A Cherished, Beloved Actress Doris Roberts has sadly passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016, at the age of 90. She leaves behind her son Michael Cannata, Jr. and three grandchildren.
Doris Roberts had a long acting career on Broadway, Film, and TV, and while her memorable roles are numerous, the most well known, of course, was her role as Marie Barone, the intrusive busy-body, meddlesome Mother - albeit respected homemaker and matriarch of the Barone family in "Everybody Loves Raymond" which ran on CBS from 1996 to 2005 and continues to live on and make us laugh in re-runs today!
Ray Romano, who played her son Raymond on "Everybody Loves Raymond" said in a statement to ET, "Doris Roberts had an energy and a spirit that amazed me. She never stopped. Whether working professionally or with her many charities, or just nurturing and mentoring a green young comic trying to make it as an actor, she did everything with such a grand love for life and people and I will miss her dearly."
Actress Patricia Heaton, who portrayed Doris Roberts Daughter-n-law Debra on "Everybody Loves Raymond" shared this message via twitter... "Truly the end of an era. My wonderful TV mother-in-law and ELR nemesis Doris Roberts was a consummate professional from whom I learned so much. She was funny and tough and loved life, living it to the fullest."
Brad Garrett, who played her son Robert shared this message via twitter, "Thank you everyone for your wishes regarding Doris. She was one-of-a-kind on and off stage. Love you mama."
In the beginning of her acting career, Doris worked on New York-based soaps and live television dramas, (via TCM biography) as well as in films including "The Out-of-Towners", "Barefoot in the Park", and "Hester Street", in which she became noticed and moved to Hollywood, where she played character roles, here and there... in shows, such as: "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "All in the Family", "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman", "Barney Miller", "Alice", and "The Love Boat", to name a few.
Doris Roberts became a integral member of the "Remington Steele" show and detective team as the no nonsense Mildred Krebs in it's second season and beyond, solving crimes and starring opposite of Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan, on NBC from 1983 to 1987.
Christmas movie fans will remember Doris Roberts best from her comedic role as Clark Griswold's relative, Francis Smith in "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation".
She co-starred in two made-for-TV Christmas movies, "A Mom for Christmas" and "The Sons of Mistletoe".
And, Christmas movie fans will also recall her two most recent Hallmark Channel Christmas movies, portraying the clever and enchanting "Mrs. Miracle"!
There was certainly something very special about Doris Roberts. As a motherly figure, she made you feel loved and protected, and with her charming ways, she always brought a smile to your face and warmth to your heart! We remember her now with bittersweet sadness and joy, in remembering all the happiness and laughter she has brought into all of our homes!
Our prayers reach out now to her dear family and friends...
