Debra Barone Character Age and Background
Debra Barone is the fictional wife of Ray Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. The character is a working mother and former advertising sales representative living in Lynbrook, Long Island. Her age is never explicitly stated in the show, but contextual clues place her in her mid thirties to early forties during the series run. The series aired from 1996 to 2005, spanning 210 episodes across nine seasons. Debra is portrayed as the more responsible parent compared to her husband, often managing household finances and child-rearing decisions.
The show's creators, Philip Rosenthal and Ray Romano, designed Debra as a relatable, grounded figure in a typical American family. Her role as a homemaker and part-time worker reflects the dual income dynamics common in late 1990s and early 2000s households. While the series ended over a decade ago, Debra Barone remains a widely recognized character in American television history. The character's age is inferred from dialogue and life events, such as marriage and children, rather than a fixed number.
Patricia Heaton's Age and Career
Patricia Heaton, the actress who played Debra Barone, was born on March 4, 1958. This makes her currently 67 years old. Heaton grew up in Bay Village, Ohio, and later moved to New York City to pursue acting. Before landing the role of Debra, she appeared in several television shows and stage productions. Her portrayal of Debra earned her multiple Emmy Award nominations and two wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
After Everybody Loves Raymond ended, Heaton continued acting and producing. She starred in the ABC sitcom The Middle from 2009 to 2018, playing the role of Frankie Heck. She has also been active in political commentary and advocacy. Her performance as Debra Barone is frequently cited as one of the most memorable in sitcom history. More details on her career can be found on her official biography pages and entertainment industry profiles.
Everybody Loves Raymond Cast and Production Details
The main cast of Everybody Loves Raymond included Ray Romano as Ray Barone, Patricia Heaton as Debra Barone, Brad Garrett as Robert Barone, Peter Boyle as Frank Barone, and Madylin Sweeten as Ally Barone. The show was produced by HBO Independent Productions and Where's Lunch, in association with CBS Productions. It aired on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005. The series was created by Philip Rosenthal and directed by various directors including Michael Lessac and Will Mackenzie.
The show's setting in Lynbrook, New York, was based on the real life experiences of creator Philip Rosenthal and comedian Ray Romano. The pilot episode was filmed in 1996, and the series quickly became a ratings success. It consistently ranked in the top ten most watched programs in the United States during its run. The final episode aired on May 16, 2005, and attracted over 32 million viewers. Production details and episode guides are available on the official CBS archives and entertainment databases.