All Everybody Loves Raymond characters that have died as cast address suicide of child-star at reunion

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

The cast of Everybody Loves Raymond reunited this week for a 30th-anniversary special, using the occasion to celebrate the sitcom’s legacy and honour fellow co-stars who have passed away.

Created by Phil Rosenthal, the beloved CBS comedy show follows sportswriter Ray Barone (Ray Romano), his wife Debra (Patricia Heaton) and Ray’s endlessly interfering parents, Frank and Marie. We can't forget to mention Ray's brother Robert Barone, played by actor Brad Garrett.

During its nine-season and 210 episode-run from 1996 to 2005, Everybody Loves Raymond earned 15 Emmys and became one of American television’s most iconic family sitcoms.

Sadly, 23 cast members have died during and after the series last aired 20 years ago, with one of the show's youngest stars Sawyer Sweeten taking his own life in 2015, aged just 19.

He played Geoffrey Barone alongside his real-life siblings Sullivan and Madylin.

Sawyer Sweeten died by suicide while visiting family in Texas on 23 April 2015 (CBS)

His on-screen dad Romano paid tribute him during the Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion and said: "So Sawyer, of course, is no longer with us, and we miss him."

The 67-year-old added to his siblings: "And he, just like you are, was this bright energy," as his twin brother 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."

Several of the sitcom’s most iconic performers have also died.

Doris Roberts (Marie Barone)

Doris Roberts played Ray's mum on the show (CBS)

Doris Roberts died peacefully in her sleep in 2016 at age 90. She famously portrayed Marie Barone, Ray’s overbearing and meddling mother.

The actor appeared in all nine seasons, and won four Emmys for her role.

Peter Boyle (Frank Barone)

Peter Boyle was Ray's angry dad (CBS)

Peter Boyle played Frank Barone, Ray’s gruff and highly sarcastic father. He brought a mix of tough love and comedy across nine seasons.

Boyle died in 2006 at 71 from multiple myeloma and heart disease.

Georgia Engel (Pat MacDougall)

Georgia Engel was a regular on the show for a couple of years (CBS)

Engel died in 2019 at 70, with her cause of death undisclosed due to religious beliefs.

She played Pat MacDougall, the sweet and quirky mother of Amy, Ray’s sister-in-law and appeared in episodes between 2003 and 2005.

Fred Willard (Hank MacDougall)

Beloved comedy actor Fred Willard is best known for his role in the Anchorman movies (CBS)

Willard died in 2020 at 86 from cardiac arrest and related illnesses. His portrayal of Hank captured the awkward energy of Amy’s father. He appeared in 13 episodes.

Katherine Helmond (Lois Whelan)

Katherine Helmond featured in 14 episodes (CBS)

Helmond passed away in 2019 at 89 from Alzheimer’s disease. As Debra’s sophisticated but distant mother, she added plenty of fresh tension to family storylines across 14 episodes.

Robert Culp (Warren Whelan)

Robert Culp was best known for his TV roles on I Spy and The Greatest American Hero (CBS)

Culp portrayed Warren Whelan, Debra’s witty and slightly overbearing father, in 11 episodes.

He died in 2010 at 79 after collapsing on a walk in Los Angeles.

Anna Berger (Rita Stipe)

Anna Berger always lit up the screen (CBS)

Berger played Rita Stipe, the wife of Harry Stipe, in two episodes. She passed away in 2014 at 91.

Joseph V. Perry (Nemo – original)

Joseph V. Perry starred in an iconic scene (CBS)

Perry died in 2000 at 69 from diabetes complications. He originated the role of Nemo, the beloved pizzeria owner. His final appearance aired after his death.

Robert Ruth (Nemo – later)

Robert Ruth took on the role of Nemo (CBS)

Ruth continued the role of Nemo for two episodes in 2001 following Perry’s death. He passed away in 2018 at 82 from pneumonia complications.

Phil Leeds (Uncle Mel)

Phil Leeds featured in season one (CBS)

Leeds played Uncle Mel, the great-uncle of Ray and Robert appearing notably in season one. He died in 1998 at 82 from pneumonia.

David Byrd (Harry Stipe)

The actor starred as Rita Stipe’s husband (CBS)

Byrd portrayed Harry Stipe, Rita Stipe’s husband and a nuisance to Frank Barone. He died of cancer in 2001.

Gene Greytak (The Pope)

Gene Greytak became known for having a strong facial resemblance to Pope John Paul II (Laura Luongo/Liaison)

Greytak played The Pope in one episode, leveraging his real-life career as a Pope John Paul II impersonator. He died in 2010 at 84 from cancer.

Argentina Brunetti (Zia Sarina)

Argentina Brunetti has appeared in dozens of films (CBS)

Brunetti played Zia Sarina, mistakenly visiting the Barone family in season two. She died in 2005 at 98.

Jean Stapleton (Aunt Alda)

Jean Stapleton was best known for playing Edith Bunker on All in the Family (CBS)

Stapleton portrayed Alda, Marie’s sister, whose visits often sparked family conflict. She died in 2013 at 90.

Bobbie Norman (Thelma)

Bobbie Norman appeared in one episode (CBS)

Norman appeared as Thelma, a woman Marie met on a cruise ship in 1999. She died in 2006 at 69.

Charles Durning (Father Hubley)

Charles Durning played Father Hubley (CBS)

Durning played Father Hubley, the Barone family priest, appearing in multiple episodes.

He passed away in 2012 at 89 from natural causes.

Len Lesser (Garvin)

Len Lesser played the role of Garvin (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Lesser portrayed Garvin, a friend of Frank Barone’s. He died in 2011 at 88 from pneumonia related to cancer.

Max Rosenthal (Max)

Max Rosenthal was the father of the creator of the show (CBS)

Rosenthal played Max, one of Frank’s lodge buddies, and was the father of creator Phil Rosenthal. He passed away in 2021 at 95.

Patience Cleveland (Phyllis)

Patience Cleveland featured in the first ever episode (CBS)

Cleveland played Phyllis in the season one episode 'The Dog'. She died from cancer in 2004 at 73.

Pearl Shear (Emma)

Shear appeared in season one (CBS)

Shear appeared as Emma in season one’s 'Turkey or Fish' episode. She died in 2009 at 91 from age-related complications.

Peggy Doyle (Elderly Woman)

Peggy Doyle played an Elderly Woman in season three (CBS)

Doyle played a small role as 'Elderly Woman' in season three’s 'The Toaster'. She passed away in 2006 at 86.

Jean Sincere (Cruise Widow)

Sincere died in 2013 at 83. She played one of the lively widows in the cruise episode.