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Fans of the beloved sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” were treated to a nostalgic reunion as the show’s stars gathered to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
During its prime, the series captivated audiences, drawing in around 20 million viewers each week. However, time has marched on, and some of the cast members might be hard to recognize for those who cherished the show during its original run.
While a few actors seem to have defied the passage of time with their unchanged appearances, others have undergone noticeable transformations. One of the most striking changes is seen in Madylin Sweeten, who played Ally, the daughter of Ray Romano’s and Patricia Heaton’s characters.
Sweeten, who captured hearts as a child star, has now embraced adulthood with a fresh new look. She has traded her iconic long blonde hair for a vibrant red bob, marking her evolution from the adorable child star into a confident adult.
Now all grown up, Sweeten has swapped her long blonde locks for fiery red bob.
The 34-year-old hasn’t acted on television in years and is currently focused on a career in the theatre world.
The stars of Everybody Loves Raymond have reunited for the beloved sitcom’s 30th anniversary special
Other characters returning for Raymond’s anniversary special include Monica Horan, who played Amy, the love interest of Robert Barone (portrayed by Brad Garrett).
The actress, 62, looks virtually the same as she did during her days on the sitcom.
Patricia Heaton, who played Ray’s wife Debra, also looks the same as she did 30 years ago.
The only thing that’s changed about the 67-year-old is her stunning silver hair, which is no longer the reddish brown color that she rocked on the show.
Romano and Garrett are also back for the reunion, along with Sullivan Sweeten, who played one of Romano’s twin boys.
Tragically, Sullivan’s brother Sawyer died in 2019 by suicide at just 19-years-old.
Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who played Marie and Frank Barone, have also passed away since the sitcom wrapped in 2005.
Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion will air on Nov. 24 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and will stream on Paramount+.
Madylin Sweeten, who played Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton’s on-screen daughter Ally, has completely changed since her days as a child star
The 34-year-old hasn’t acted on television in years, and is currently focused on a career in the theatre world
Other characters returning for Raymond’s anniversary special include Monica Horan, who played Amy, the love interest of Robert Barone
The cast are pictured in 2005 during the show’s final season
Hosted by star Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal, the special will feature the cast reflecting on their favorite moments, episodes, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
This isn’t the first time that some of the old cast members have come together this year.
In July, Heaton and Romano reunited at The Paley Museum in New York City to reflect on the show.
Before the event, Heaton wrote on Instagram: ‘Taking a moment to reflect. On my way to the Paley Center’s 30 year tribute to Everybody Loves Raymond.
‘Tonight I’ll be with old coworkers – but more importantly, old friends. The cast and crew of Everybody Loves Raymond was rare. We weren’t just punching the clock together -we were telling stories, raising kids and growing in so many ways,’ she continued.
‘I’m also reminded of the ache of those we’ve lost. I know Peter, Doris and Sawyer are will be sharing this moment with us in spirit, smiling,’ Heaton lamented.
‘I’m sure I’ll be posting a bunch of the behind the scenes photos this week. Indulge me. This was a wonderful group and a wonderful time. I thank God every day for this blessing.’
Everybody Loves Raymond followed successful sports writer Ray (Romano) and wife Debra (Patricia) as they tried to cope with living across the street from his domineering Italian mother Marie, gruff father Frank, and jealous brother Robert.
Ray and Debra also had three children on the series – daughter Ally (Madylin Sweeten), and twin boys (played by Madylin’s real-life younger brothers, Sawyer and Sullivan).
Patricia Heaton, who played Ray’s wife Debra, also looks the same as she did 30 years ago with the exception of her silvery hair
The cast are pictured with series creator Phil Rosenthal on the set of the reunion special
The original cast are pictured during the show’s first season in 1996
But any hope for an Everybody Loves Raymond reboot was recently extinguished by star Brad Garrett.
Garrett addressed rumours of a reboot while attending the premiere of Disney Pixar’s Elio.
Garrett said the reason the show could never return is due to the deaths of Boyle and Roberts, who played Frank and Marie.
Boyle passed away in 2006 at 71, and Roberts died in 2016 at 90.
‘There is no show without the parents,’ Garrett told People magazine.
‘They were the catalyst, and to do anything that would resemble that wouldn’t be right to the audiences or to the loyal fan base. And it was about those two families, and you can’t get around that.’