Standing at 6’8” with a booming voice and razor-sharp wit, Brad Garrett was unforgettable as Robert Barone—the gloomy but lovable brother to Ray on Everybody Loves Raymond. While the sitcom brought him Emmy Awards and worldwide recognition, Garrett’s real life was filled with dramatic highs and painful lows.
From career struggles to gambling battles and personal reinvention, Garrett’s story is one of resilience. Behind the laughs, he fought demons, found healing, and ultimately built a second act on his own terms.
The Breakout Role: Robert Barone
Before Everybody Loves Raymond, Garrett was best known as a stand-up comedian and voice actor, lending his deep baritone to cartoons and commercials. Landing the role of Robert was life-changing.
As Ray’s jealous, perpetually unlucky brother, Garrett turned what could have been a background character into a fan favorite. His deadpan delivery, physical comedy, and hangdog expressions earned him three Emmy Awards.
But while fans loved Robert’s endless struggles, Garrett’s own life wasn’t always comedy.
The Dark Side: Gambling Battles
At the height of his sitcom fame, Garrett struggled with a gambling addiction. He’s been candid about losing millions of dollars in Las Vegas casinos. “I could blow $60,000 in an hour,” he once admitted.
The addiction became a destructive cycle, threatening his finances and peace of mind. It took years for Garrett to confront his demons and pull himself out of the spiral. His honesty about the struggle has since inspired others facing similar battles.
A Difficult Marriage and Divorce
Garrett married Jill Diven in 1999, and the couple had two children together. But the marriage faced strain, and by 2006 they divorced. The split was painful and public, with tabloids quick to highlight the contrast between Garrett’s on-screen life and his off-screen struggles.
Despite the heartbreak, Garrett remained committed to co-parenting and has always spoken fondly of his children, calling fatherhood the most grounding force in his life.
Post-Raymond Career Challenges
When Everybody Loves Raymond ended in 2005, Garrett faced the challenge of shaking off Robert Barone. He returned to stand-up comedy and pursued other TV roles, but audiences often struggled to see him as anyone other than Ray’s older brother.
He appeared in shows like ’Til Death and Single Parents, and while they didn’t match Raymond’s success, they showed Garrett’s range. His voice acting also remained steady, with roles in Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, and countless animated shows.
A Bold Move: The Las Vegas Comedy Club
In 2012, Garrett opened Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The club became a hub for established and up-and-coming comedians, giving Garrett a new purpose: creating space for comedy to thrive.
He often performs there himself, using the stage to share brutally honest stories about his life, career, and mistakes. For Garrett, comedy became therapy.
Love and Healing
In recent years, Garrett has found stability in his personal life. He got engaged to longtime partner IsaBeall Quella in 2015, and after several postponed dates, they married in 2021.
Their relationship, Garrett says, gave him a fresh start. “It’s never too late to find peace,” he shared in an interview.
An Advocate for Mental Health
Garrett has been outspoken about his struggles, from addiction to depression, using his platform to raise awareness for mental health. His honesty has set him apart in an industry that often hides imperfections.
Fans admire him not just for his comedy, but for his courage to be real about life’s hardest challenges.
Robert Barone’s Shadow
Even today, Garrett admits it’s impossible to escape Robert Barone’s shadow. Fans still call him “Robert” on the street, and he often gets asked to recreate his famous deadpan lines.
Instead of resenting it, Garrett has embraced the legacy. “Robert gave me everything,” he said. “The show changed my life forever.”
The Legacy of Brad Garrett
While his path hasn’t been smooth, Garrett’s legacy is bigger than sitcom fame. He’s a survivor who turned personal battles into fuel for growth, building a career that spans stand-up, television, film, and live performance.
For fans, his story is a reminder that even the funniest people carry heavy burdens—and that resilience can turn pain into purpose.
Conclusion
Brad Garrett’s journey from sitcom stardom to personal battles and eventual reinvention proves that life after Everybody Loves Raymond isn’t always picture-perfect. He’s faced addiction, heartbreak, and career challenges, but he’s also built a legacy of honesty, humor, and healing.
Like Robert Barone, Garrett’s story is about persistence through life’s frustrations. And just like the sitcom’s final episode, it’s clear his story is still filled with laughter, love, and second chances.
FAQs
1. How many Emmys did Brad Garrett win for Everybody Loves Raymond?
He won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Robert Barone.
2. Did Brad Garrett have a gambling problem?
Yes, he struggled with gambling addiction during his sitcom years but has since spoken openly about overcoming it.
3. Is Brad Garrett married now?
Yes, he married IsaBeall Quella in 2021 after years of being engaged.
4. What is Brad Garrett doing today?
He continues stand-up comedy, runs his Las Vegas comedy club, and works in television and voice acting.
5. How tall is Brad Garrett?
He’s 6 feet 8 inches tall, making him one of the tallest stars in Hollywood.
