When news broke in 2016 that Doris Roberts, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her unforgettable role as Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, had passed away at the age of 90, the entertainment world felt an undeniable void. Roberts wasn’t just a talented actress—she was a force of nature who could make us laugh, cry, and cringe, often in the very same scene.
Her career spanned more than six decades, covering Broadway, film, and television. Yet, it was her portrayal of the overbearing, witty, and hilariously passive-aggressive Marie Barone that etched her into pop culture forever.
In this tribute, we’ll explore her life, career, and legacy while honoring the impact she left both on-screen and off.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born Doris May Green on November 4, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, Roberts had a childhood marked by challenges. Raised primarily by her mother, she developed resilience and independence early on.
After moving to New York City, Doris found her love for acting. She studied drama and began her career on stage, performing in Broadway productions that sharpened her timing and presence.
Breaking into Hollywood
Roberts started landing small TV roles in the 1950s, during the golden age of live television. She appeared in popular anthology series like Studio One and The Naked City.
But Doris wasn’t just another actress trying to make it—she had a unique presence. Her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles gave her an edge that casting directors loved.
A Familiar Face on TV Before Raymond
Before Everybody Loves Raymond, Roberts was already a household name for many TV viewers. She appeared in a long list of hit shows, including:
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Remington Steele (as Mildred Krebs, a role that earned her Emmy nominations)
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St. Elsewhere
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Soap
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Barney Miller
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Step by Step
She built a reputation as a scene-stealer, often making minor characters feel unforgettable.
The Role of a Lifetime: Marie Barone
Everything changed when Doris landed the role of Marie Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond. As the overbearing mother to Ray Romano’s character, she embodied every mother-in-law stereotype—meddling, judgmental, but also deeply loving in her own way.
Marie was a character audiences loved to hate, yet couldn’t stop laughing at. Her passive-aggressive comments toward Debra (Patricia Heaton) and her coddling of Ray created some of the show’s funniest moments.
Roberts made Marie iconic, earning four Emmy Awards for the role. She once said, “Marie is the mother everybody loves to hate. And that’s why they love her.”
The Magic Behind Her Comedy
So why was Doris Roberts so good as Marie? It wasn’t just her delivery—it was her timing, her expressions, and her ability to take a line that could seem mean on paper and make it hilarious.
Her chemistry with the rest of the cast was undeniable. Whether she was clashing with Frank (Peter Boyle), needling Debra, or smothering Ray, Roberts commanded every scene she was in.
A Career That Extended Beyond Sitcoms
Although Everybody Loves Raymond defined her later years, Roberts’ career went far beyond one role. She appeared in films like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (as Ellen Griswold’s mother), Grandma’s Boy, and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
Even after Raymond ended, she kept working—guest-starring on shows like Hot in Cleveland and Desperate Housewives. Her love for acting never faded, even in her 80s.
Awards and Recognition
Over her long career, Roberts collected five Emmy Awards, including her four wins for Everybody Loves Raymond. She was also recognized by the Screen Actors Guild and received lifetime achievement honors from various organizations.
But beyond awards, her greatest recognition came from audiences who adored her work. She had that rare quality of making people feel like they knew her personally.
Off-Screen Activism
Doris Roberts wasn’t just an actress—she was also an advocate. She became a strong voice for senior citizens’ rights, frequently speaking out against age discrimination in Hollywood.
She even testified before Congress about ageism in the entertainment industry, using her platform to demand better representation and opportunities for older actors.
Her Relationship with the Cast
One of the most touching aspects of Roberts’ life was how close she was with her Raymond castmates. Ray Romano often described her as “family,” and Patricia Heaton called her “a true professional and friend.”
Brad Garrett and Peter Boyle shared a particularly strong bond with her, often joking and laughing between takes. When Peter Boyle passed away in 2006, Roberts spoke emotionally about how much she missed her “TV husband.”
Doris Roberts’ Passing
On April 17, 2016, Doris Roberts died peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles at the age of 90. The cause was later revealed as a stroke.
Her death brought an outpouring of tributes from fans, co-stars, and celebrities around the world. Ray Romano said:
“Doris Roberts had an energy and a spirit that amazed me. She never stopped. Whether working professionally or with her many charities, or just nurturing and mentoring a young, green comic like myself, she did everything with such a grand love for life and people.”
Public Reaction and Legacy
The news of her death trended instantly on social media. Fans shared their favorite Raymond clips, remembering her quick wit and warm smile.
But Roberts’ legacy isn’t just tied to Marie Barone. It’s about a woman who worked tirelessly for more than 60 years in Hollywood, broke barriers for older women, and never stopped entertaining.
Why We Still Love Doris Roberts
Even today, her performances feel timeless. Whether she’s making Debra’s life miserable in Raymond or stealing a scene in Christmas Vacation, Roberts’ humor and humanity shine through.
She made us laugh, yes, but she also made us think about family, love, and aging with grace and sass.
Her Lasting Influence
Many sitcom moms have come and gone, but few have reached the iconic status of Marie Barone. Shows like Modern Family and The Middle owe a debt to Doris Roberts’ blueprint of the overbearing, unforgettable sitcom mom.
Actors today still cite her as an influence—proof that her impact goes beyond just one generation.
Conclusion
Doris Roberts lived a long, rich, and extraordinary life. From her humble beginnings in Missouri to becoming one of television’s most beloved mothers, she left a legacy that will never fade.
Her portrayal of Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond remains one of the greatest comedic performances in TV history, but her life was defined by so much more—advocacy, mentorship, and a passion for her craft that never dimmed.
At 90 years old, Doris Roberts proved that age is just a number. And while she may be gone, her laughter, lessons, and legacy continue to live on every time we rewatch an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond.
FAQs
1. What was Doris Roberts’ most famous role?
Her role as Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond made her a household name.
2. How many Emmys did Doris Roberts win?
She won five Emmy Awards—four for Raymond and one for her earlier work.
3. Did Doris Roberts work after Everybody Loves Raymond?
Yes, she appeared in films and TV shows well into her 80s, including Hot in Cleveland and Grandma’s Boy.
4. Was Doris Roberts involved in activism?
Absolutely. She was a passionate advocate for senior citizens’ rights and fought against age discrimination in Hollywood.
5. How did Doris Roberts die?
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 90 due to a stroke.
