Like many sitcoms, Everybody Loves Raymond largely thrives on its slew of humorous characters.
From the wisecracking-cynical Frank to the mopey, eccentric Robert, the show often stands on the strength of its unique and zany cast. Yet, this show also excels when it comes to characters who don’t necessarily make regular appearances. They often provide their own distinct brand of humor and offer a new dynamic to the story and dialogue. They may be featured in a variety of episodes, but they exist on the periphery compared to most of the Barones. At times, they also tend to be underrated or overlooked by many.
This list will highlight 1o of the strongest examples of underrated characters who, at times, prove to be as funny as the main cast.
Stan
Though he may not quite rise to the level of hilarity of his friend Frank Barone, Stan makes for an amusing counterpart to him. He usually shines as Frank’s funniest and most prominent friend and often adds some humor to scenes when at the lodge or visiting Frank and Marie’s home.
His goofy and whimsical demeanor plays off of Frank’s more stern and cynical nature. He brings an over-the-top and almost juvenile persona that manages to be distinct while fitting into the style of humor on the show.
Peggy
Peter MacDougall and Peggy in Everybody Loves Raymond
The same way Stan can be a similar-yet-distinct alternative to Frank, Peggy somewhat plays that role when it comes to Debra. Her sly and sarcastic nature plays off of Ray well and brings the best out him in terms of his goofier, naive ways. He often gets the brunt of her harsh personality, but it sure makes for good comedy.
While she’s only been featured in a handful of episodes, she often steals the spotlight with her intense, “take no crap” attitude. Who can forget the classic episode where Peggy, dressed in a militant-looking scout uniform, pins Ray under a table after a cookie-selling turf war?
Stefania
Robert and Stefania in Everybody Loves Raymond 4
For all his relationship woes, Robert has his share of dates and relationships throughout the course of Everybody Loves Raymond before marrying Amy. Perhaps the most memorable is with the Italian woman, Stefania – a character who takes a jarring, but amusing 180 after their romantic dates in Italy.
Just when it seems Robert has fallen for her, she visits him in America, where she essentially takes on the persona of an annoying, naive youth. One can’t help but chuckle at Stefania’s goofy behavior as she dresses up in Robert’s police uniform and demands American hot dogs.
Gianni
Robert Barone and Gianni in Everybody Loves Raymond
Many of the characters’ humor is derived from goofy mannerisms and over-the-top performances. Yet, Ray’s friend Gianni usually provides yuks by offering a more grounded and realistic approach. This acts as a great contrast to the sillier characters who make up much of the cast.
Indeed, much of his humor comes from his sort of “face-palming” demeanor and poking fun at Ray and Robert. He brings a sort of carefree, sarcastic, and nonchalant attitude that makes for some funny moments in a subtle way. At times, he even somewhat resembles a younger Frank with his wisecracking comments.
Marco Fogagnolo
As it happens, Stefania isn’t the only Fogagnolo that provides their share of laughs. At least in the few episodes he’s featured in – Marco brings a distinct brand of comedy with his highly-stern, silent, and borderline chilling demeanor.
With Marco, much of the comedy is derived from his cold, dead expressions that verge on anger at times. He typically presents a sort of “poker face” when talking with Robert and other characters.
This often makes the audience uncertain as to just what he’s thinking and how he’s feeling while witnessing or hearing others being wacky. One can’t help but laugh at his unshakable stoic nature, especially in contrast to the other more over-the-top characters.
Peter/Russell
everybody loves raymond Hackidu Comic Shop Paul Reubens
It’s true that Amy’s brother Peter becomes something of a major character after Robert marries her. Regardless, he’s a hilariously odd figure that never quite got to shine given his late entry onto the Everybody Loves Raymond stage. This is especially true for the Paul Reubens guest appearance, which is just a single episode.
Peter actually first makes an appearance as Russell – a comic book store owner played by Reubens. The actor was one-and-done on the show, which many found unfortunate. He tended to bring a more subtle – and some would say more effective – brand of weirdness. Still, the mainstay version of Peter (Chris Elliott) took on a far more eccentric, almost cartoon vibe, which was certainly funny in its own right.
Judy
Raymond riding with Robert and Judy
Robert’s partner in crime (or rather in fighting crime) is truly one of the show’s funniest supporting characters who never quite got the screentime she deserved, being in just a handful of episodes. Still, in most scenes she’s in, Robert’s no-nonsense partner takes center stage with her abrasive personality and wisecracking dialogue.
The chemistry between her and Robert proves to be among the strongest and funniest in the series, and she’s a major reason the episode “Robert’s Date” is such a fan-favorite.
Andy
Andy Kindler in Everybody Loves Raymond
While it was Ray’s friend Doug that ended up getting his own show, one could certainly see the potential of a spinoff sitcom with his zany, whimsical friend Andy taking center stage. Really, he’s just that strong and funny of a character.
Though he goes over-the-top in terms of his geeky, almost childlike weirdness, it’s these traits that make him so funny and such a great fit for the show. Ray’s coworker Andy usually ensures there’s rarely a dull moment to be had when it comes to scenes at his office.
Gerard
Cousin Gerard in Everybody Loves Raymond
There’s much to find amusing about Gerard; Ray’s uptight cousin who manages to outdo even Ray and Robert in terms of his mopey, silly personality. Though he’s not often featured, he’s usually the primary source of laughter in his rare sightings.
The highlight has to be the episode “Cousin Gerard,” which features hilarious back-and-forth banter between Ray and his cousin. Ray tries to get him to work on his speech by annunciating the word “NOW” with a wider mouth and emphasis. In an amusing irony though, Ray ends up saying it with a similarly nasal twang. He really plays the “weird cousin” role well, especially since he actually looks and sounds very much like Ray.
Hank
Hank MacDougall in Everybody Loves Raymond
Like his son Peter – Hank, played by the late-great Fred Willard, ends up being one of the funniest characters on the show, despite being somewhat “late to the party” with just 14 episode appearances. His uptight mannerisms and dry sense of humor really bring a new dynamic to the show.
This is especially the case when he gets to play off Frank; who’s seemingly the polar opposite to him in just about every way. He plays the stern, puritan father in a realistic way while also injecting plenty of subtly silly humor.
