Ray Romano and Phil Rosenthal reminisced about their experiences on the iconic sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” during an exclusive interview about its upcoming 30th Anniversary Reunion. They discussed memorable moments from the show and revealed some surprising set pieces they took home after filming.
Return of the Iconic Floral Couch
Ray Romano, 67, recalled the day he took home a significant piece of furniture from the sitcom’s set. The floral couch, which became a symbol of the series, was a personal keepsake. Romano remarked, “That’s the first thing I took. That’s the only thing I wanted to take was the couch.” Currently, it resides in his home theater, although he admits, “I hate saying that I have a home theater.”
Despite its cherished status, Romano mentioned that the couch is rarely used. “It’s not gigantic,” he explained, noting that it sits alongside 12 other theater seats in the space. However, he has found his sons and their friends occasionally lying on it, eliciting laughter from Rosenthal, who joked about Romano covering it with plastic.
Phil Rosenthal’s Treasured Table
Phil Rosenthal, 65, also kept a piece of the past. He revealed that he took home Marie and Frank Barone’s kitchen table and chairs after the series finale. These items now occupy his guest house, serving as a nostalgic but underutilized kitchen table set. Rosenthal humorously noted, “It’s in the same disrepair that it was when we had it 30 years ago.”
Memorable Reunion Experience
The upcoming special is set to air on CBS on November 24 at 8 p.m. ET. Romano and Rosenthal shared their emotional responses to reuniting with the cast and crew. Rosenthal described the taping as a “total high note,” blending nostalgia with joy. “It wasn’t sadness, but it was a little bit of nostalgia and missing and reminiscing,” Romano added. Both expressed their appreciation for the show’s impact during its original run.
Show’s Legacy
The beloved series premiered in September 1996 and concluded in May 2005 after nine successful seasons. It featured a talented cast, including Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, and the Sweeten siblings. Reflecting on their time, Rosenthal noted that their experiences helped them appreciate the show’s unexpected success and lasting legacy.
- Show Title: Everybody Loves Raymond
- Reunion Air Date: November 24, 2023
- Main Cast: Ray Romano, Phil Rosenthal, Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton
- Show Run: September 1996 – May 2005
- Notable Items:
- Floral couch (Ray Romano)
- Kitchen table and chairs (Phil Rosenthal)
