One of Doris Roberts' best-known roles was Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. Her character, the mother of Ray Barone (played by Ray Romano), was known for being opinionated and, to be honest, often a little too opinionated.

While her overbearing nature led to moments of comedy gold, her character played a much bigger role in households than on the series itself. Marie Barone struck a chord with many viewers because, for many, she represented their own families at home.

Her performance felt so genuine, it was almost like being with family.

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In fact, according to a 1998 interview with the St. John’s Times Globe, Roberts stated that she was often stopped for autographs and compliments, with fans expressing their affection for her character. 

"They say, 'You are my mother,' 'you are my mother-in-law,' or 'you are so real,'" Roberts said. "It's shocking. I guess I'm the mother from hell. Well, not quite hell. Maybe purgatory. We do what people do in real life."

Peter Boyle, who played Frank Barone— Ray’s equally intrusive dad— also commented on the parents’ impact offscreen.

"It's very gratifying," Boyle said. "Fans say, 'You're just like my father.' They are people you know and the way people really are on the other side of the TV set — not behind the TV set, but in front of it."

As many know, part of what made the parents feel so relatable is that they were partially based on creator Phil Rosenthal’s parents. It’s what made their back-and-forth relationship so funny— and so real.

While many fans embraced the parents’ dynamic and considered it a highlight of the series, the interview revealed one group that had a harder time adjusting to the portrayal: Peter Boyle’s real-life children.

Boyle said it took a long time for his two teenage daughters to "adjust to and accept Frank."

"The one group I think that isn't an audience for our show is teenagers," Boyle said. "But my daughters have come to watch it and really like it, and they get the funny stuff."

The real key to the Barone parents’ success? Roberts said it had less to do with her and Boyle and more to do with the dynamic among everyone on set.

"One of the reasons the show works is, I think, everyone in the show— Ray and Brad, Patricia and Doris— we all have our shot," Roberts said. "We all have our moments, and we are all in there. It’s that ensemble thing that gives it a special energy."