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Ray Romano's TV Fright: Fired Before Sitcom Stardom
7 Jun
Summary
- Romano feared his first day on 'Everybody Loves Raymond' due to prior acting failure.
- The beloved sitcom aired for nine seasons, winning 15 Emmy Awards.
- Romano kept the iconic floral couch from the show's set.
Ray Romano experienced significant fear on the initial day of filming 'Everybody Loves Raymond.' This anxiety originated from being fired from a previous sitcom pilot, 'NewsRadio,' just days into production. Romano, who had primarily worked in stand-up comedy, found the acting world daunting.
The sitcom, which aired from 1996 to 2005 for nine seasons, was a critical and commercial success. It earned 69 Emmy nominations and secured 15 wins, solidifying its place in television history. Romano played sportswriter Ray Barone, alongside Patricia Heaton as his wife Debra.
Romano recently shared that he took one memorable item from the set: the distinctive floral couch. He revealed that this couch is a cherished piece in his home theater, though it was temporarily returned for a reunion filming.
The reunion took place at the 2026 ATX TV Festival on May 30 in Austin, Texas, where Romano, creator Phil Rosenthal, and several writers reminisced about the show's early days and Romano's initial anxieties.
