Towering at 6 feet 8 inches tall, Brad Garrett quite literally stood out on Everybody Loves Raymond. But it wasn’t just his height that made him unforgettable — it was his rich, booming voice, unmatched deadpan delivery, and impeccable comedic timing that brought Robert Barone, Ray’s insecure and underappreciated older brother, to life.
Garrett’s performance as Robert turned what could have been a one-note supporting character into a scene-stealing fan favorite. But his story doesn’t begin — or end — with Raymond. This is the journey of Brad Garrett: a seasoned stand-up comedian, Emmy-winning actor, voice-over legend, and Las Vegas headliner.
Early Life: From California Class Clown to Comedy Clubs
Brad Garrett was born Brad H. Gerstenfeld on April 14, 1960, in Woodland Hills, California. From an early age, he used humor to stand out, entertain his classmates, and cope with his self-described awkwardness.
He attended UCLA for a brief period but dropped out to pursue comedy full time — a risky move that quickly paid off.
In 1984, at just 23 years old, Garrett became the first $100,000 grand champion on Star Search in the comedy category. The victory launched his career and landed him appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, a major milestone for any comedian of that era.
The Stand-Up Years: Learning to Own the Stage
Throughout the 1980s and early ‘90s, Garrett worked the comedy club circuit, opening for major acts like Frank Sinatra, Sam Kinison, and Liza Minnelli. His style was bold, sarcastic, and often self-deprecating, infused with sharp impressions and surreal tangents.
He built a reputation as a comic’s comic — respected in the stand-up world, even if not yet a household name. That would soon change.
Everybody Loves Raymond: Bringing Robert to Life
When Everybody Loves Raymond premiered in 1996, Brad Garrett was cast as Robert Barone, Ray’s towering, glum, and emotionally complex brother — a New York cop with a chronic inferiority complex.
While Ray was laid-back and oblivious, Robert was uptight, jealous, and forever stuck in his shadow. Yet Garrett gave Robert a tragicomic depth. He could make you laugh with a single grunt or wince, and moments later break your heart with a quiet monologue.
Garrett’s chemistry with Doris Roberts (Marie) and Peter Boyle (Frank) added another layer of magic to the show. His iconic deadpan delivery (“I’m not bitter… just better.”) and unforgettable physical comedy (the way he slumped into chairs or trudged upstairs) became Robert Barone trademarks.
Garrett’s performance earned him three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and made Robert one of the most beloved sitcom characters of all time.
Voice Work: A Hidden Talent in Animation
In addition to his on-screen success, Garrett built a massive parallel career as a voice actor. Thanks to his deep, resonant voice, he has voiced countless animated characters, including:
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Bloat the pufferfish in Finding Nemo
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Gusteau the chef in Ratatouille
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Eeyore in Christopher Robin
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Characters in Tangled, A Bug’s Life, Stuart Little 2, Tarzan II, and many more
His versatility in voice acting is remarkable — from silly to soulful, menacing to melancholic.
Life After Raymond: Vegas, TV, and a New Spotlight
After Everybody Loves Raymond ended in 2005, Garrett didn’t try to chase another sitcom lead right away. Instead, he returned to stand-up, toured the country, and eventually launched his own venue: Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
Located at the MGM Grand, the club has become a premier destination for top comics and rising stars. Garrett often performs there himself, offering raw, uncensored sets full of adult humor — a big contrast from Robert Barone.
He also took on diverse roles in series like:
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‘Til Death (2006–2010) – playing a long-married husband navigating suburban life
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Single Parents (2018–2020) – a recurring role as a cynical grandfather
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The Crazy Ones, I’m Dying Up Here, and dramatic guest spots in Fargo, Law & Order, and The Good Fight
Personal Struggles and Candid Honesty
Brad Garrett has been open about his struggles with addiction, depression, and the dark side of fame. In his 2015 memoir, When the Balls Drop: How I Learned to Get Real and Embrace Life’s Second Half, Garrett writes candidly about aging, parenting, recovery, and relationships.
His honesty about mental health and personal growth has resonated with fans who once only knew him as the grumpy big brother on TV.
Garrett was married once and has two children. In 2021, he became engaged to longtime partner IsaBeall Quella after nearly a decade together.
A Second Act: Reinvention, Resilience, and Respect
Garrett has fully embraced his second act — one grounded in creativity, humility, and self-definition. Whether he’s mentoring young comics at his club, voicing a Pixar character, or doing emotional monologues on prestige TV, he’s proven time and again that he’s much more than just Robert Barone.
He’s a performer who refuses to be boxed in — and a reminder that success doesn’t end with a hit sitcom; it can evolve into something deeper.
FAQs About Brad Garrett
Q1: How tall is Brad Garrett?
A: He’s 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) tall.
Q2: What awards has he won?
A: Three Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond.
Q3: Is he still doing stand-up?
A: Yes, he performs regularly at his own venue, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.
Q4: What are some of his voice acting roles?
A: Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, Tangled, Christopher Robin, A Bug’s Life, and many more.
Q5: What is Brad Garrett doing now?
A: He’s still acting, touring, managing his comedy club, and appearing in both comedic and dramatic roles.
