Robert Voets/CBS Photo Archive/Getty
It was all about the chemistry.
Patricia Heatonreminisced about playing Debra Barone, the wife of Ray (Ray Romano) onEverybody Loves Raymond, during the sitcom's recent 30th anniversary reunion special.
"I didn't really have to do research, and I didn't really have to do acting," Heaton said of portraying one of TV's most relatable moms for nine seasons, "because it was what we were all dealing with in our marriages. And so, fortunately, we got to monetize that."
The role of the smart and witty Debra, who managed her family household while struggling to cope with the constant presence of Ray's overbearing mother, Marie (Doris Roberts), was easy for her to identify with.
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"Well, I was going through — and I think why the show worked, we were all going through — what the Barone family was going through in our lives," Heaton said. "I had a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old in my life. I had a babysitting issue when I was coming to the audition, I needed to get back. I was cutting out coupons for 50 cents off two packs of Ball Park Franks, so I needed the gig."
Initially, things didn't look promising for Heaton at the audition.
"I got there, and there was a waiting room of at least eight women," Heaton recalled. "And I thought, I'm never gonna get back in time for the babysitter. So I went in and sat there, and I just needed to get this audition done. There was a guy sitting in the corner, and I thought, maybe he can get me some water while we're waiting for Ray to come in. It was [Ray]."
Everybody Loves RaymondcreatorPhil Rosenthalclarified that they saw 200 women for the role. But there was something about Heaton.
"The two of you had the most spectacular chemistry and I always said that Patty Heaton's the best wife on television," Rosenthal praised, before Romano jumped in.
"We're forgetting one little key element that really sold me on you during that first audition," said Romano.
"That's how desperate I was to get the job," Heaton interjected.
"Well, they don't know what you're talking about," said Romano.
"I kissed him!" revealed Heaton.
"There was a part [in the script] where it says, she kisses her husband," Romano explained. "And every other actress [auditioning for the role] just kind of mimed it. For some reason, she did it."
Heaton was surprised: "Nobody else?" she asked.
The smooch sealed the deal for her future costar.
"And when she walked out, I go, 'That's the one!" laughed Romano.
Sonja Flemming/CBS
TheEverybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunionis streaming on Paramount+.
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