The Big Guy Everyone Remembers
Let’s face it—when you think of Everybody Loves Raymond, Brad Garrett’s towering presence and deep voice probably echo in your head. Playing Robert Barone, the often-overlooked but hilarious older brother of Ray Romano’s character, Brad Garrett stole scene after scene. But the man behind the character? He’s even more fascinating than you might expect.
In this deep-dive, we’re unpacking 10 awesome, quirky, and downright surprising facts about Brad Garrett that fans (and even some hardcore Raymond lovers) may not know. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore the man who brought Robert Barone to life.
The Towering Talent Behind Robert Barone
Yes, He’s Really THAT Tall
Standing at a whopping 6 feet 8 inches, Brad Garrett is one of the tallest actors in Hollywood. His height became a running joke on Everybody Loves Raymond, with countless gags poking fun at his size—especially next to the much shorter Ray Romano.
He Started Out in Stand-Up Comedy
Before sitcom stardom, Garrett was grinding in comedy clubs. He even won the first $100,000 prize on Star Search in 1984—kind of like an ’80s version of America’s Got Talent. That win kickstarted his comedy career and opened doors to TV.
His Voice Is His Secret Weapon
The Voice Behind Your Favorite Cartoons
You may not recognize his face, but you’ve almost definitely heard Brad Garrett’s voice. He’s voiced iconic animated characters like:
-
Bloat the blowfish in Finding Nemo
-
Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh
-
Hook Hand Thug in Tangled
-
Gusteau in Ratatouille
His deep, booming voice is instantly recognizable and has become a favorite in the animation world.
He Took a Risk with Robert
The Role That Changed Everything
Garrett was hesitant at first about playing Robert Barone. He worried about being typecast or overshadowed by the family-centric plot. But guess what? His portrayal of Robert ended up earning him three Emmy Awards.
A Character Built from Real Life
Brad infused Robert with quirks and personality drawn from his own family dynamics. The awkwardness, the jealousy, the “woe is me” attitude—it wasn’t all fictional. Garrett once admitted in interviews that some of Robert’s struggles mirrored his own.
He’s Faced Personal Struggles—and Overcome Them
Brad Garrett Has Been Open About His Addiction Recovery
Fame didn’t shield Garrett from life’s challenges. He’s been candid about his battles with alcoholism and how recovery helped him find peace and purpose. His vulnerability on the topic has helped others feel less alone.
Comedy Became His Coping Mechanism
In many ways, humor was his way of healing. Garrett has said that making people laugh was how he dealt with pain—and that his greatest joy is lifting others through comedy.
A Career That Keeps Evolving
From Sitcom Star to Drama Actor
You might associate him with comedy, but Brad’s got serious range. He’s taken on darker, more dramatic roles, like his acclaimed turn in FX’s Fargo and the indie film The Clockmaker.
He’s Also a Game Show Host and Poker Pro
Yep, Garrett hosted Laugh Out Loud, a short-lived game show in the ’90s. And if you’re into poker, you might’ve seen him at celebrity tournaments—he’s a regular at the World Series of Poker.
A Man of Many Talents (And Ventures)
Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas
He opened the Brad Garrett Comedy Club at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It features rising comics and sometimes Garrett himself doing live sets. It’s become a hotspot for real-deal stand-up fans.
Author and Memoirist
In 2015, Garrett released a memoir called When the Balls Drop—a brutally honest, laugh-out-loud look at middle age and masculinity. Think of it as part comedy, part self-help, and all Brad.
The Family Guy in Real Life
He’s a Devoted Dad
Garrett has two children from a previous marriage and often talks about how fatherhood grounded him. Despite a demanding career, he’s prioritized being present and involved in his kids’ lives.
His Love Life Is Full of Surprises
In 2015, Garrett got engaged to IsaBeall Quella, a woman 24 years his junior. The two met in his comedy club and, after a long engagement, tied the knot in 2021. Age gap aside, they seem to genuinely complement each other.
Not Just Famous—Respected
Loved by His Co-Stars
Ray Romano has praised Garrett for his depth, timing, and warmth. And Doris Roberts (Marie Barone) once called him “the glue that held the set together.”
Fans Still Can’t Get Enough
Years after the show ended, Garrett’s character remains one of the most memed and quoted online. Whether it’s his sad-sack sighs or that signature deadpan delivery—Robert Barone lives on.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Brother on TV
Brad Garrett is so much more than the guy who played Ray’s mopey big brother. He’s a towering talent with a huge heart, a remarkable voice, and a resilience that’s as admirable as it is inspiring. From comedy clubs to animated films and serious dramas, Garrett continues to evolve—and fans are loving every step of the journey.
5 Unique FAQs About Brad Garrett
Q1: What was Brad Garrett’s first big break?
A: Winning Star Search in 1984 gave him his first major exposure, paving the way for his stand-up and TV career.
Q2: Is Brad Garrett still doing comedy?
A: Absolutely. He regularly performs at his Las Vegas comedy club and still tours occasionally.
Q3: How many Emmy Awards has Brad Garrett won?
A: He’s won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Robert Barone.
Q4: Has Brad Garrett done any serious acting roles?
A: Yes! He’s appeared in dramatic roles on shows like Fargo and in several indie films.
Q5: What inspired Brad Garrett to write a memoir?
A: He wanted to explore aging and masculinity through humor, offering both laughs and life lessons.
