LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Funeral services were pending today for Doris Roberts, the actress best known for playing the doting mother to Ray Romano on the comedy hit “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Roberts died Sunday in Los Angeles, according to the celebrity website TMZ.com. She was 90. Patricia Heaton, who portrayed Romano’s wife on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” confirmed Roberts’ death on her Twitter account, calling it “truly the end of an era.” “My wonderful TV mother-in-law and (`Raymond’) nemesis Doris Roberts was a consummate professional from whom I learned so much,” Heaton wrote.
“She was funny and tough and loved life, living it to the fullest. Nothing gave her greater joy than her three wonderful grandchildren, of whom she was so proud. It truly was a privilege Doris. I love you and miss you.”
“Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal also responded on Twitter, writing, “We loved our mom, the great Doris Roberts. A wonderful, funny, indelible actress and friend.” Roberts won four Emmys for her portrayal of the overbearing Marie Barone. She was nominated seven times for the role. She also won a supporting-actress Emmy in 1983 for her work on “St. Elsewhere.” She also earned nominations for her work in “Remington Steele,” a guest role on “Perfect Strangers” and her work in the “American Playhouse” miniseries.
Born in St. Louis, Roberts was a veteran actress on Broadway before moving to the small and big screens. She appeared on shows including “Angie,” “Mary Tyler Moore,” “All in the Family,” “The Streets of San Francisco” and “Mary Hartman Mary Hartman.” She also appeared in films, including “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Ladies on Sweet Street,” “My Giant” and “Madea’s Witness Protection.”