The Man Who Made Everybody Love Raymond
For nine seasons, Ray Romano was the affable, slightly awkward everyman on Everybody Loves Raymond.
But behind the sitcom smiles and the Emmy-winning punchlines lies a treasure trove of little-known facts — stories that reveal a far more complex, driven, and occasionally vulnerable man than the one we saw on TV.
1. He Wasn’t the Obvious Choice for Raymond
Before CBS handed him the lead role, Ray was a relatively unknown stand-up comic with zero acting experience. Network executives initially doubted whether he could carry a show.
“I wasn’t an actor. I thought they were crazy,” Romano told Vanity Fair.
It was creator Phil Rosenthal’s insistence that made CBS take the gamble — one that paid off for nearly a decade.
2. He Originally Wanted to Be an Accountant
Ray didn’t grow up dreaming of Hollywood. In fact, he majored in accounting at Queens College.
He later joked:
“I realized accounting wasn’t for me when I kept adding jokes to my balance sheets.”
3. He Turned Down Millions to End the Show
When Everybody Loves Raymond wrapped in 2005, CBS offered to keep it going. Romano could have pocketed another multi-million-dollar paycheck.
But he refused, explaining that ending on a high note was worth more than the money.
“If we went one more year, it would’ve been for the wrong reasons,” he told 60 Minutes.
4. His Poker Hobby Is Serious Business
Ray is an avid poker player who’s competed in the World Series of Poker multiple times. He’s admitted the game keeps him “humble” — even if he loses thousands in a single night.
5. He Battles Stage Anxiety
Despite his confident on-screen persona, Romano has confessed to struggling with nerves before performances.
“Every time I’m about to go on, I think: why am I doing this to myself?”
It’s a reminder that even the most seasoned performers can be plagued by self-doubt.
6. He Once Beat David Letterman… at Golf
Ray and Letterman share a passion for golf, but in a friendly match, Romano managed to pull off an unlikely win. Letterman later joked on-air:
“I let him win. He needed it for his self-esteem.”
7. He’s Been Married to His College Sweetheart for Over 35 Years
While Hollywood relationships often crumble, Ray’s marriage to Anna Romano has endured. They met in a bank where she worked as a teller, and the two have weathered fame and fortune together.
Closing Thoughts
Ray Romano’s story is one of quiet persistence, self-deprecating humor, and surprising choices. Whether it’s turning down millions, tackling anxiety, or staying grounded through decades in show business, Romano proves that the best comedians often have the richest inner lives.
FAQs
Q: Did Ray Romano really have no acting experience before Everybody Loves Raymond?
A: Correct — he came from stand-up comedy and had no formal acting training.
Q: How many times has he played in the World Series of Poker?
A: Multiple times, though he hasn’t won a major title.
Q: Is Ray Romano still married?
A: Yes, to Anna Romano since 1987.
Q: Why did Everybody Loves Raymond end?
A: Romano and the producers wanted to finish at the show’s creative peak, not for financial reasons.
