The Tallest Man in the Room
At 6’8″, Brad Garrett was impossible to miss on-screen as Robert Barone, the awkward, lovable older brother.
Off-screen, however, Garrett’s life wasn’t always as lighthearted as the character he played.
Behind the comedic timing and booming voice were struggles, secrets, and personal turning points that shaped him into the man he is today.
1. He Hid His Gambling Addiction for Years
While Everybody Loves Raymond was airing, Brad Garrett developed a serious gambling habit.
He often slipped away to casinos between shoots and, for a long time, kept it hidden from his castmates.
“I lost a lot of money, but more importantly, I lost a lot of time I could have spent living,” he later admitted.
2. He Went Through a Divorce During the Show’s Run
Brad married Jill Diven in 1999 after proposing on the set of Everybody Loves Raymond. They had two children together.
However, the marriage quietly began to fall apart during the final seasons. The couple separated in 2005 and divorced in 2007 — something he kept low-profile while filming to protect his kids.
3. He Struggled with Depression
Despite his booming laugh and quick wit, Garrett battled depression, particularly after his divorce and while dealing with career uncertainty post-Raymond.
“People think comics are always happy. Most of the time, we’re overcompensating,” he told USA Today.
4. He Turned Down Roles to Protect His Privacy
After Raymond, Garrett was offered several TV roles, but he rejected many to spend more time with his children and recover emotionally from his gambling and divorce struggles. He later said it was one of the best decisions he ever made.
5. He Secretly Paid for a Friend’s Medical Bills
A close friend of Garrett’s fell seriously ill during the mid-2000s. Without telling anyone, he covered the hospital expenses. The friend revealed it years later, saying Garrett never wanted credit — just wanted to help.
6. He Found Love Again but Kept It Out of the Spotlight
For years, Garrett kept his romantic life private after his divorce. In 2015, he publicly confirmed he was engaged to his girlfriend IsaBeall Quella after seven years of dating — but the couple had been together much longer than fans realized.
7. He Quietly Supports Addiction Recovery Programs
Garrett has been involved with various addiction recovery charities, particularly for gambling and substance abuse. He rarely does public fundraising, preferring to attend private support meetings and mentor individuals one-on-one.
Closing Thoughts
Brad Garrett may have played Robert Barone — a character defined by sibling rivalry and dry humor — but his real life has been a testament to resilience. From overcoming addiction to protecting his family’s privacy, his journey shows that even the biggest laughs can hide the deepest stories.
FAQs
Q: Did Brad Garrett’s gambling ever affect his work on Everybody Loves Raymond?
A: He says it didn’t interfere with filming, but it took a toll on his personal life.
Q: Why did he keep his divorce private?
A: To shield his young children and avoid unnecessary media attention.
Q: Is Brad Garrett remarried?
A: He married IsaBeall Quella in 2021 after a long engagement.
Q: Does he still gamble?
A: He has stated in interviews that he’s been in recovery for years.
