Random Dark Secrets From Behind The Scenes Of 'Everybody Loves Raymond' (11 items)

(#9) Brad Garrett Didn't Think Ray Romano Could Carry The Show

Brad Garrett's initial impression of Ray Romano was not a particularly good one. "I met Raymond and promptly felt that we were doomed," Garrett wrote in his book. "He looked like the teenager you would see at Whole Foods spraying down the produce... I wanted to flee like a hooker in church."

Of course, some of this is hyperbole for the sake of comedy, but it's interesting Garrett's first take was so wrong. He clearly admits his mistake, though, and goes on to describe the close relationship he developed with Romano.
(#4) Brad Garrett Struggled With Alcohol Abuse In The Early Days Of The Show

In a 2015 interview with ET, Garrett revealed his struggles with alcohol during his early Everybody Loves Raymond days. Garrett said he was a "high functioning alcoholic," drinking "a fifth a day." The interview was part of the press tour for his tell-all book, When the Balls Drop, where he discussed his experience in more detail.

Garrett described the moment he decided to quit, stating, "This sh*t's eventually gonna kill me."
(#8) Boyle Got Cast As Frank After Showing Up To His Audition 'Enraged,' Which Fit The Character

Peter Boyle had a few issues on his way to the audition for Everybody Loves Raymond. As Ray Romano and Philip Rosenthal awaited Boyle's arrival, the star of Young Frankenstein was losing his sh*t, telling Larry King:

...we couldn't get on the lot. Then we couldn't get a parking space. Then when we finally got all of that worked out, we went to where the office - and they said, no, the auditions are being held in another place. So when I walked in, Ray and Phil were there and I was enraged.

Fortunately, Frank Barone was frequently enraged, so Boyle's ire proved him perfect for the part.
(#3) Brad Garrett Kept His Marital Woes A Secret During The Show's Run

Brad Garrett proposed to his girlfriend Jill Diven on the set of Everybody Loves Raymond in 1998. Unfortunately, the relationship didn't outlive the show, as the two separated in 2005 and divorced in 2007. The couple had issues throughout their relationship while the show was still filming, but Garrett insisted on keeping up a facade.

Despite going through this turmoil, the actor kept it under wraps from both his real family and television family until the news finally leaked in August 2006. Of course, it's not really anyone's business, but to put on a funny face while no one knows your life is in upheaval must be tough.
(#6) Patricia Heaton Was Sued For Unpaid Overtime By An Assistant She Fired

In 2009, Patricia Heaton was sued by personal assistant Jennifer Lee. Lee cited unpaid wages and uncompensated forced overtime in the suit. Lee was hired to work 15-20 hours a week and compensated $770 per week; Lee claimed she was forced to work much more than her initial contract stated, all without extra pay or benefits.

It gets worse. When Lee brought up her due compensation, Heaton dismissed her. Heaton also claimed Lee's child was "becoming a problem" due to the work schedule. Lee sued Heaton for $7,425, stating, "If the rich and famous wish to employ individuals to cater to their every need, they must also refrain from violating California’s wage and hour laws."
(#2) Sawyer Sweeten Tragically Died By Suicide At 19 Years Old

In April 2015, Sawyer Sweeten took his life. Sweeten played Geoffrey Barone, twin brother of Michael (Sullivan Sweeten) and the youngest child of Ray and Debra. The actor's family, as one can imagine, was shocked.
His family had difficulty processing what happened to him. They opposed the idea he suffered from depression, with Sweeten's mother saying:

What happened to our son was not textbook depression. He was happy, upbeat and loving. But in the last week of his life, we saw something happen. It was so rapid in progression that we were caught off guard.
Patricia Heaton, who played his onscreen mother, told E! News:

Sawyer was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon. The loss the Sweeten family is experiencing is unimaginable. Tonight hug your children a little tighter and please keep Sawyer and his family in your thoughts and prayers.