The cast of Everybody Loves Raymond came together on Monday, November 24, for a memorable 30th anniversary special, where they offered heartfelt tributes to their co-stars who have passed away.
The beloved American sitcom, crafted by Phil Rosenthal, features Ray Romano as sportswriter Ray Barone. Ray lives with his wife Debra, played by Patricia Heaton, and their three children, just across the street from his overbearing parents, Frank and Marie, portrayed by Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts.
The show, set in suburban Long Island, leaves no aspect of family life unexplored, delving into marriage, parenting, and the love-hate relationships many families know all too well.
Broadcast on CBS from September 1996 to May 2005, the series spanned nine seasons with 210 episodes, garnering 15 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and solidifying its status as one of the most beloved sitcoms on television.
Sadly, several actors from the series are no longer with us, and on Monday night, their former colleagues gathered to celebrate their legacies.
Among those remembered is Sawyer Sweeten, who played Geoffrey Barone, one of Ray and Debra’s twin sons, for all nine seasons, appearing in 142 episodes. Sawyer acted alongside his real-life siblings, his identical twin brother Sullivan and older sister Madylin Sweeten. Tragically, Sawyer took his own life in April 2015 at the age of 19. During the reunion, Ramona described him as “this bright energy.” Sullivan reflected on his brother’s sudden passing, stating, “None of us really expected what happened, but I try to think about the good moments. And oftentimes, that’s here on the set.” Madylin emphasized the importance of discussing suicide prevention, sharing, “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.”
Roberts, who played Ray’s meddling mom Marie, won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She passed away in her sleep following a stroke in April 2016 at the age of 90. Creator Phil Rosenthal reminisced during the reunion about the audition process for her role, noting how more than 100 women tried out, but none matched Roberts. He said, “She was what was in my head and in my life and was so beyond. 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 played Ray’s father Frank, was also honored. Boyle died in December 2006 from multiple myeloma and heart disease at 71. Romano recounted a story about Boyle’s kindness during the filming of the pilot, sharing how Boyle calmed his nerves by advising, “It’s just like water. Just let it flow.” Romano recalled, “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.”
Engel, who portrayed Amy’s mom Pat MacDougall, appeared on the show from 2003 to 2005. She passed away in April 2019 in Princeton, New Jersey, at the age of 70. Her cause of death remains unknown due to not consulting doctors over religious beliefs.
Fred Willard played Amy’s father Hank MacDougall in 13 episodes between 2003 and 2005. Willard died in May 2020 due to cardiac arrest, complicated by coronary artery disease and myelodysplastic syndrome, at the age of 86.
Helmond, who played Debra’s mom Lois in 14 episodes between 1996 and 2004, died of Alzheimer’s disease at home in Los Angeles in February 2019 at the age of 89.
Culp, who portrayed Debra’s father Warren Wheelan, appeared in 11 episodes from 1996 to 2004. He reportedly collapsed near the entrance to Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles, and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after. His cause of death was a heart attack, and he was 79.
Berger, who played Rita Stipe in two episodes between 1998 and 2000, passed away in May 2014 in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 91. Her cause of death was not specified.
Perry, who played Nemo, the owner of the local pizzeria, died in May 2000 in Burbank, California, from complications of diabetes at the age of 69. His character’s last appearance aired posthumously, following his restaurant’s sale. Robert Ruth succeeded him in the role for two additional episodes.
Robert Ruth, taking over as Nemo for two episodes in 2001, died on December 29, 2018, in Torrance, California, from complications of pneumonia at the age of 82.