Brad Garrett isn’t just memorable—he’s unforgettable. With his towering presence, signature baritone voice, and razor-sharp comedic instincts, he carved out a permanent place in TV history through his role as Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. Yet long before he ever wore a police uniform and battled sibling rivalry with Ray Romano, Garrett was already building a career grounded in grit, humor, and a relentless pursuit of his own voice.
In this full, in-depth look at his life and legacy, we explore Garrett’s rise from stand-up stages to Emmy-winning success, the personal battles he fought behind the scenes, and why fans still adore him decades later.
Brad Garrett’s Early Life: Comedy Was His Calling from the Start
Born Brad Gerstenfeld on April 14, 1960, Garrett grew up in Woodland Hills, California. Even as a kid, he was drawn to the rhythm of comedy—its timing, its honesty, and the way a single punchline could light up an entire room.
While other kids dreamt of sports or stardom, Garrett was studying Johnny Carson, Don Rickles, and the greats. His influences weren’t just comedians—they were storytellers. And it showed.
The Start of His Stand-Up Career
At just 18, Garrett left UCLA after a short stint and threw himself into comedy full-time. This wasn’t the safe move—it was the brave one.
He began performing at local clubs, grinding through late-night open mics, and developing a style that mixed sarcasm, observational humor, and a booming delivery no audience could ignore.
His big break came in 1984 when he stepped onto the Star Search stage. With confidence and that unmistakable voice, Garrett won the whole competition—instantly thrusting him into national attention.
Voice Acting: His Secret Hollywood Superpower
Before TV audiences ever met Robert Barone, Garrett was already a highly sought-after voice actor. Disney, Pixar, DC—everyone wanted that voice.
He lent his booming baritone to iconic animated roles, including:
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Gusteau in Ratatouille
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Bloat in Finding Nemo
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Dim in A Bug’s Life
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Lobo in Superman: The Animated Series
Even people who didn’t know his face recognized his voice.
Landing the Role of Robert Barone
When Everybody Loves Raymond was casting, Garrett walked in and delivered something no one else could replicate—a perfect blend of comedic pain and lovable insecurity.
Robert Barone wasn’t just funny.
He was real.
The writers often said Garrett didn’t simply play Robert; he inspired Robert. His deep-voiced deadpan delivery, awkward physical presence, and emotional vulnerability shaped the character.
Why Robert Barone Became a Fan Favorite
Robert was the underdog. The overlooked sibling. The guy who tried too hard and still came up short. His role hit home for so many viewers because it felt honest.
Fans loved him because:
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He was relatable
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He was vulnerable
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He was weirdly lovable
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He had impeccable timing
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He brought heart into every scene
Robert wasn’t just a side character—he was the emotional anchor of the Barone family.
The Chemistry Between Brad Garrett and Ray Romano
Comedy gold happens when timing, talent, and chemistry collide. And that’s exactly what happened with Ray and Brad.
They played brothers with such natural authenticity that viewers often assumed they were related in real life. Their little jabs, jealous moments, and heartfelt conversations gave the show its beating heart.
It was a connection built on mutual respect and a shared sense of comedic rhythm.
Marie and Robert: A Relationship for the Sitcom Ages
One of the show’s most iconic dynamics was Robert’s relationship with his mother, Marie (played by Doris Roberts). She adored him… maybe a little too much. Their interactions were:
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Emotionally loaded
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Hilarious
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Complex
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Endlessly relatable
Garrett himself has said Doris Roberts pushed him to be a better actor—and it showed.
Robert’s Love Story with Amy
Robert’s romantic arc was another fan favorite. Watching him go from a lonely older brother to a newlywed discovering love with Amy gave viewers some of the most heartfelt moments of the series.
Brad Garrett infused Robert’s love story with humor and sincerity, making the character’s growth feel authentic and earned.
Winning Three Emmy Awards
Garrett’s portrayal didn’t just win over fans—it impressed critics too. He took home three Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Each win solidified him as one of TV’s greatest comedic performers.
Life After Raymond: Reinventing Himself
When the series ended, many wondered how Garrett would move forward from such an iconic role. But Brad wasn’t worried—he simply returned to doing what he loved: creating.
His Stand-Up Career
Garrett returned to stand-up with force, delivering shows full of unfiltered humor, sharp sarcasm, and personal confessions.
He even launched his own venue, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, in Las Vegas—quickly becoming one of the top comedy destinations in the city.
Television Roles
He starred in or appeared on:
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Til Death
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How to Live with Your Parents
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Single Parents
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I’m Dying Up Here
His range expanded, showing he could play more than just the lovable brother.
Film and Voice Work
His voice acting career only kept growing, adding more animated roles to an already stacked résumé.
Personal Battles and Being Brutally Honest
One of the reasons fans love Brad Garrett is his honesty. He has openly discussed his struggles with:
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Alcohol
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Depression
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Relationships
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Fame
He has never sugarcoated his journey, and that vulnerability makes his humor even richer. He’s proof that comedians often find laughter through pain—and share it to make others feel less alone.
The Legacy of Robert Barone
Robert Barone is one of TV’s most beloved characters, and Brad Garrett played him with unmatched shaping. He brought:
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Physical comedy
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Emotional depth
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Impeccable timing
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Human honesty
Without Garrett, Everybody Loves Raymond would have been a different show. Some fans argue that Robert—not Ray—was the true heart of the series.
What Brad Garrett Means to Fans
For millions, Brad Garrett represents:
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The funny older brother
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The lovable underdog
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The man who made sarcasm an art form
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A comedian who speaks his truth
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A performer who gave everything to his craft
He wasn’t just playing a role… he was building a legacy.
Why Brad Garrett’s Career Still Matters Today
Garrett continues to work, perform, inspire, and entertain. His journey has become a blueprint for comedians who want to evolve beyond typecasting, embrace vulnerability, and build a career that spans decades.
He proves that the funniest people often have the biggest hearts—and the deepest stories behind their laughter.
Conclusion
Brad Garrett’s journey is one of talent, perseverance, and unforgettable humor. From his early stand-up days to his award-winning portrayal of Robert Barone, he has remained authentic, raw, and deeply human. His honesty, vulnerability, and comedic brilliance made him an essential part of Everybody Loves Raymond—and an icon in his own right.
While fans will forever cherish Robert Barone, Brad Garrett’s career stands tall (literally and figuratively) as a testament to the power of finding your voice—and using it to make the world laugh.
FAQs
1. How tall is Brad Garrett?
Brad Garrett stands at 6’8″, one of the tallest actors in sitcom history.
2. Did Brad Garrett really win awards for his role as Robert Barone?
Yes, he won three Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor.
3. What did Brad Garrett do before Everybody Loves Raymond?
He built a successful stand-up career and became a top voice actor for major animated films.
4. Does Brad Garrett still perform comedy?
Yes, he continues stand-up and owns a popular comedy club in Las Vegas.
5. Was Robert Barone based on someone real?
While not directly based on one person, the character drew heavily from family dynamics and Garrett’s own comedic style.
