Whatever Happened To The Cast Of Everybody Loves Raymond?

"Everybody Loves Raymond" was a hugely popular family sitcom running from 1996 to 2005. The show centers around Raymond Barone (played by Ray Romano) and his comical Long Island family. Along with Raymond, the main cast includes his wife, Debra; their three children; his mother, Marie; his father, Frank; his brother, Robert; and some friends too.

Throughout its nine-year run, audiences across the U.S. came to know and love the fictional Barone family. If you watched the series when it aired or have recently been streaming it on Peacock's streaming platform, it's easy to feel like the hilarious characters are a part of your own family. But have you ever wondered what the actors have been up to since "Everybody Loves Raymond" ended? 

It's hard to believe the series finale was over a decade ago. The show's talented performers have had years to explore other roles and projects, as well as passions outside of acting. Here's what happened to the cast.

Ray Romano played the title role of Ray Barone in the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." As the main character, most of the show's plots revolved around Barone 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 comedic movies including "Ice Age," which premiered before his sitcom's end, 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.

After finishing the comedy-based series, 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 "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 navigated living as an empty nester with her husband, David Hunt, but the actress is excited about this new phase. "I'm 62, and I've never had more opportunities in my life than I have right now," she told Parade.

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 "dull the uncertainty." So, in 2018, she chose to quit drinking entirely, and she says her "life has improved significantly."

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," "Tangled," and "Finding Nemo." Though "Everybody Loves Raymond" super-fans might have recognized Garrett's deep voice right away, it's entirely possible to have watched these animated projects without ever knowing it was him. 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.

He's also acted in a number of TV series, including "Single Parents" and "'Til Death."

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."

Before her death, 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 TV shows, including "Grey's Anatomy," "The Middle," "Melissa & Joey," and "Major Crimes" long after the sitcom ended.

Apart from acting, Roberts was also a vocal activist against age discrimination. NPR quoted her speaking out at a Senate hearing in 2002. She said that the entertainment industry was one of "the worst perpetrators of this bigotry." Roberts went on to say that while many actors only get better with age, they secure fewer roles.

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 VoyageLA that she at first felt lost in her 20s. "Chasing adventures turned into chasing escapes," Sweeten said. "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 "made lasting friendships that turned my life around." Now, the woman once known as the daughter from "Everybody Loves Raymond" has graduated with a degree in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She also continues to work with the Loft Ensemble as a production manager and set designer.

Sweeten has also had some more TV roles, including an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and "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."

Four years after his death, the Sweeten family dedicated a theater in Sawyer's name. People reported that, after restoring two old theaters, family and friends gathered for a ceremony in his memory. The upstairs theater was named "Sawyer's Playhouse." Its plaque reads, "May this place be a light for all to find safety and friendship through creativity."

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

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 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," she said. "I hope they keep an eye on him, I'm very worried about it." While many family, friends, and former cast members shared messages with the public after Sawyer's death, Sullivan kept his grieving private.

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.

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 roles in "Taxi Driver" and "Young Frankenstein." Unfortunately, his career after the sitcom was quite short. 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 (via The New York Times).

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." Doris Roberts, who played his wife on the show, said, "It's like losing a spouse."

Members of the cast reunited in memory of Boyle on October 23, 2020. According to Deadline, Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, and creator Phil Rosenthal participated in a 90-minute special event to raise money for the Peter Boyle Research Fund of The International Myeloma Foundation.

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 "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?'" However, the couple still seems quite happy and has been married for over 30 years.

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. In his impressive career from 1966 up to his death in 2020, Willard is credited with over 300 roles.

A couple of his best-known roles were in "This Is Spinal Tap," a 1984 mockumentary, and the 2000 comedy "Best in Show." Following "Everybody Loves Raymond," his comedic career continued with roles in "Anchorman 2," "New Girl," and "Modern Family."

Willard died in 2020, two years after wife Mary's death in 2018. Following his passing, 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. According to a review by Paste, the comedian leans into his "curmudgeonly" voice in a "stream-of-consciousness style performance" throughout the entire show.

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 "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 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 and he has to "win them over."

The two comedians had a chance to act alongside each other 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 "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. Continuing as a TV actor, you can see McGowan in episodes of "Hot in Cleveland," "Modern Family," "Veep," and "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 "Wicked," "Casa Valentina," and "Kiss Me, Kate."

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.