The 23 Everybody Loves Raymond cast members who’ve died since the show ended as cast reunite for 30th anniversary
The Everybody Loves Raymond cast reunited on Monday (November 24) for a special 30th anniversary show, where they paid heartfelt tribute to their late co-stars.
The popular US sitcom was created by Phil Rosenthal and stars Ray Romano as sportswriter Ray Barone, who lives with his wife Debra (Patricia Heaton) and their three kids across the street from his overbearing parents Frank (Peter Boyle) and Marie (Doris Roberts).
No stone was left unturned, as the sitcom explored marriage, parenting and the love-hate relationship all families can relate to, set against a suburban Long Island backdrop.
Airing on CBS from September 1996 to May 2005, the TV show ran for nine seasons and 210 episodes, earning 15 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and cementing its place as one of television’s most cherished sitcoms.
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Sadly, several members of the cast have passed away since the series ended - and on Monday night, their former co-stars came together to honor their memory.
Here are the 23 actors from Everybody Loves Raymond who are no longer with us.
Sawyer Sweeten
Sawyer played one of Ray and Debra's twin sons, Geoffrey Barone, for all nine seasons of the show, appearing in a total of 142 episodes.
He performed alongside his real-life siblings, identical twin brother Sullivan and their older sister Madylin Sweeten.
Sawyer died in April 2015 by suicide at just 19 years old.
On the reunion show, Ramona described Sawyer as 'this bright energy.'
Addressing his tragic and sudden death, Sawyer's twin Sullivan said: "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 added it was 'so important' to discuss the topic of suicide prevention when talking about her late 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 added.
Doris Roberts
Roberts played Ray's meddling mom Marie in the hit TV series.
The actress won four Emmy awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role.
Roberts died in her sleep following a stroke in April 2016, aged 90.
During the reunion special, creator Phil Rosenthal recalled how more than 100 women auditioned for her role, but none came close to Roberts.
"She was what was in my head and in my life and was so beyond," he said. "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
Boyle, who played Ray’s father Frank on the show, was also honored during the reunion.
He died in December 2006 of a form of bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma and heart disease, aged 71.
Romano shared a touching story about Boyle's kindness during the filming of the Everybody Loves Raymond pilot.
Sensing Romano’s nerves, Boyle reassured him by saying: “It’s just like water. Just let it flow.”
The moment made a lasting impression, as Romano recalled on the reunion special: "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
Engel played Pat MacDougall, the mom of Ray's sister-in-law, Amy, between 2003 and 2005.
The actress died in April 2019 in Princeton, New Jersey, aged 70.
Her cause of death remains unknown, as she did not consult doctors over religious beliefs.
Fred Willard
Amy's father, Hank MacDougall, meanwhile, was played by actor Fred Willard.
He appeared in 13 episodes between 2003 and 2005.
Willard died in May 2020 of cardiac arrest, with underlying coronary artery disease and myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer. He was 86 years old.
Katherine Helmond
Helmond played Debra's mom, Lois, for 14 episodes between 1996 and 2004.
She died of Alzheimer’s disease at home in Los Angeles in February 2019, aged 89.
Robert Culp
Culp, meanwhile, portrayed Debra's father, Warren Whelan, for less time than his on-screen other-half; 11 episodes, between 1996 and 2004.
In 2010, he collapsed while walking near the entrance to Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after.
His cause of death is listed as a heart attack. He was 79 years old.
Anna Berger
Rita Stipe was portrayed by Berger, appearing in two episodes of Raymond between 1998 and 2000.
The actress died in May 2014 in Manhattan, New York, aged 91.
Her cause of death was never specified.
Joseph V. Perry
Perry played the recurring role of Nemo, owner of the local pizzeria, in the hit CBS sitcom.
Perry died in February 2000 in hospital at Burbank, California, from complications of diabetes. He was 69 years old.
His character's final appearance in Everybody Loves Raymond was aired posthumously, when his restaurant got bought out.
Robert Ruth took over the role for two more appearances.
Robert Ruth
Ruth played Nemo, the owner of Nemo’s Pizza, for two episodes in 2001.
The actor died on December 29, 2018, in Torrance, California, from complications of pneumonia at the age of 82.
Phil Leeds
Raymond fans will recognize Leeds as Uncle Mel, the brother of Frank Barone's mother, making him Ray, Robert, and Amy's great-uncle.
He appeared in several episodes, most notably in season one, episode 10, titled 'Turkey or Fish.'
He died in August 1998 of pneumonia in Los Angeles at age 82.
David Byrd
Byrd played the character Harry Stipe, husband of Anna Berger's Rita Stipe, on the show.
He was known for almost being Frank's double, even sporting a similar catchphrase to him.
He died in January 2001 in Studio City, California from cancer.
Gene Greytak
Greytak appeared as The Pope in Everybody Loves Raymond.
In real life, he was actually a real estate broker who made a career as an actor by impersonating Pope John Paul II.
He died of cancer in February 2010 in North Tustin, California, aged 84.
Argentina Brunetti
Brunetti appeared as Zia Sarina in season two, episode 14's 'Mia Famiglia.'
She was accidentally mistaken for Frank's aunt and flew out to Lynbrook to visit the Barones.
Brunetti died in Manhattan in 2005 at the age of 98.
Jean Stapleton
Stapleton played Alda in Everybody Loves Raymond, the sister of Marie Barone - and the source of much family conflict.
She died at her New York Home in May 2013 at 90 years old.
Bobbie Norman
Norman appeared as Thelma, a woman Marie met on a cruise ship in 1999
She died at the age of 69 in May 2006 in Los Angeles, California. No further details about her death were released.
Charles Durning
You'll recognise Durning as Father Hubley, the Barones’ family priest, who appeared in multiple episodes of the show.
Died December 24, 2012 of natural causes in New York City at age 89.
Len Lesser
Seinfeld star Len Lesser was also known for playing Garvin, a friend of Frank Barone's, on Everybody Loves Raymond.
He died in February 2011 from pneumonia related to cancer in Burbank, California at age 88.
Max Rosenthal
Rosenthal portrayed recurring character Max, one of Frank Barone’s lodge buddies, on the show.
The actor died in 2021 at age 95. His cause of death was not publicly disclosed.
Patience Cleveland
Cleveland featured once in Everybody Loves Raymond, playing Phyllis in season one episode 19's The Dog.
She died from cancer in May 2004, four days after her 73rd birthday.
Pearl Shear
Actress Sheer appeared as Emma in season one, episode 10 of Everybody Loves Raymond.
She died at the age of 91 in 2009 due to complications of old age, according to reports.
Peggy Doyle
Doyle was credited as 'Elderly Woman' in season three, episode 12's 'The Toaster'.
She died in July 2006 at the age of 86.
Jean Sincere
Sincere played one of three 'merry widows' in the chaotic Cruising with Marie episode from season three.
She died in April 2013 from natural causes in Los Angeles at the age of 83.
Topics: Nostalgia, Film and TV, US News, Celebrity, Hollywood
Ellie Kemp