn't be the same," series creator Phil Rosenthal said. And everyone involved has "too much respect for the show itself and for the beautiful audience" to mess with it, Rosenthal added..
The cast shares heartfelt tributes to Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts
The character of Marie (Roberts) took inspiration from Rosenthal's real-life mom, and Frank (Boyle) was based on Romano's dad. "I used to say, 'Everything you saw Peter do, my father probably did in real life without pants on," Romano said.
Boyle "was pretty much the opposite," of Frank, Romano added, and Rosenthal shared two facts about the "Young Frankenstein" actor that he thought might surprise the audience. "He studied to be a monk," Rosenthal revealed, "and best man at his wedding was John Lennon."
Rosenthal recalled that 100 women read for the part of Marie, but Roberts outshined them all. And she had a bit of a party trick, Heaton revealed.
"Doris could drink everybody under the table," Heaton said with a smile. "Champagne, that was her choice."
Sullivan Sweeten remembers 'the good moments' with his late brother, Sawyer
During the reunion, Romano asked if it would be OK to talk about Sawyer, and his sister Madylin gave a wholehearted "Yes!"
"Sawyer, of course, is no longer with us and we miss him," Romano said. "And he was − just like you were − just this bright, energy light."
Brothers and actors Sawyer Sweeten, left, and Sullivan Sweeten attend the "Everybody Loves Raymond" wrap party marking the end of the CBS sitcom.
"None of us really expected what happened," Sawyer's twin Sullivan said. "But I try to think about the good moments, and oftentimes, that's here on the set."
The Sweeten family is "very passionate" about suicide prevention, Madylin said. "So many of the messages that we get are people saying, 'I'm so grateful to have heard about your brother. He saved my life.' "
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Everybody Loves Raymond' reunion emotionally honors late stars
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: November 25, 2025 at 06:45AM on Source: MARIO MAG
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