Ray Romano made the world laugh as the lovable dad on Everybody Loves Raymond. But off-screen, he’s also a real-life father of four. Unlike his sitcom character, who constantly navigated chaotic family life, Romano has raised a tight-knit, supportive family with his wife, Anna Scarpulla.
What’s fascinating is that each of Romano’s children has carved out a very different path. Ally, the only daughter, has made her mark in public relations. His twin sons, Matthew and Gregory, dabbled in Hollywood, carrying on their dad’s entertainment legacy. Meanwhile, the youngest, Joseph, has chosen a completely different journey as an ordained minister.
Let’s dive deeper into the lives of Ray Romano’s kids and see where they are now.
The Romano Family: A Quick Overview
Before we get into details about each child, here’s the big picture:
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Ray Romano and his wife, Anna Scarpulla, have been married since 1987.
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They share four children: Ally (1990), twins Matthew and Gregory (1993), and Joseph (1998).
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Despite their dad’s fame, the Romano children grew up grounded, often shielded from the spotlight.
Now that they’re adults, each of them has chosen unique careers and life paths.
Ally Romano – The PR Maven
The eldest of the Romano kids, Ally Romano, was born in 1990. Instead of following her father into acting or comedy, she carved out a career in public relations and communications.
Her role in PR makes sense when you think about it—she grew up around Hollywood but decided to work behind the scenes, shaping brand images rather than chasing the spotlight. Colleagues describe her as sharp, articulate, and highly professional—traits that make her perfect for the industry.
Ally’s path reflects the idea that not every celebrity kid wants fame. Some thrive by building their own reputation in more traditional careers.
Twins Matthew and Gregory Romano – The Hollywood Connection
Born in 1993, Matthew and Gregory Romano are the famous twins in the Romano household. Both of them, at different points, explored careers in acting and show business.
Growing up on the set of Everybody Loves Raymond, the twins saw firsthand what Hollywood life was like. And while they weren’t regulars on the show, they sometimes appeared in small cameo roles and got a taste of what their dad experienced.
Over time, both Matthew and Gregory have dabbled in entertainment projects, exploring acting and film. Though they may not have reached their dad’s legendary sitcom status, they’ve embraced creative pursuits in the industry.
It’s almost poetic: Ray Romano played a dad raising kids on TV while, in real life, his sons were growing up surrounded by the entertainment world.
Joseph Romano – The Ordained Minister
Perhaps the most surprising of Ray Romano’s kids is Joseph Romano, born in 1998. While his siblings leaned toward PR and show business, Joseph chose a very different path—he became an ordained minister.
Joseph’s journey reflects a strong sense of individuality. Instead of chasing Hollywood lights, he pursued a spiritual calling. His decision shows the Romano family’s diversity of values and interests. It also highlights how Ray and Anna encouraged their children to follow their passions, no matter how unconventional.
A Family Grounded Despite Fame
One of the most remarkable things about the Romano family is how grounded they’ve stayed despite Ray’s celebrity status. Unlike many Hollywood kids who grow up in the tabloids, the Romano children lived relatively normal lives.
Ray often joked about parenting in his stand-up, but behind the humor was a real dedication to raising humble, hardworking kids. In interviews, he’s shared how important it was to him and Anna that their children develop their own identities outside of his fame.
Ray Romano’s Parenting Philosophy
So, how did Ray and Anna manage to raise four successful, independent kids in the shadow of Hollywood? Romano has been open about his approach:
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Keep family life normal. Despite sitcom success, he always valued family dinners, school runs, and simple routines.
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Encourage individuality. His kids were never pressured to follow in his footsteps; they were free to explore their own paths.
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Balance humor with seriousness. As a comedian, he used laughter to connect with his children, but he also knew when to step into serious parent mode.
This balance gave his kids the confidence to choose their own unique careers.
Comparisons to the Barone Family
Fans often wonder how much of Ray Romano’s real life mirrored Everybody Loves Raymond. The show depicted a dad constantly juggling family drama, nosy in-laws, and quirky kids. While Romano insists the show was loosely based on his experiences, his real family seems far more grounded.
Unlike the Barones, the Romanos keep drama private and show strong support for one another. Still, Romano’s kids grew up with a dad who loved to exaggerate real-life scenarios into comedy gold.
The Romano Kids Today
Here’s a snapshot of where each Romano child stands today:
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Ally Romano – Thriving in public relations.
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Matthew & Gregory Romano – Active in creative pursuits tied to entertainment and film.
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Joseph Romano – Serving as an ordained minister.
Each of them represents a different side of ambition: business, art, and spirituality.
How Ray Romano Feels About His Children’s Careers
Romano has always spoken with pride about his kids. In interviews, he often admits he’s happiest seeing them succeed in their own ways. Whether it’s Ally’s PR career, the twins’ Hollywood explorations, or Joseph’s ministry, Romano beams with fatherly pride.
He often says that as long as his kids are happy, he’s content. That humility is part of why fans love him so much—he’s not just a sitcom dad, he’s a real one.
The Impact of Fame on the Romano Kids
While fame can sometimes overwhelm children of celebrities, the Romano kids seem to have handled it gracefully. Sure, growing up with a famous dad had its quirks, but Anna and Ray created stability. Instead of being splashed across gossip headlines, the Romano children quietly built their own careers.
This private but supportive upbringing helped them thrive as adults.
Lessons from the Romano Family
There’s a lot families can learn from the Romanos:
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You don’t need fame to define your identity.
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Kids flourish when given freedom to pursue unique passions.
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Humor, humility, and support go a long way in parenting.
Conclusion
Ray Romano may be known worldwide as the sitcom dad from Everybody Loves Raymond, but his greatest role has been raising four grounded, successful children. Ally became a PR powerhouse, Matthew and Gregory explored Hollywood, and Joseph found his calling as an ordained minister. Together, they represent different paths shaped by love, freedom, and family values.
At the end of the day, Ray Romano isn’t just a star—he’s a proud father whose real-life family story is as heartwarming as any sitcom.
FAQs
1. How many kids does Ray Romano have?
He has four children: Ally, twins Matthew and Gregory, and Joseph.
2. Did any of Ray Romano’s kids become actors?
Yes, his twin sons Matthew and Gregory pursued acting and entertainment-related projects.
3. What does Ray Romano’s daughter Ally do?
Ally Romano works in public relations and has built a strong career in communications.
4. Is it true that Ray Romano’s youngest son is a minister?
Yes, Joseph Romano chose a spiritual path and became an ordained minister.
5. How did Ray Romano keep his kids grounded despite his fame?
He and his wife focused on normal family life, encouraged independence, and emphasized humility and humor.
