For nearly a decade, Ray Romano made millions laugh as the neurotic but lovable Ray Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. But behind the laughs, Romano’s real life looks strikingly similar to the character he played—a family man balancing fame, fatherhood, and marriage.
While his Hollywood career has evolved into movies, voice acting, and even serious drama roles, Romano’s proudest role remains his life at home. So, what does Ray Romano’s world look like today, decades after his sitcom glory days? Let’s take a closer look.
The Real-Life Debra and the Romano Family
In Everybody Loves Raymond, Debra Barone was the endlessly patient wife to Ray’s bumbling character. In real life, Romano found his Debra in Anna Romano (née Scarpulla). The two met in the ’80s while working at a New York bank, long before Hollywood came calling.
They married in 1987 and have four children together: Alexandra, twins Matthew and Gregory, and youngest son Joseph. Unlike many Hollywood couples, the Romanos have kept their marriage remarkably strong and private, even through decades in the spotlight.
Parenting in the Spotlight
While Romano’s on-screen alter ego was often clueless as a dad, off-screen he takes fatherhood seriously. He’s admitted that raising four kids while building a TV empire wasn’t easy, but his family always came first.
When his children were younger, Romano made sure they grew up away from the Hollywood bubble, living in Los Angeles but keeping a low profile. He preferred school events and family dinners over glitzy parties. “The career is great, but at the end of the day, it’s about family,” he once said.
Life After Everybody Loves Raymond
When the sitcom ended in 2005, Romano could have coasted on residuals and sitcom fame. Instead, he reinvented himself.
He became the voice of Manny the mammoth in the Ice Age franchise, introducing himself to a whole new generation of kids. He also took risks in drama, starring in Men of a Certain Age and earning critical acclaim for his role in The Irishman.
Still, through all the career shifts, Romano’s anchor has been his family.
Marriage Longevity in Hollywood
Romano and his wife Anna have defied the odds in Hollywood. While many celebrity marriages collapse under the pressure of fame, theirs has lasted over three decades.
In interviews, Romano credits humor and humility as the glue. “I annoy her like crazy,” he joked once, “but she still laughs at my jokes, so I guess we’re doing okay.”
Their bond was further tested when Anna battled breast cancer in 2010. Romano stood by her side through treatment, and thankfully, she recovered. The experience deepened their connection and gave Romano a renewed appreciation for family.
The Romano Children Today
All four Romano children have carved their own paths, with some dabbling in entertainment. Alexandra has appeared in minor acting roles, while Matthew and Gregory have explored writing and comedy.
Romano, though proud, has always emphasized that his kids don’t need to live in his shadow. “They don’t owe me a thing,” he once said. “I just want them to be happy and find their own passions.”
The family remains close-knit, often vacationing together and even collaborating creatively.
Ray Romano the Grandpa?
Now in his mid-60s, Romano is entering a new chapter—grandfatherhood. Though he’s kept details private, he’s joked in interviews about the idea of spoiling grandkids. Fans love the thought of the sitcom dad evolving into the sitcom grandpa.
If Everybody Loves Raymond taught us anything, it’s that Romano has the comedic chops to make family life—at any stage—hilarious.
A Down-to-Earth Celebrity
What sets Romano apart from many Hollywood stars is his relatability. He still shops at local grocery stores, plays golf with buddies, and prefers a quiet night in to flashy premieres.
He’s worth an estimated $200 million, but you wouldn’t know it from his lifestyle. For Romano, success has never been about fame or fortune—it’s about making people laugh and cherishing family.
Why Fans Still Love Him
Romano’s ability to balance career success with genuine family devotion is what keeps fans loyal. He’s never tried to be the flashiest star—just the most authentic. In an industry built on image, that authenticity makes him timeless.
Whether he’s voicing an animated mammoth, acting alongside Robert De Niro, or making dad jokes at home, Romano embodies the idea that you can be both a Hollywood star and a devoted husband and father.
Conclusion
Ray Romano may have left the fictional Barone family behind, but his real-life story is even more inspiring. With a strong marriage, four grounded children, and a thriving career, he’s proof that Hollywood success and family values can go hand in hand.
At the end of the day, the man who made us laugh for years on primetime is still playing his most important role—husband, father, and now, grandfather. And fans wouldn’t want it any other way.
FAQs
1. Who is Ray Romano married to?
He’s married to Anna Romano, his longtime wife since 1987.
2. How many children does Ray Romano have?
He has four children: Alexandra, twins Matthew and Gregory, and Joseph.
3. Did Ray Romano’s wife have health issues?
Yes, Anna Romano was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 but has since recovered.
4. What roles has Ray Romano taken after Everybody Loves Raymond?
He voiced Manny in Ice Age, starred in Men of a Certain Age, and appeared in The Irishman.
5. Is Ray Romano a grandfather now?
Yes, he has entered the grandparent stage of life, though he keeps details private.
