The cast of Everybody Loves Raymond came together on Monday, November 24, for a special show marking the 30th anniversary of the series, where they paid tribute to their late colleagues.
This beloved American sitcom, created by Phil Rosenthal, featured Ray Romano as Ray Barone, a sportswriter living with his wife Debra (Patricia Heaton) and their three kids. The family resided across the street from Ray’s intrusive parents, Frank (Peter Boyle) and Marie (Doris Roberts).
Set in suburban Long Island, the show delved into the dynamics of marriage, parenting, and the often complex relationships within families, leaving no topic unexplored.
The series aired on CBS from September 1996 to May 2005, spanning nine seasons and 210 episodes. It garnered 15 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, securing its status as one of television’s most esteemed sitcoms.
Sadly, several cast members have passed away since the show concluded. On Monday evening, their fellow cast members gathered to celebrate their lives and contributions.
Here are the 23 cast members from Everybody Loves Raymond who have passed away.
Sawyer Sweeten portrayed Geoffrey Barone, one of Ray and Debra’s twin sons, throughout all nine seasons, appearing in 142 episodes.
He acted alongside his real-life siblings, identical twin brother Sullivan, and older sister Madylin Sweeten.
Sawyer tragically took his life in April 2013 at the age of 19.
During the reunion show, Ray Romano described Sawyer as “this bright energy.”
Reflecting on Sawyer’s unexpected passing, Sullivan Sweeten remarked: “None of us really expected what happened, but I try to think about the good moments.”
“And oftentimes, that’s here on the set,” he continued.
Madylin emphasized the importance of discussing suicide prevention in memory of her brother.
“We’re very passionate in our family about suicide prevention. It is the second leading cause of death between ages 18 to 25. But 90 percent of people who seek treatment are cured,” she explained.
Doris Roberts played Marie Barone, Ray’s interfering mother, in the well-loved TV series.
She earned four Emmy awards for her role as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Roberts passed away in her sleep following a stroke in April 2016, at the age of 90.
During the reunion, Phil Rosenthal shared how Roberts was the perfect fit for her role, despite over 100 other auditions.
“She was what was in my head and in my life and was so beyond,” he noted. “My real mother used to say, ‘You know it is a little exaggerated.’ But you never saw that with Doris because she was always spot on. She was always 100 percent believable.”
Peter Boyle, who portrayed Ray’s father Frank Barone, was remembered during the gathering.
He died in December 2006 of multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, and heart disease, at 71 years old.
Ray Romano shared a poignant memory of Boyle’s kindness during the filming of the pilot episode.
Boyle, sensing Romano’s anxiety, offered reassurance: “It’s just like water. Just let it flow.”
Reflecting on this moment, Romano said: “At that time, I’m like, ‘What does that mean?’ And even though as an actor, I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but I do now. Just the gesture, the gesture of him reaching out to me.”
Georgia Engel portrayed Pat MacDougall, Amy’s mother, on the show from 2003 to 2005.
Engel passed away in April 2019 in Princeton, New Jersey, aged 70, with her cause of death remaining unknown due to her religious beliefs against seeking medical care.
Fred Willard played Hank MacDougall, Amy’s father, appearing in 13 episodes between 2003 and 2005.
Willard died in May 2020 of cardiac arrest, with underlying coronary artery disease and myelodysplastic syndrome, at age 86.
Katherine Helmond portrayed Lois, Debra’s mother, in 14 episodes from 1996 to 2004.
She passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in Los Angeles in February 2019, at 89.
Robert Culp played Warren Wheelan, Debra’s father, in 11 episodes from 1996 to 2004.
He reportedly collapsed while walking near the entrance to Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly afterward due to a heart attack. He was 79 years old.
Jean Stapleton portrayed Rita Stipe in two episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond between 1998 and 2000.
She passed away in May 2014 in Manhattan, New York, at 91, with no specified cause of death.
Joseph V. Perry played Nemo, the local pizzeria owner, in the CBS sitcom.
Perry died in May 200