Everybody Loves Raymond was one of those rare sitcoms that felt timeless the moment it aired. Even today, reruns still spark laughter, nostalgia, and that comforting feeling of family chaos we all recognize. Among the unforgettable characters, Marie Barone stands tall—sharp, meddling, hilarious, and oddly lovable.
That magic came from Doris Roberts, an actress so perfectly cast that fans couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role. When she passed away in April 2016 at the age of 90, the loss felt personal to millions. What many didn’t know at the time was that Doris Roberts had been struggling with serious health issues before her death.
This article takes a respectful, in-depth look at her health journey, her strength, and the legacy she left behind.
Why Everybody Loves Raymond Still Feels Relevant Today
Some shows age poorly. Everybody Loves Raymond didn’t.
Its humor was rooted in real family dynamics—awkward dinners, sibling rivalry, overbearing parents, and marital tension. These themes never go out of style. That’s why fans still binge it decades later.
At the heart of that realism was Doris Roberts’ portrayal of Marie Barone.
Marie Barone: A Character Fans Loved to Hate
Marie Barone wasn’t sweet or subtle.
She meddled constantly, criticized endlessly, and crossed boundaries like it was her job. Yet, she felt real. Viewers recognized their own relatives in her behavior—and that’s what made her iconic.
Doris Roberts didn’t soften Marie. She leaned into her flaws, making the character unforgettable.
Doris Roberts: More Than Just a Sitcom Mom
Before Everybody Loves Raymond, Doris Roberts already had a long, respected career.
She appeared in numerous television series and films, earning admiration for her versatility and work ethic. While she appeared in well-known movies, it was television where she truly flourished.
Her role as Marie Barone cemented her place in television history.
An Award-Winning Performance That Defined a Generation
Doris Roberts didn’t just play Marie—she dominated the role.
She appeared in 210 episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond and won four Emmy Awards for her performance, along with multiple nominations. That level of recognition speaks volumes about her talent.
She elevated every scene she entered.
The Success That Came With Physical Demands
Long-running sitcoms are demanding.
Filming schedules are intense, lines must be memorized, and performances must stay sharp year after year. Doris Roberts maintained that level of excellence well into her later years.
But years of work, travel, and stress can take a toll on the body.
The Health Condition Doris Roberts Struggled With
Before her passing, Doris Roberts was living with pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition that affects the heart and lungs.
This illness causes high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, placing strain on the heart and reducing oxygen flow throughout the body. It’s a condition that can worsen over time and has no definitive cure.
How Pulmonary Hypertension Affects the Body
Pulmonary hypertension doesn’t always announce itself loudly.
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest discomfort, and swelling in the lower body. These symptoms can make everyday activities exhausting and unpredictable.
Living with it requires careful management and resilience.
The Connection Between Pulmonary Hypertension and Stroke
Pulmonary hypertension increases strain on the heart and circulatory system.
In some cases, it can raise the risk of serious complications, including stroke. Medical experts have noted that this condition can significantly impact overall cardiovascular health.
Doris Roberts ultimately passed away following complications related to her health.
Why Doris Roberts Rarely Spoke About Her Illness
Despite her condition, Doris Roberts chose privacy.
She didn’t want her health to define her public image or overshadow her work. Instead, she focused on living as fully as possible and continuing to act when she could.
That choice reflected strength—not denial.
Staying Active Despite Health Challenges
In one of her final interviews, Doris Roberts spoke candidly about aging and staying healthy.
She emphasized the importance of movement, mental clarity, and routine. She even mentioned riding her bike regularly, showing her determination to remain active despite physical limitations.
That mindset defined her approach to life.
How Her Health Affected Her Acting Career
In her later years, Doris Roberts appeared less frequently on screen.
This wasn’t due to a lack of passion—but rather the natural limits imposed by health. Still, she continued acting in television movies and guest roles, proving her love for the craft never faded.
Her Final Roles and Continued Creativity
Even close to the end of her life, Doris Roberts kept working.
She appeared in TV movies and guest spots, choosing roles that fit her energy level. Creativity remained a source of joy and purpose for her.
That dedication speaks volumes.
The Everybody Loves Raymond Cast Remember Doris Roberts
Her co-stars remembered her as generous, professional, and incredibly sharp.
She was admired not just for her talent, but for her warmth behind the scenes. The bond among the cast extended beyond the cameras.
Why Fans Still Miss Doris Roberts
Some performances leave a permanent mark.
Fans still quote Marie Barone, still laugh at her scenes, and still feel comforted by her presence. Doris Roberts didn’t just entertain—she became part of people’s lives.
Separating Marie Barone From Doris Roberts
Marie was critical and overbearing.
Doris Roberts was kind, thoughtful, and deeply respected. That contrast highlights her acting brilliance. She transformed into Marie without losing herself.
Aging Gracefully in the Public Eye
Aging is difficult.
Aging publicly is even harder. Doris Roberts handled it with dignity, refusing to hide while also refusing to be defined by illness or age.
She showed that presence matters more than perfection.
Lessons We Can Learn From Her Health Journey
Her story teaches empathy.
It reminds us that people may carry invisible struggles while still showing up with strength and humor. Health challenges don’t erase a person’s value—they highlight their resilience.
Why Her Legacy Goes Beyond Comedy
Doris Roberts paved the way for older women in television.
She proved that maturity brings depth, authority, and humor that younger characters can’t replicate. Her success changed perceptions.
Why Everybody Loves Raymond Endures Without Her
The show lives on because of performances like hers.
Each rerun preserves her timing, her expressions, and her unforgettable delivery. Her work ensures she’s never truly gone.
Conclusion: Honoring Doris Roberts With Respect and Gratitude
Doris Roberts’ health struggles before her death in 2016 reveal a woman of incredible strength, discipline, and grace.
She lived fully. She worked passionately. And she gave the world laughter even while facing serious health challenges.
Remember Doris Roberts not for how her life ended—but for the joy, realism, and brilliance she brought to television history.
FAQs
1. What health condition did Doris Roberts have?
She suffered from pulmonary hypertension, a serious heart and lung condition.
2. How old was Doris Roberts when she passed away?
She was 90 years old.
3. Did Doris Roberts talk openly about her illness?
No, she preferred to keep her health private.
4. Did her condition affect her acting career?
It limited her appearances, but she continued acting when possible.
5. Why is Doris Roberts still so beloved today?
Because her performance as Marie Barone was authentic, hilarious, and timeless.
