If you’ve ever watched the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond and wondered what happens behind the scenes, you’re in for a treat. Actor Brad Garrett, who starred as Robert Barone, recently shared a heart‑warming and slightly mischievous story about a treasured prop he took from the show’s set. It’s not just a fun anecdote—it showcases what the show meant to him, and why certain items become so meaningful. Let’s dive in and unpack the story of that kept prop, why it matters, and how it reflects the magic behind your favorite sitcom.
Who Is Brad Garrett?
Brad Garrett is best known for his role as Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. Tall, booming voice, occasional big heart under the gruff exterior—he brought warmth and hilarity to the Barone family. His presence helped shape the dynamic that made the show resonate with audiences for nine seasons. His recent revelation about the item he took from set invites us to see the show through his eyes.
The Prop in Question: What He Took Home
Garrett revealed that the item he took home was the infamous avocado‑green rotary phone from Frank and Marie Barone’s living room. According to his story, he tried to “steal” it at wrap‑up but was caught. Instead of a reprimand, the prop crew decided to hand it over to him as a keepsake. Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Why That Phone? Why That Moment?
Why this phone? It’s a small item, but loaded with significance. On the show, the phone sits in the Barone parents’ home—so many conversations, squabbles, punchlines run through it. Picking it up symbolically means: this set, this family, this show mattered. For Garrett, though, the moment of “taking it” was playful, a nod to everything the show gave him.
The Set as a Second Home
Think of the studio walls, the couches, the props—after years of filming, they become part of your daily life. For Garrett and the cast, the Barone home wasn’t just scenery—it was practically a second home. That’s why the phone feels more than a “prop”; it’s a relic of a chapter of his life. The decision to keep it underscores how tied the cast became to their characters and the environment.
The Story Behind the Take‑Home Moment
Garrett recounted the moment: near wrap of the series, he attempted to remove the prop quietly, got caught, and then the head of props simply gave it to him. It’s a funny story, yes—but also a genuine, warm moment of recognition from the crew. It signals that they understood how much the show meant to him.
Props and Sentiment: Why Actors Keep Set Items
This anecdote connects to a broader truth: props carry sentimental weight. When you work on a show for years, the lines between character and actor blur. A small item becomes a tangible link to those years. For fans, it may seem quirky. For actors, it’s emotional. The phone is more than a phone—it’s a memento.
The Impact of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’
The show ran from 1996 to 2005, and it left a lasting legacy. Garrett’s story shows the human side of that legacy: it’s not just about ratings or awards—it’s about the relationships, the environment, the shared laughter, the long filming days. A phone? Maybe. But also a symbol of what the show was to those who made it.
Behind the Scenes: The Prop Team’s Role
It’s worth acknowledging the unsung heroes: the prop team. They manage hundreds of items, continuity, set design, replacements. For one of them to hand over the phone acknowledges Garrett’s dedication and connection. It’s a small act, but one loaded with mutual respect between actor and crew.
How the Story Resonates with Fans
When a show ends, fans often wonder if cast members took anything home. This story feeds that curiosity. More than that—it creates a bridge between set and audience, actor and viewer. Because fans loved the show; now they know Garrett loved it enough to keep the phone. It humanizes him and makes the show feel more real.
What the Phone Means Today
Years later, Garrett still cherishes the phone. It’s not on display for publicity; it’s a personal keepsake. It reminds him of the show, the crew, the cast, the many hours of filming laughter and drama. For fans and fellow actors alike, it underlines one truth: what feels small can carry immense meaning.
A Reflection on Work, Memory and Time
Work is often seen as what you do. But there’s also what you live. For Garrett, filming meant daily rituals, set routines, a community. The phone represents that chapter. It invites reflection: what items do we keep as markers of time? What reminds us of who we were, where we were, what we did?
Why the Story Spreads: Viral Potential
This story ticks many boxes for viral content: nostalgia, a beloved show, a celebrity revelation, a sentimental keepsake, behind‑the‑scenes peek. People who loved Raymond feel a tug. Newer viewers discover it. Even non‑fans see the human story. It resonates because it’s small yet rich, personal yet universal.
Lessons from the Anecdote
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Cherish your work: If a small item can bring back years, imagine what your work holds for you.
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Value the people behind the scenes: Prop teams, crews—they matter.
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Small moments add up: A prop phone? It represents thousands of moments.
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Sharing the story strengthens connection: Garrett shared because it means something.
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Legacy isn’t just the show—it’s the memories: The phone is a legacy piece.
What Fans Might Do Next
Fans might look for similar set‑items or replicas. They might ask: what happened to the giant fork and spoon from the Barone kitchen? They might revisit the show with new eyes, appreciating the little set details. They might feel more connected to the cast. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll imagine that every prop has a story.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Brad Garrett’s story about the avocado phone from Everybody Loves Raymond isn’t just a fun piece of trivia—it’s a window into how meaningful a TV show can become for those who create it. The set becomes a second home, the props become memories, and the show becomes a chapter of life. So the next time you watch the Barone family on screen, remember: someone still treasures that little green phone, and that tells you everything about how real the experience was.
FAQs
Q1: What prop did Brad Garrett take from the ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ set?
A1: He took the avocado‑green rotary phone from Frank and Marie Barone’s living room set.
Q2: Was Brad Garrett allowed to take the prop?
A2: The story goes that he tried to take it quietly at wrap‑up, got caught, and then the prop department officially gave it to him.
Q3: Why is that particular prop meaningful?
A3: Because the phone appears frequently in the Barone parents’ home scenes—it symbolizes the family home, the show’s environment, and Garrett’s years on set.
Q4: Does this story reflect how actors feel about long‑running shows?
A4: Yes. It shows that long‑term TV work builds relationships, routines, emotional attachment to spaces and items that go far beyond the script.
Q5: What can fans take away from this story?
A5: That what we see as “props” are more than set dressing—they hold memories, signify work and connection, and remind us that behind the laughter there are people, lives, and meaning.
