"Everybody Loves Raymond" was a hugely popular family sitcom running from 1996 to 2005,
so just what has its talented cast been up to since the show ended?
Here's what the cast of "Everyone Loves Raymond" looks like today.
Ray Romano [ruh-MAH-no] played the title role of Ray Barone [buh-RONE] in the hit
sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." As the main character, most of the show's plots revolved
around Raymond and his everyday, comical life. According to NPR, "Everybody Loves Raymond" was
created after Romano performed stand-up on "The Late Show." Following the show,
host David Letterman's production company contacted him about making a sitcom around him.
Since the TV series went off the air in 2005, Romano has had a varied entertainment career.
He continued doing some stand-up with his comedy special "Right Here, Around the Corner," coming
out in 2019. He also took on a few movie roles including voicing Manny in the "Ice Age" films,
and "Grilled." Additionally, he starred in the series "Get Shorty." However, what might surprise
some "Everybody Loves Raymond" fans is seeing the loveable Ray foray into more dramatic acting.
Yes, in recent years, Romano has taken on much more serious parts. Notably,
he co-created and starred in the series "Men of a Certain Age." Romano also had a recurring
character on the family drama "Parenthood." Perhaps one of his most surprising and impressive
roles was his portrayal of Bill Bufalino in the Oscar-nominated drama "The Irishman."
Speaking about his shift into more dramatic work, Romano told PBS,
"Under every comedian there's a lot of angst in there. There's a lot of
stuff he's working out. So why not work it out through drama also?"
"Everybody Loves Raymond" fans remember Patricia Heaton as Debra Barone, Raymond Barone's loving
wife. Since the show ended, Heaton's had her share of success and failure and learned to make the
most of both. Heaton played the main character in the 2019 comedy series "Carol's Second Act."
Unfortunately, the show was canceled after one season. Instead of giving in to discouragement,
Heaton focused on the positive. In 2020, she told “Parade” that she
was in three other failed sitcoms before she got on "Everybody Loves Raymond," so
she understood that the cancelation was, quote, "out of our control."
The setback also inspired Heaton to write her book, "Your Second Act:
Inspiring Stories of Reinvention." The book features "a collection of profiles
about women" who've adjusted to changes in their life plans. Heaton's life has changed
a lot as she's also navigated living as an empty nester with her husband,
David Hunt, but the actress is excited about this new phase. She told “Parade,”
"I'm 62, and I've never had more opportunities in my life than I have right now."
One of the significant changes Heaton has made as she's aged was to quit drinking.
She said she felt herself wanting to drink more as her children left the house in order to,
quote, "dull the uncertainty." So, in 2018, she chose to quit
drinking entirely, and she says, quote, "life has improved significantly."
"I want my brain to be firing on all cylinders,
so I decided you know maybe this is a good time to stop."
Brad Garrett
Brad Garrett was another iconic character in the comedy series, playing Raymond's older brother,
Robert, an N.Y.P.D. officer. Garrett's career began in stand-up comedy, and
after the "Everybody Loves Raymond" wrapped, he continued performing live. In fact,
according to his website, Garrett recently opened his own comedy club in Las Vegas,
where he often performs for sold-out crowds. He's also dabbled in professional poker playing.
Even if you don't follow stand-up comedy, you've likely seen some of Garrett's work.
However, you may not have recognized him since many of his recent roles have been
voice acting gigs in Disney classics like "Ratatouille."
During an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Garrett explained
that while his voice is naturally quite deep, he actually lowered it to play Robert Barone.
So, his voice may alter slightly depending on what role he's playing.
Doris Roberts
Doris Roberts — who played Raymond's mother, Marie Barone,
on "Everybody Loves Raymond" — died in 2016 at 90. Following her death, many costars
shared their love for Roberts and grief for her passing. “Deadline” quoted Ray Romano saying,
"Doris Roberts had an energy and a spirit that amazed me [...] She did everything
with such a grand love for life and people and I will miss her dearly."
Roberts had an impressive career in entertainment. Before her memorable role
in "Everybody Loves Raymond," Roberts had already made a name for herself as a television actress,
and that success didn't stop after "Everybody Loves Raymond." She was featured in many films
and TV shows, including "Play the Game," telling Al Roker in 2003,
"I haven't even peaked yet."
"Really?"
"No."
Peter Boyle played the father, Frank Barone, on "Everybody Loves Raymond." Before the show, Boyle
had already been a successful actor for years, best known for his role in "Young Frankenstein."
"Puttin on the Ritz!!"
Unfortunately, Boyle died in 2006, just a year after "Raymond" wrapped.
"The Santa Clause 3," in which he played Father Time, came out in November 2006,
just a month before he passed at age 71 from multiple myeloma.
Boyle was remembered fondly by fellow cast members,
according to CBS News. Romano referenced the character of Frank Barone, saying,
"The fact that he could play a convincing curmudgeon on the show, but in reality
be such a compassionate and thoughtful person, is a true testament to his talent."
You may remember Monica Horan as the highly sensitive Amy MacDougall Barone.
Her character starts out as Robert Barone's girlfriend and becomes his
wife as the series continues. But what you may not know is
that Horan is married to the creator of "Everybody Loves Raymond," Phil Rosenthal.
Rosenthal created the show with Ray Romano and told “People” that a lot of the inspiration for
the show came from his marriage with Horan. An example he gave was one of the show's
classic scenes about tuna fish. The scene was inspired by a moment from the couple's real
life when the two had, quote, "a fight over a can opener [and] spilled the tuna everywhere."
Talking about her husband taking inspiration from their life, Horan said,
"My favorite line to Phil is,
'You can say the right thing on TV, but why can't you do it in real life?'
Since "Everybody Loves Raymond," Horan has continued doing a bit of acting
here and there with roles in TV series like "Enlightened" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."
You may remember Fred Willard as the conservative father-in-law of Robert Barone on "Everybody Loves
Raymond, but you've doubtless seen this actor in plenty of other shows and movies.
A couple of his best-known roles were in the classic 1984 mockumentary
"This Is Spinal Tap," and the 2000 comedy "Best in Show."
"Why didn't he put the bloodhound, put on one of those Sherlock Holmes hats, and put a little pipe
in his mouth. Are they ever allowed to do anything like that, dress up the dog in a funny way?"
Following "Everybody Loves Raymond," his comedic
career continued with roles in projects like "Anchorman 2" and "Modern Family."
When Willard died in 2020, his daughter,
Hope, issued a statement. As reported by “Deadline,” she said,
"My father passed away very peacefully last night at the fantastic age of 86 years old.
He kept moving, working, and making us happy until the very end. We loved him so very much!"
Andy Kindler played a character also named Andy on "Everybody Loves
Raymond." He was one of Ray's friends and coworkers throughout the series.
Since the show ended, Kindler has continued his work as an actor and comedian. Most notably,
he voices the recurring character Mort in the animated series "Bob's Burgers."
Kindler has also continued doing stand-up shows,
and he released his first comedy album, "Hence the Humor," in 2020.
Along with that, Kindler has also forayed into the world of podcasting. He hosts a weekly podcast
called "Thought Spiral" along with "Mystery Science Theater 3000" star J. Elvis Weinstein.
The two of them discuss different topics every episode, but, as the podcast's website puts it,
they, quote, "usually end up talking about comedy and various forms of anxiety."
Jon Manfrellotti played one of Raymond's friends, Gianni, in "Everybody Loves Raymond."
It seems that friendship carries over with the actors. The two have been friends for decades,
with Manfrellotti often coming on as the opening act for Ray Romano's stand-up shows. Speaking to
“The Las Vegas Review-Journal” about working as Romano's opener, he said it's different than his
own stand-up shows because the crowd is waiting for Romano, so he has to, quote, "win them over."
The two comedians had a chance to act alongside each other again in Romano's TV show "Men of
a Certain Age," in which both of them take on more dramatic roles. Manfrellotti played Manfro,
the bookie to Romano's character who is trying to quit gambling.
A rave review from The Wall Street Journal said Manfrellotti, quote, "steals every scene he's in."
According to his IMDb page, Manfrellotti is also in an as-yet-untitled Romano film, currently in
post-production, so audiences can look forward to seeing the pair back in action soon.
Tom McGowan played Raymond's long-time friend Bernie Gruenfelder on "Everybody
Loves Raymond." He was featured in several episodes throughout the series, often acting
alongside Maggie Wheeler (the actress who played Janice on "Friends"), who played his wife, Linda.
Since the show wrapped, he's taken on various acting roles across different media,
including episodes of shows like "The Good Fight." He's also done some character parts in movies,
including his role as Ed Jordan in the Hallmark movie "One Royal Holiday."
Watching him on the sitcom, you might not expect it, but McGowan has also performed
on Broadway. He's had parts in productions of "Casa Valentina”, "Wicked", and more.
Along with performing, his love for theater led him to work in an academic setting.
Oklahoma City University contracted the successful actor to come on their staff as
their artist-in-residence for theater performance.
If you watched "Everybody Loves Raymond," you probably remember the adorable Barone children:
Ally, Michael, and Geoffrey. The oldest of the children, Ally, was played by Madylin Sweeten,
and though you may remember her as a little girl, she's now grown-up and married. After
nine years spent on set, Sweeten told “Voyage LA” that she at first felt lost in her 20s.
"Chasing adventures turned into chasing escapes. It's a tale as old as time,
a bright young woman starts chasing booze and boys to fill the empty holes in her soul."
However, Sweeten's life changed for the better when she met her now-husband,
Sean Durrie, and joined the Loft Ensemble theater company. Loft Ensemble is an LA-based,
non-profit theater company that does in-house productions. Working with Loft Ensemble,
Sweeten said she, quote, "made lasting friendships that turned my life around."
Now, Sweeten has graduated with a degree in Interior Design from
the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising,
and continues to work with the Loft Ensemble as a production manager and set designer.
Sweeten is also still acting on screen as well as on stage,
appearing in shorts like "Wedding Frisk" as well as TV series such as "Lucifer."
Three real-life siblings played the Barone siblings, so the twins were
Madylin Sweeten's actual younger brothers. Sullivan Sweeten played Michael Barone,
and Sawyer Sweeten played Geoffrey Barone. According to “People,” the twins were cast in
"Everybody Loves Raymond" when they were only 16 months old. After the show ended in 2005,
Sawyer stepped out of the spotlight, never taking on another acting role.
Tragically, Sawyer died by suicide in 2015 at age 19.
Following her little brother's shocking death, Madylin told “People,”
"He was a strong and selfless friend. When confiding in one another, Sawyer always had
the kindest words of encouragement. He will live on in my head and those shared moments forever."
Like his brother, Sawyer, Sullivan Sweeten largely left the entertainment industry after
"Everybody Loves Raymond" ended. Sullivan even refers to himself as a "former actor"
on his social media, and he keeps his personal life out of the public eye.
Following Sawyer's death, the Sweetens' cousin Jacklyn Stines told “The Daily
Mail” that she was concerned for Sullivan because of how close the twins had been.
"I just don't know how he's going to take it,
they have never been apart. I hope they keep an eye on him, I'm very worried about it."
Though it wasn't a big production, Sullivan did act in a 2017 dramatic short called "Casting." He
hasn't played any roles since, but maybe this is a sign he's not entirely done with acting.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts,
please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.