Meddling mother from 'Everybody Loves Raymond' no more!
Doris Roberts, the actress who played Ray Barone's mother-Marie Barone, in the TV comedy 'Everybody Loves Raymond' breathed her last yesterday, at the age of 90. Her family spokeswoman, Janet Daily, stated that Robert died in her sleep due to natural reasons. She added that the veteran actress was quite active and healthy, and had even attended an actors' union event only last month.
Who was Doris Roberts?
Doris Roberts, born on 4 November 1925 in Missouri and grew up in New York, was an American actress who was perhaps widely known for her role in the American sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. Her parents established and operated a stenographic service agency to actors and playwrights under the name ZL Rosenfield Agency. Doris began her stage career on the Broadway during the 1950s.
Roberts played in several stage shows
Doris was a Broadway veteran before she entered in films and TV. Few of her Broadway shows include 'The Desk Set' by William Marchant, 'The Last of the Red Hot Lovers' by Neil Simon and 'Bad Habits' by Terrence McNally. She appeared in several other stage shows like 'The Rose', 'The Talking of Pelham One Two Three', and 'Unusual Acts of Devotion'.
TV career as successful as theatre
Doris Roberts' television career started in 1952 with Studio One TV-series. She appeared in over 60 television shows like 'The Naked City', 'St.Elsewhere', 'Remington Steel', 'Angie', 'Soap', etc. Her film career started in 1961 with Jack Garfein's 'Something Wild' based on Alex Karmel's Mary Ann novel. She acted in 34 films including 'The Honeymoon Killers', 'Ruby and Oswald', 'Grandma's Boy', 'Madea's Witness Protection', etc.
The popular American situation comedy
'Everybody Loves Raymond' was broadcastes during 1996-2005, which featured Ray Ramone as Raymond Barone, Patricia Heaton as Debra, Doris Roberts as Marie-Raymond's meddling mother, Peter Boyle as Frank-Raymond's father, and Brad Garrett as Robert-Raymond's brother.
Not just an actress but a social worker
Apart from an actress, Doris was a Democrat, advocate, social-worker, and writer. In 2002, she testified that age-discrimination was widespread in the Hollywood. She worked with Puppies Behind Bars- a group that works with prisoners to train dogs; and served as the Chairwoman of Children with AIDS Foundation. She wrote 'Are You Hungry, Dear? Life, Laughs, and Lasagna' book, which was published in 2003.
Emmys for comedy supporting role
Doris Roberts received a total of 11 nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards, out of which she had won 5 Emmys for her outstanding work in the television industry. Out of her five Emmy awards four have been granted for her role in 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. In 2015, she was honored with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the CineRockom International Film Festival.
Honored for her contribution to fine arts
In May 2005, Doris Roberts received an Honorary doctorate of fine arts from the University of South Carolina for her contribution to theatre. In May 2011, she was felicitated with the 'Ellis Island Medal of Honor'.
Hollywood pays tribute to Doris Roberts
Several renowned personalities from the film and television industry shared their condolences and paid tributes to the veteran actress. The cast and crew of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' including Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton and its creator Phil Rosenthal said that it was like a death in their family. Several co-stars of Doris expressed grief and remembered her superlative contribution to the industry.
