The series, inspired by the stand-up routine of lead Ray Romano<\/a>, debuted on Sept. 13, 1996. It centered on sportswriter Ray Barone (Romano), his nonsense-intolerant wife Debra (Patricia Heaton<\/a>) and their three young children (played by real-life siblings Madylin, Sawyer and Sullivan Sweeten), who live across the street from Ray\u2019s parents (Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle) and brother (Brad Garrett).<\/p>\n In the 90-minute \u201cEverybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion\u201d that aired Nov. 24 (streaming now on Paramount+), the stars regaled fans with their favorite episodes, shared stories from auditions, and honored those on the cast who have died.<\/p>\n Join our Watch Party! <\/strong>Sign up to receive USA TODAY’s TV and movie recommendations right in your inbox<\/a><\/p>\n Romano, now 67, revealed Heaton stood out among the more than 200 actresses who read for the role of his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a part that says, \u2018She kisses her husband,\u2019 and every other actress just kind of mimed it,\u201d Romano said. \u201cFor some reason, she did it, and when she walked out, I go, \u2018That\u2019s the one!\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n Heaton, also 67, joked, \u201cThat\u2019s how desperate I was to get the job.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are other notable moments from the reunion:<\/p>\n Ray Romano explains why an \u2018Everybody Loves Raymond\u2019 reboot is \u2018never\u2019 going to happen<\/p>\n Romano was quick to explain at the top of the reunion why the beloved series will never be revived.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re never going to do (a reboot) because we\u2019re missing three cast members, three family members,\u201d Romano said, referring to Boyle, Roberts and Sawyer Sweeten. \u201cWe would never try to do the show without them.\u201d<\/p>\n Peter Boyle plants a smooch on onscreen wife Doris Roberts at the wrap party for “Everybody Loves Raymond” on April 28, 2005.<\/p>\n Boyle died in 2006 at age 71, from heart disease and multiple myeloma. Roberts, 90, died in 2016<\/a> from a massive stroke. Sawyer died by suicide a few weeks short of his 20th birthday in 2015.<\/p>\n Even if the show returned, \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be the same,\u201d series creator Phil Rosenthal said. And everyone involved has \u201ctoo much respect for the show itself and for the beautiful audience” to mess with it, Rosenthal added..<\/p>\n The cast shares heartfelt tributes to Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts<\/p>\n The character of Marie (Roberts) took inspiration from Rosenthal\u2019s real-life mom, and Frank (Boyle) was based on Romano\u2019s dad. \u201cI used to say, \u2018Everything you saw Peter do, my father probably did in real life without pants on,\u201d Romano said.<\/p>\n Boyle \u201cwas pretty much the opposite,\u201d of Frank, Romano added, and Rosenthal shared two facts about the \u201cYoung Frankenstein\u201d actor that he thought might surprise the audience. \u201cHe studied to be a monk,\u201d Rosenthal revealed, \u201cand best man at his wedding was John Lennon<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Rosenthal recalled that 100 women read for the part of Marie, but Roberts outshined them all. And she had a bit of a party trick, Heaton revealed.<\/p>\n \u201cDoris could drink everybody under the table,\u201d Heaton said with a smile. \u201cChampagne, that was her choice.\u201d<\/p>\n Sullivan Sweeten remembers \u2018the good moments\u2019 with his late brother, Sawyer<\/p>\n During the reunion, Romano asked if it would be OK to talk about Sawyer, and his sister Madylin gave a wholehearted \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSawyer, of course, is no longer with us and we miss him,” Romano said. “And he was \u2212 just like you were \u2212 just this bright, energy light.\u201d<\/p>\n Brothers and actors Sawyer Sweeten, left, and Sullivan Sweeten attend the “Everybody Loves Raymond” wrap party marking the end of the CBS sitcom.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of us really expected what happened,\u201d Sawyer\u2019s twin Sullivan said. \u201cBut I try to think about the good moments, and oftentimes, that\u2019s here on the set.\u201d<\/p>\n The Sweeten family is \u201cvery passionate\u201d about suicide prevention, Madylin said. \u201cSo many of the messages that we get are people saying, \u2018I\u2019m so grateful to have heard about your brother. He saved my life.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit\u00a0988lifeline.org<\/a>\u00a0for 24\/7 access to free and confidential services.<\/p>\n![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/85b44f92523e44dc788fd61368999453.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Brothers](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ad75f2ab82d934aa817b90d4a4e1b8f0.jpeg\"\/)
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