The beloved cast of the iconic sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” came together for a heartwarming reunion where they paid tribute to their late co-star, Sawyer Sweeten, who tragically passed away at the young age of 19. The emotional special aired on CBS on November 24, marking a decade since Sawyer’s untimely death by suicide while visiting family in Texas on April 23, 2015.
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Ray Romano, who portrayed the father of Sawyer’s character on the show, shared poignant words about the young actor, expressing the sentiment felt by the entire cast, “We miss him.” Sawyer’s twin brother, Sullivan, who also starred alongside him on the sitcom, reflected on the cherished memories they shared on set, saying, “I try to think about the good moments. And oftentimes, that’s here on the set.”
The Sweeten siblings, including Sawyer’s twin brother Sullivan and their older sister Madylin, who portrayed their sibling on the show, came together with the rest of the cast to remember Sawyer’s vibrant spirit and talent. Their bond and the family dynamic portrayed on screen made the loss even more poignant for both the cast and fans of the show.
The twins, Sawyer and Sullivan, had been a part of the show since they were just 16 months old, growing up in front of the cameras alongside the rest of the cast. Their on-screen chemistry and genuine sibling relationship endeared them to viewers, making Sawyer’s passing a profound loss not just for the cast but also for the show’s dedicated audience.
Following Sawyer’s passing in 2015, his co-stars, including Ray Romano and Patricia Heaton, who portrayed his on-screen parents, released statements expressing their shock and sadness at the tragic news. Romano described Sawyer as a “wonderful and sweet kid to be around,” while Heaton highlighted his humor and intelligence, emphasizing the irreplaceable void left by his absence.
Madylin Sweeten, who played Sawyer’s on-screen sister and is his real-life sibling, spoke out about the importance of raising awareness for suicide prevention, stressing the need to support and communicate with loved ones during times of struggle. The family’s advocacy and support for mental health initiatives have become a way to honour Sawyer’s memory and raise awareness about a critical issue affecting young adults.
In remembrance of Sawyer, the Sweeten family has dedicated efforts towards suicide prevention, including selling t-shirts in his honour with proceeds benefiting the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Their commitment to turning their personal tragedy into a platform for advocacy and support has resonated with fans and continues to spread a message of hope and awareness.
As the cast of “Everybody Loves Raymond” came together to share their memories and honour Sawyer’s legacy, their reunion served as a touching reminder of the lasting impact of the show and the enduring bond they shared both on and off-screen. Their emotional tribute to Sawyer Sweeten reminded fans of the depth of their connection and the enduring spirit of those we have lost.