Former ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Child Actor Commits Suicide

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/AFP
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/AFP

One of the twin brothers who played the sons of comedian Ray Romano on the long-running CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond died Thursday of an apparent suicide.

19-year-old Sawyer Sweeten took his own life on the front porch of a relative’s home while visiting family members in Texas, according to the Hollywood Reporter, which is also reporting he is believed to have shot himself.

The young man was known for his portrayal of Geoffrey Barone alongside his twin brother Sullivan, who played Michael. Together the boys appeared on 139 episodes of the popular show.

The boys’ older sister, Madylin, played the same role in the sitcom as Ally, the fictional daughter of the characters of Romano and Patricia Heaton.

Madylin released a statement Thursday evening through the family’s agent: “This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred. We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday. At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love.”

Sawyer and his brother were born in May 1995 in Brownwood, Texas. He and Sullivan were not yet two-years-old when they began acting alongside Romano and Heaton. The series ran from September 1996 through May 2005.

According to the young man’s IMDb page, he had not accepted any roles since the conclusion of Raymond.

“I’m shocked, and terribly saddened, by the news about Sawyer,” Romano said Thursday. “He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around. Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time.”

Patricia Heaton also took time to pay tribute to her former co-star:

Actress Doris Roberts, who played the kids’ TV grandmother, remembered Sawyer on Facebook, writing, “He was a very sweet young man who will be dearly missed. Make sure your loved ones know how much you care about them, and please check in with them if you haven’t touched base with them for a while. It’s very important to keep in touch.”

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