So, Who’s Really Everybody’s Favorite?
We’ve all laughed (and maybe even cried) watching Everybody Loves Raymond. The show is packed with unforgettable characters: Ray, the clueless but lovable dad; Debra, the sarcastic and strong-willed wife; and of course, the in-laws from sitcom heaven—or maybe hell.
But here’s the twist: the most loved character isn’t Ray. And it’s not Debra either. According to fans, the real star—the one who stole every scene and carved a place in viewers’ hearts—is someone you might not expect.
Let’s break it down and reveal the true fan-favorite character of this legendary sitcom. Spoiler alert: it’s going to surprise you.
A Quick Refresher on the Cast of Characters
Before we dive into fan favorites, let’s quickly revisit the main characters:
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Ray Barone – A sportswriter, father, and perpetual man-child
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Debra Barone – Ray’s exhausted but sharp wife
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Marie Barone – Ray’s overbearing, manipulative mother
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Frank Barone – Ray’s blunt, hilariously grumpy father
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Robert Barone – Ray’s older, taller, often bitter brother
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The Barone Kids – Adorable, but rarely seen or heard
Each character had their own quirks—but only one consistently won over fans with unforgettable delivery, one-liners, and perfect timing.
The Official Poll That Sparked the Debate
In a 2024 fan poll on Reddit and multiple Facebook groups dedicated to Everybody Loves Raymond, thousands of fans were asked:
“Who’s your all-time favorite character from the show?”
And guess what?
Marie Barone came out on top.
Yep. The nosy, guilt-tripping, meddling, judgmental matriarch—played masterfully by Doris Roberts—beat out Ray, Debra, and even Robert to claim the #1 spot.
Why Marie Barone? Let’s Break It Down
At first glance, Marie isn’t exactly “lovable.” She’s pushy, she micromanages Debra, and she has zero chill. But fans couldn’t get enough of her. Why?
1. Doris Roberts’ Brilliant Performance
Let’s be real—Marie wouldn’t have worked without Doris Roberts’ legendary delivery. She brought layers to Marie. One moment she’s sweetly offering lasagna; the next, she’s guilt-tripping her sons with Olympic-level skill.
2. Comedy Gold in Every Scene
Marie’s lines weren’t just funny—they were iconic. Her passive-aggressive digs? Priceless. The way she could turn an innocent compliment into a guilt trip? Pure sitcom genius.
3. She Was the Heart of the Barone Chaos
Without Marie stirring the pot, the show wouldn’t have been half as entertaining. She was the one character who connected everyone—whether they wanted her to or not.
Memorable Marie Moments That Sealed Her Status
“I’m Not a Control Freak, I Just Know Better”
That line alone should be on a T-shirt. Marie was always convinced she knew best—and somehow, it was hilarious.
The Tupperware Episode
Marie’s meltdown over Debra throwing away an old piece of Tupperware is peak sitcom drama. And it’s one of the most shared clips online for good reason.
Every Time She Said “Debra”
Marie had a very special way of saying Debra’s name—as if it were soaked in judgment and sprinkled with disapproval. Instant comedy.
Robert Barone: The Runner-Up Favorite
Coming in second in the fan polls was Robert Barone, played by Brad Garrett. And honestly, it’s easy to see why.
Robert had everything: awkward charm, self-pity, and some of the show’s most relatable moments.
But despite his appeal, Marie still edged him out in the hearts of longtime fans.
Ray and Debra: Surprisingly Not at the Top
It’s kind of ironic that the show’s two leads didn’t take the top spot. Why?
Because their characters often played the “straight man” role—the calm(ish) center of the chaos. And while they had great chemistry, fans connected more with the over-the-top personalities like Marie and Robert.
What Made ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ So Beloved?
The brilliance of the show was in how real it felt. Every family has a Marie—someone who “means well” but can’t help interfering. Every sibling relationship has a bit of Robert vs. Ray energy. And every couple has had those “Ray-and-Debra” fights.
But it was Marie’s character that captured the reality of complicated love wrapped in guilt, expectations, and homemade meatballs.
How Doris Roberts Transformed Marie Into a Sitcom Icon
It’s no coincidence that Doris Roberts won four Emmy Awards for this role. She wasn’t just playing a character—she embodied a generation of moms who loved hard and meddled harder.
She brought humanity to a role that could’ve easily turned into a one-dimensional “monster-in-law.” Instead, she gave us comedy, heart, and vulnerability.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Marie Barone
Ray Romano and the show’s creator, Philip Rosenthal, have admitted that Marie was inspired by their own mothers. Yep—this wasn’t just fiction. It was a little too real for some viewers.
That authenticity made Marie resonate even more with audiences.
Fan Quotes That Prove Marie’s Reign
A few gems from Reddit and fan groups:
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“I hated her—and yet, I LOVED her. That’s how good Doris was.”
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“Every scene with Marie was gold. She had the best lines.”
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“I wanted to strangle her—and then hug her. That’s how you know it’s a great character.”
Marie’s Legacy Lives On
Even after the show ended in 2005, Marie’s legacy lives on in memes, GIFs, and reruns.
Doris Roberts sadly passed in 2016, but her portrayal of Marie remains iconic—one of the greatest sitcom performances of all time.
Final Thoughts: Marie Barone Was the Real Star
While Ray may have gotten top billing, and Debra delivered some unforgettable lines, Marie Barone was the emotional engine of Everybody Loves Raymond.
She was maddening, hilarious, overbearing, and unforgettable—and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
FAQs About Marie Barone and ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’
1. Why is Marie Barone considered the most loved character?
Because of her comedic timing, iconic lines, and Doris Roberts’ layered performance that made her both infuriating and lovable.
2. Did Doris Roberts win awards for playing Marie?
Yes! She won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
3. Were the characters based on real people?
Yes. Marie was inspired by Ray Romano’s and Philip Rosenthal’s real-life moms.
4. Who were the runners-up in the fan polls?
Robert Barone came in second, followed by Frank Barone and then Debra.
5. Where can I watch ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’?
You can catch reruns on TV Land, Peacock, and streaming platforms like Hulu, depending on your region.
