Ray Romanos Family Guide: Meet His Wife, Kids and More
Doting dad on and off the screen! Ray Romano is best known for his role on Everybody Loves Raymond but most fans don’t know that the sitcom took inspiration from the comedian’s real-life family.
The standup comedian was born in 1957 to Luciana and Albert Romano. Ray has two siblings, brothers Richard and Robert, who were born in 1956 and 1966, respectively. In 1987, Ray tied the knot with his wife Anna Romano (née Scarpulla) whom he worked with at a local bank before pursuing his acting career. Three years after their nuptials, the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Alexandra. In 1993, Anna gave birth to twin sons, Gregory and Matthew. The pair welcomed their youngest son Joseph in 1998.
The New York native got his comedic start in 1989 when he competed in the Johnnie Walker Comedy Search, which was run by a Saturday Night Live producer. The opportunity led to various standup roles, including his big break on the Late Show with David Letterman. After appearing on the CBS late night show in 1995, he formed a relationship with the network leading to his breakout role on Everybody Loves Raymond.
The comedy series ran for nine seasons from September 1996 to May 2005. Alongside the Parenthood alum, the show starred Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, Madylin Sweeten, Sawyer Sweeten and Sullivan Sweeten. The series followed the Barone family and their daily hijinks, which Romano admitted was based on his actual family.
“We don’t make this stuff up,” the Big Sick star told the Los Angeles Times in 1997 after the show was renewed for a second season. “Although some of what you see is indeed make-believe. When I come home and say, ‘Hi, honey,’ and give her a kiss, that’s acting because that doesn’t happen in my house. There’s a lot more kissing on the show than in real life.”
Ray’s real-life family made cameos on Everybody Loves Raymond, with his daughter, Ally, landing several small roles on the series including the best friend of his onscreen daughter. His dad had a recurring role as one of his TV father’s friends. Even Ray’s wife and brother Richard had background roles in a couple of episodes.
Heaton, who played Ray’s TV wife, exclusively spoke to Us Weekly about the potential of a reboot of the beloved series.
“I don’t think it’s possible now with Peter and Doris gone,” The Middle actress said in November 2018. “It just wouldn’t be the same show.”
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Boyle and Roberts, who portrayed Ray’s onscreen parents, passed away in 2006 and 2016, respectively.
Keep scrolling to get to know the comedian’s family:
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