Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing
The cast of the beloved US sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond has addressed the death of one of the show's child stars during a heartbreaking 30-year reunion.
The TV show ran for 210 episodes over the course of nine seasons, ending in 2005. Beloved in the UK and the US, the show starred Ray Romano as the titular Ray Barone, and the celebrity cast reunited for an anniversary special.
Dubbed as the Everybody Loves Raymond 30th Anniversary Special, multiple members of the cast came back for a discussion of the show, but a few were conspicuously absent.
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Most notably among those missing was Sawyer Sweeten, who played one half of the identical twin brothers, Michael and Geoffrey.
Sawyer tragically died by suicide at the age of 19 in 2015. He starred on the show alongside his twin, Sullivan and his sister Madylin Sweeten.
In addition, two other major cast members have since died: Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts.
Speaking about his memories of the show, Sullivan said that he had fond memories of ‘playing tag in the bleachers and the prop room’, leading Romano to ask: "Can we mention…’
Madilyn interrupted the actor to say: “Sawyer? Yes.”
Romano said: “So Sawyer, of course, is no longer with us, and we miss him and he, just like you are [gesturing to his siblings], was this bright energy.”
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.”
Madilyn explained that the family works with the US national suicide hotline and will, each year, sell Sawyer t-shirts to raise money for the hotline.
"I just think it is important that every conversation we are having about Sawyer, we are very fortunate in our family about suicide prevention," she said. "It is the second leading cause of death between the ages of 18 and 25. But 90 percent of people who seek treatment are cured."
At the time of his death, Ramano said he was ‘shocked’ and ‘saddened’ by the news of his passing, saying: “He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around.
“Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time.”
The family announced his death in a statement in April 2015, which said: “This morning, a terrible family tragedy has occurred.
“We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday.
“At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy, and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.
Topics: Mental Health, TV and Film, TV, Celebrity
Michael Slavin