Raymond Cast Reflects on Sawyer Sweeten Death in Reunion Special. The cast of “Everybody Loves Raymond” reunited on CBS on Nov. 24 for a 30th anniversary special that blended nostalgia with a solemn remembrance of actor Sawyer Sweeten, who died in 2015 at age 19.
The Emmy-winning sitcom, which aired from 1996 to 2005, followed sportswriter Ray Barone — played by Ray Romano — navigating family life with his wife Debra (Patricia Heaton), their three children (portrayed by siblings Sawyer, Sullivan, and Madylin Sweeten), Ray’s brother Robert (Brad Garrett) and their parents, Marie (Doris Roberts) and Frank (Peter Boyle).
Several original cast members, including Roberts and Boyle, have since died. Romano said the show has never pursued a reboot because those losses would make it impossible to recreate the original dynamic.
Reunion Brings Back Memories — and Grief
During “Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion,” broadcast at 8 p.m. on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, the surviving cast gathered onstage to revisit memories from the long-running series.
Sullivan Sweeten, now 30, reflected on growing up on set with his twin brother. “I’ve got plenty of good memories of playing tag in the bleachers and the prop room,” he said.
Romano asked whether the group could mention Sawyer, prompting Madylin Sweeten, 34, to respond, “Sawyer? Yes.”
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Sawyer Sweeten died by suicide in 2015. Romano told The Post at the time that he was “shocked” and “terribly saddened,” describing the young actor as “a wonderful and sweet kid” whose presence brought “great energy.”
In the reunion special, Romano added: “So Sawyer, of course, is no longer with us, and we miss him.”
Key Information on Sawyer Sweeten
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Reunion Title | Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion |
| Air Date | Nov. 24, 2025 (8 p.m. on CBS) |
| Streaming | Paramount+ |
| Sawyer Sweeten | Played Geoffrey Barone; died in 2015 at age 19 |
| Cause of Death | Suicide |
| Key Cast Members Remembered | Sawyer Sweeten, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle |
| Sweeten Family Advocacy | National Suicide Prevention Hotline; annual “Sawyer” T-shirts |
Sweeten Siblings Advocate for Suicide Prevention
Sullivan noted that “none of us really expected what happened,” adding that he chooses to focus on “the good moments,” many of which were tied to the set.
Madylin emphasized the importance of raising awareness about mental health. “We’re very passionate in our family about suicide prevention,” she said. “It is the second leading cause of death between ages 18 to 25. But 90 percent of people who seek treatment are cured.”
She added that she regularly hears from viewers who say her brother’s story encouraged them to seek help. “So many of the messages we get are people saying, ‘I’m so grateful to have heard about your brother. He saved my life.’”
Patricia Heaton asked whether the siblings work with any organizations. “We work with the national suicide prevention hotline, that’s our main place,” Madylin said, adding that proceeds from their annual “Sawyer” T-shirt campaign support the effort.
A Tribute to a Lost Cast Member
Toward the end of the broadcast, the special displayed a photograph of Sawyer Sweeten with the message: “In loving memory of Sawyer Sweeten, 1995–2015.”
“Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion” is available to watch on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
