NEW YORK (AP) – Actress Doris Roberts, who played the endlessly meddling mother on CBS’ “Everybody Loves Raymond,” was remembered Monday as a tireless actress, a loyal friend and someone who could make even a monster on TV be adored.
“Here’s how good she was: She played the most intrusive, overbearing, noisy woman – always starting fights and whatnot and meddling in our business – and yet when I asked the fans who their favorite character was, all the time it was her,” said Ray Romano, who played her TV son. “She was so good at portraying the love that was underneath.”
The public memorial tribute was held at the Ambassador Theatre, where she appeared in 1972 in “The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild” with Maureen Stapleton. Roberts died April 17 at age 90.
The speakers also included CBS head Les Moonves, “Everyone Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal, “Frasier” star David Hyde Pierce and Michael Cannata, the actress’ son. Messages were read by playwright Terrence McNally and actress Tyne Daly, and Barbara Cook sang “Here’s to Life.”
Roberts won four Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Marie Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” receiving a total of seven nominations as best supporting actress for the sitcom, which ran for nine years.