'Everybody Loves Raymond' Star Dead at 71
By DEEPTI HAJELA, AP
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 13) - Peter Boyle , the actor who played the hilariously grouchy father on "Everybody Loves Raymond" as the final note of a distinguished career that also included a memorable role in Mel Brooks ' "Young Frankenstein," has died. He was 71.
Boyle died Tuesday evening at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He had been suffering from multiple myeloma and heart disease, said his publicist, Jennifer Plante.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Boyle ," Ray Romano said, adding that Boyle was a mentor to him from the early days of "Everybody Loves Raymond."
"He gave me great advice, he always made me laugh, and the way he connected with everyone around him amazed me. The fact that he could play a convincing curmudgeon on the show, but in reality be such a compassionate and thoughtful person, is a true testament to his talent," Romano said.
"It's like losing a spouse," said Doris Roberts , who played Boyle's wife on the sitcom.
While a generation of TV viewers knows him as Frank Barone - with his trademark "Holy crap!" line - Boyle had a respectable career long before "Everybody Loves Raymond" debuted in 1996, including a part in Martin Scorsese 's "Taxi Driver." He also was close friends with John Lennon, who was best man at Boyle's wedding.
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