”Everybody Loves Raymond” cast considers future
“Everybody Loves Raymond” was a loving gift for its cast.
Patricia Heaton puts it most bluntly: “I didn’t have a career until this show.” For veteran actress Doris Roberts, “it put my career over the top.”
So where do they go from here as the CBS sitcom wraps its nine-year run?
• Ray Romano: At 47, he wants to continue his stand-up comedy and would consider another sitcom, but probably not on a broadcast network (although he quips: “If those ‘Desperate Housewives’ want a real guy in there, not some gardener guy with pec implants, I’d be up for that”). He’s intrigued by Larry David’s HBO comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Then there’s film. Romano was in the box-office misses “Welcome to Mooseport” and “Eulogy,” but had better luck with the animated “Ice Age” and will be back with “Ice Age 2,” due in 2006. He’s also giving live action another try with the upcoming “Grilled,” co-starring pal Kevin James.
• Patricia Heaton: She has a development deal with ABC and a preference for comedy, although no series is set for now. The consistent shooting schedule followed by TV comedies allows the 47-year-old actress to be a hands-on mom to her four children. “It’s such a gift,” she says.
• Brad Garrett: “I have that odd dynamic: I’m picky and not in demand. It’s a brutal combination. I’m turning down stuff I’m not even offered,” he jokes.
But seriously, folks, there’s talk of a “Raymond” spinoff with Garrett, 45, and Monica Horan reprising their roles. He also plans a stand-up comedy tour this spring, his first since he started on the show: “I anticipate a very large refund line as well as a lawsuit, but I’m looking forward to it.”
• Doris Roberts: “Who knows after this? Nobody writes for older people,” says the 74-year-old Roberts who, although she works steadily, has been an outspoken critic of Hollywood’s age bias.
She recently appeared in “Lucky 13,” which has played at film festivals, and reportedly is set to co-star in Adam Sandler’s “Nana’s Boy.”
• Peter Boyle: Although he was the only series lead to miss out on an Emmy despite repeated nominations, Boyle could rest on his laurels from a long, distinguished career. But word is the 69-year-old actor is looking for another TV show.