The “Everybody Loves Raymond” cast reunited for a CBS reunion special on Monday, November 24. The 30th Anniversary Reunion special featured stars Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten.
One actor who was visibly absent from the reunion was child star Sawyer Sweeten, who passed away in April 2015. He was 19 at the time.
‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Cast Remember Sawyer Sweeten
Sawyer was Sullivan’s twin brother, and he played the role of Geoffrey Barone on the hit ‘90s series. He is gone but never forgotten, and the cast made sure to celebrate his memory in their reunion. Ramona commented on Sawyer’s death when he addressed the audience, Us Weekly reports.
“Sawyer is no longer with us, and we miss him,” Romano said. “He was this bright energy and light.” Sawyer died by suicide, and his siblings have been passionate about creating awareness. “None of us really expected what happened. But I try to think about the good moments, and oftentimes it was on this set,” Sullivan shared.
“I just think it is important that every conversation we are having about Sawyer, we are very fortunate in our family about suicide prevention,” Madylin, Sawyer’s sister in real life and onscreen, added. “It is the second leading cause of death between the ages of 18 and 25. But 90 percent of people who seek treatment are cured.”
Ray Romano Praises Peter Boyle
Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, who played Romano’s onscreen parents, have since passed away. They were also remembered in the reunion. Romano reflected on Boyle, who died in 2006, and the impact he had on his career in the early days. “During the pilot episode, I’m a young guy who just got fired from news radio, and here I am again attempting a show, and I’m nervous,” Romano said, Fox News reports. “And Peter is the great Peter Boyle, this iconic guy. He’s an imposing figure. I didn’t know then how sweet he really was.”
He continued, “I hadn’t really had a conversation with Peter. Our paths were crossing [on set], and he just stops me, and I haven’t said anything to him… he could tell I was a little nervous, and he just looks at me, and he goes, ‘It’s just like water. Just let it flow.’ And then he leaves.” Although Romano didn’t understand what Boyle meant at that time, he cherished the fact that the actor would reach out to him and became visibly emotional as he retold the story.
Although it was an excellent way for fans to see their favorite stars together again, the reunion was also emotional, serving as a reminder of those who have passed.
