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

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  (#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.
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  (#11) Ray Romano's Brother Caught Flak From His Police Colleagues For The Show's Version Of Him

  Much of Everybody Loves Raymond was based on Ray Romano's actual life, including that of his police officer brother. Romano told Larry King:

  Well, my brother was - he is a retired cop now, but at the time he would take a lot of stuff from the other cops. They think it's a documentary.

  Romano's brother was less than thrilled with some of Robert's (Brad Garrett) antics, as he would often be teased about them by his colleagues.
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  (#1) The Cast Was Pissed Ray Romano Made $1.8 Million Per Episode While They Only Got $160K

  In 2003, Brad Garrett staged a work walkout from Everybody Loves Raymond. Garrett and the other cast members were making $160,000 per episode. Though a fat paycheck, it was a far cry from the $1.8 million Ray Romano received each episode.

  The two-week standoff ended with all the cast members being included in syndication royalties, granting roughly $20 million to each of the cast members; before the walkout, only Romano was set to benefit from these residuals. Garrett has said there's no ill will toward Romano about the wage discrepancy, but it probably helps they received the pay bump they sought.
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  (#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. 
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  (#5) Peter Boyle Didn't Tell Most Of The Crew Or Press When Diagnosed With Terminal Cancer In 2002

  Peter Boyle, who played Ray Romano's father, passed away in 2006 from multiple myeloma and heart disease. Garrett and Romano told Larry King that Boyle's illness was "kept pretty much just between the family and the cast."

  Doris Roberts, who played Boyle's wife, Marie, on the show, spoke with the Los Angeles Times in 2009, admitting she was partly responsible for his silence on he matter:

  He said, "Should I tell them?" I said, "No. They will treat you like a dying man and you don't need that. You need for them to write for you." We had such fun together.
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  (#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.

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