https://www.metv.com/stories/phil-rosenthal-said-that-doris-roberts-was-the-rock-of-everybody-loves-raymond

"She was fearless and fierce and strong," said the showrunner.

Ray Romano had a tough time switching from stand-up to acting (https://www.metv.com/stories/ray-ramano-had-a-tough-time-switching-from-stand-up-to-acting)

He found greatness in an unnatural fit.

Ray Romano said that at first, his mother wasn't pleased that she was used as inspiration for Marie Barone (https://www.metv.com/stories/ray-romano-said-that-his-mother-wasnt-pleased-that-she-was-used-as-inspiration-for-marie-barone)

That is, until the series became a hit.

Here's how Ray Romano prepares for a stand-up special (https://www.metv.com/stories/heres-how-ray-romano-prepares-for-a-stand-up-special)

Or, at least, how he prepared for one particular standup special.

I'd like to know if any other notable actresses auditioned for the role of Marie.

God bless you always!!!

Holly

P.S. That pretty much goes for the other characters on the show. Who else tried out for the other roles who eventually became known for other projects?

In the 50th Anniv Special, they talked a lot about the auditioning for his mom. It was interesting!