It has been almost two decades since Peter Boyle, best known as the father on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” passed away. Ray Romano, who played his son on the show, still holds the late actor in high regard.
During a recent reunion special celebrating the sitcom’s 30th anniversary, Romano and other cast members, including Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, and Monica Horan, remembered their time on the show.
The cast paid tribute to Doris Roberts, who played Romano’s mother, Marie Barone, and Boyle, who died in 2006.
Romano shared a story from the pilot episode, recalling how nervous he was. Boyle, a seasoned actor, noticed Romano’s apprehension and offered a simple piece of advice: “It’s just like water. Just let it flow.”
Romano explained that while he didn’t fully understand the advice at the time, he now appreciates the gesture of Boyle reaching out to him.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” which aired from 1996 to 2005, focused on family relationships, marriage, and the challenges of raising children – themes that have resonated with audiences for years. The show received 15 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run.
Creator Phil Rosenthal said the show avoided “jokes of the day” to ensure its long-lasting appeal. He knew the show had potential when an audience that had never seen the show before laughed for a full 30 seconds and were “cued into the characters.”
