From Screen to Reality: Ray Romano as a Dad

When you think of Ray Romano, you probably picture him as the lovable, slightly bumbling sports writer and family man on Everybody Loves Raymond. But in real life, the comedian and TV star is so much more than just a sitcom character. Ray is a devoted father to four kids—Alexandra, Gregory, Matthew, and Joseph—and he takes that role incredibly seriously. In fact, Ray has often shared that his parenting style in real life is far more hands-on than his on-screen persona might suggest. "You don’t see Ray Barone’s kids that much on the show," he once told Parents magazine back in 2005. "In reality, I’m a lot more involved with my own children." And it’s clear that his family plays a central role in his life, both personally and professionally.

Building a Life with Anna Romano

Ray’s journey as a father began when he married his wife, Anna Romano, in 1987. Together, they’ve built a beautiful family that has been the foundation of Ray’s life ever since. Their first child, Alexandra, was born in 1990, and their twins, Gregory and Matthew, followed in 1993. Later, in 1998, their youngest son, Joseph, completed their family. Ray and Anna have created a life filled with love, laughter, and, of course, a lot of parenting challenges. But through it all, they’ve remained a close-knit family, and Ray has always prioritized his role as a father.

Bringing Real Life to the Screen

Family has always been at the heart of Ray’s life, and it’s no surprise that it has also influenced his work. On Everybody Loves Raymond, the show that made him a household name, Ray paid tribute to his real-life family in subtle but meaningful ways. For instance, his TV daughter Ally was named after his actual daughter, Alexandra. And his character, Ray Barone, also had twins—one of whom was named Gregory, just like one of Ray’s real-life sons. "About 70 percent of the stories on the show come from things that have actually happened in my family," Ray revealed to Parents. It’s a testament to how deeply intertwined his personal life and professional career have become.

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Growing Up in the Spotlight

As his children have grown older, Ray has reflected on the challenges of raising kids in the public eye. He admits to worrying about whether his kids might feel overshadowed by their famous TV counterparts. "I don’t see it outwardly, but I constantly think, 'What am I doing to my kids?'" he shared. "I can sense when they want me to pay more attention to them." Despite these concerns, Ray has always made an effort to include his children in his world. During the nine seasons of Everybody Loves Raymond, which aired from 1996 to 2005, he would often bring his kids to the set so they could spend time with him. "One of them comes to the show each week and takes a bow when I do my intros," he explained. It’s a small gesture, but one that shows how much he values their presence in his life.

Family Cameos on the Big Screen

Ray’s children haven’t just been spectators in his career—they’ve even made appearances on his hit TV show. "They have cameos from time to time," he told Parents. For example, if there was a scene involving a school play, one of his kids might appear as a child on stage. These moments are more than just fun for the family; they’re a way for Ray to involve his children in his work and create lasting memories together. "It’s really special for me," Ray said. "They get to see what I do, and I get to share that with them."

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

As Alexandra, Gregory, Matthew, and Joseph have grown up, they’ve each pursued their own paths, but their bond with their dad remains strong. Ray’s commitment to his family has always been evident, both in the way he approaches his career and in the way he lives his life. For Ray, being a father isn’t just about providing for his kids—it’s about being present, engaged, and supportive. And while his on-screen character may have been the star of Everybody Loves Raymond, it’s clear that his real-life family is the star of his heart.

How cool is that? Keep scrolling to learn even more about Ray Romano’s incredible family journey.