17 Famous People You Probably Forgot Were on Everybody Loves Raymond
Let’s face it: Everybody Loves Raymond was a family sitcom through and through. But in between Debra’s meltdowns and Marie’s guilt-trips, the show was quietly stacking its guest list with actors who would go on to become stars—or already were but played blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roles.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual binge-watcher, you’ll be surprised at some of the familiar faces who appeared on the show. From future Oscar nominees to sitcom icons, here are 17 famous people you probably forgot popped up on Everybody Loves Raymond.
1. Kevin James
Before: The King of Queens
Kevin James appeared as a friend of Ray’s in the episode “The Gift,” before The King of Queens officially aired.
Why It Matters
This cameo helped establish the King of Queens/Raymond universe and hinted at a shared TV world—years before cinematic universes were cool.
2. Sherri Shepherd
Before: The View
Sherri played a nurse in a quick appearance during the show’s run.
Why It’s Easy to Miss
It was a minor role, but one of her earliest TV gigs before becoming a household name.
3. Fred Willard
Before: Modern Family Fame
Willard played Hank MacDougall, Amy’s father, a devout and quirky religious man.
Why He Stood Out
His over-the-top righteousness and comic timing made him a scene-stealer every time he appeared.
4. Georgia Engel
Before: The Mary Tyler Moore Show Legend
Engel played Pat MacDougall, Amy’s soft-spoken and sweet mother.
The Role
She brought a gentle and hilarious contrast to Marie’s bold personality.
5. Josh Peck
Before: Drake & Josh
Josh appeared in the episode “The Ingrate” as a kid who briefly interacts with Ray.
How Old Was He?
Very young—before his Nickelodeon fame.
6. Alexandra Breckenridge
Before: Virgin River, This Is Us
She had a tiny appearance as an unnamed character.
Bet You Didn’t Notice
She was still a teen actress, and her scene was fleeting.
7. Ray Romano’s Real-Life Kids
Before: Grown-Up Fame
His twins, Matthew and Gregory, appeared as background kids in a few scenes.
Family Ties
They inspired the twin sons on the show and occasionally showed up in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
8. Paul Reubens (aka Pee-wee Herman)
Before: Pee-wee Reboot Fame
Reubens played a strange comic book store employee in one episode.
It Was Weird (In a Good Way)
His role was brief but memorable for his trademark eccentric delivery.
9. Kurtwood Smith
Before: That ‘70s Show Dad
He made a guest appearance playing Debra’s doctor.
You Know the Voice
He was a bit more reserved than his Red Forman role, but still sharp.
10. Chris Elliott
Before: Schitt’s Creek Fame
Elliott played Peter MacDougall, Amy’s oddball brother.
Why You Remember Him
His bizarre behavior and odd love of pigeons made him unforgettable.
11. Alicia Witt
Before: Hallmark Queen
Witt played an attractive girl who made Debra feel self-conscious.
Classic Plot
The storyline revolved around jealousy and Ray’s cluelessness.
12. Brian Posehn
Before: The Big Bang Theory
Posehn had a tiny guest spot as one of Ray’s friends.
Comedy Roots
Long before nerd culture became cool on Big Bang, he was already owning it.
13. Tom McGowan
Before: Broadway Regular & TV Guest Star
He played Bernie Gruenfelder, a friend of Ray and Robert.
Recurring Friend Role
He wasn’t a celebrity at the time but later became familiar across stage and screen.
14. Andy Kindler
Before: Comedy Circuit Staple
Andy played Andy—yes, himself—a recurring friend in Ray’s poker group.
Comedy Favorite
He’s a comedian’s comedian, known for his stand-up and commentary.
15. Maggie Wheeler
Before: Janice on Friends
Wheeler appeared briefly in Raymond as Linda, a relative of Debra’s.
That Voice!
If you thought, “Wait, is that Janice?”—you were right.
16. Lauren Graham
Before: Gilmore Girls Glory
She appeared as an old flame of Ray’s in a flashback-style episode.
The Role
She played someone Ray thought might’ve been “the one that got away.”
17. Craig Anton
Before: MADtv and Disney Fame
Craig had a one-off as a teacher at the twins’ school.
You Know the Face
A classic “That Guy!” actor who’s popped up everywhere.
Why Did So Many Big Names Appear?
Simple: The show was a hit, and casting directors had their eyes on rising talent. Many actors were just starting out, and Raymond was a perfect platform to show off their skills—even in short roles.
Why You Probably Missed Them
-
They weren’t famous yet.
-
The roles were small, often just one scene.
-
The Barones’ chaotic energy usually stole the spotlight.
The Legacy of Guest Stars on Sitcoms
Guest roles on hit shows like Everybody Loves Raymond often serve as stepping stones for future stars. Much like Friends or Seinfeld, Raymond served as a low-key launchpad for talent on the rise.
Conclusion
So next time you rewatch Everybody Loves Raymond, keep your eyes peeled. That nurse, that teacher, that awkward friend? They might just be someone you’re streaming in a lead role today. Turns out, the Barone house was a magnet for future stars—and we didn’t even realize it at the time.
FAQs
Q1: Why did so many now-famous actors appear on Everybody Loves Raymond?
Because the show had massive reach and casting directors often selected talented up-and-comers.
Q2: Who was the most famous person to appear on the show later in their career?
Kevin James and Sherri Shepherd both went on to become major TV stars.
Q3: Are any of the guest stars part of the main Raymond universe?
Yes—Kevin James’ character later became Doug Heffernan in The King of Queens, which shared some continuity.
Q4: Did Ray Romano’s real family really appear on the show?
Yes! His twin sons made brief appearances as background kids.
Q5: Where can I rewatch these episodes?
All episodes are available on streaming services like Peacock and Paramount+.
