Ray Romano and Peter Boyle’s partnership on the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond was a comedic gem that captivated audiences. Romano, portraying the endearing yet often flustered Ray Barone, found his comedic counterpart in Boyle’s portrayal of the gruff and straightforward Frank Barone, Ray’s father. Together, they brought to life the timeless father-son relationship, brimming with laughter, affection, and occasional tension.
Fond Memories and Unexpected Beginnings
Boyle’s deadpan delivery and Romano’s impeccable timing got viewers stuck to their screens. Sadly, Boyle passed away on December 12, 2006, after battling multiple myeloma and heart disease. In a recent interview, Romano fondly reminisced on his time and experiences working alongside the late actor during the production of the series.
A Humble Encounter
In a discussion, Romano discussed his encounter with his former costar. He explained that even though Boyle had already achieved stardom, he treated him with the utmost respect. “When I met him, he, of course, was a well-known movie actor, and star, and I was nobody. I was a stand-up who got his sitcom and was trying acting,” the 66-year-old told the news outlet. “I was very intimidated and he took me in. He made me feel welcome. He made me feel part of the club.”
Surreal Moments and Valuable Advice
He noted that his experiences, both on and off camera, with the late actor felt like living in dreamland, primarily because they were entirely unexpected. “It was as surreal as it could be,” Romano added. “I’m doing stand-up one day, and the next day, I’m on my show and Peter Boyle is my buddy.”
The 66-year-old also stated that the late actor gave him some valuable advice when he was struggling with his performance on the sitcom. “[Peter] said this one quote, and there were no segues or anything,” Romano admitted. “He just stopped me as I was walking, and he said, ‘It’s just like water. Just let it flow.’”
The cast of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ reunites for charity: Ray Romano and series co-creator Phil Rosenthal among those to pay homage to late costar Peter Boyle pic.twitter.com/SR3RywiITq
— Eldar Polak (@eldarpolak) October 20, 2020
Beyond the Character: A Man of Depth
During a 2017 interview, Romano paid tribute to Boyle stating that he was a man with a wide range of knowledge and experiences and was nothing like his on-screen persona. “Peter was the exact opposite of the closed crank character he played on TV, one of the smartest guys I ever met,” he confessed. “He’d talk to Patricia Heaton about politics, and he’d dumb it down for me, he spent two years in a monastery with a vow of silence. John Lennon was best man at his wedding to Loraine Alterman, the Rolling Stone reporter who did a story on Mel Brooks.”
“Peter Boyle was 60 when Everybody Loves Raymond started so I’m going to be the age of the guy who played my father.” Romano on turning 60 pic.twitter.com/XlIwPmbB2g
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 20, 2017
In every retelling and tribute, Ray Romano’s admiration and respect for Peter Boyle shine through, demonstrating the profound impact their collaboration had on both their professional and personal lives. Their partnership on ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ remains a timeless testament to the magic of television and the enduring power of friendship.
