Peter Boyle, the actor celebrated for his portrayal of the endearingly grumpy Frank Barone in the hit sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” passed away at the age of 71. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades and encompassed a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic.
Boyle died on Tuesday evening at New York Presbyterian Hospital, as confirmed by his publicist Jennifer Plante to TheShowBuzz.com. He had been battling multiple myeloma and heart disease. News of his passing prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues, including Ray Romano, who starred as his son on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Romano fondly remembered Boyle as a mentor, highlighting his comedic genius and compassionate nature. “He could play this guy who seems scary but really underneath it has this heart you know? And get a laugh doing it,” Romano reflected, emphasizing Boyle’s unique ability to make audiences love a character they might initially dislike.
Doris Roberts, who played Frank Barone’s wife Marie, poignantly described the loss as feeling “like losing a spouse,” underscoring the close bond shared among the cast.
While younger audiences recognize him primarily as Frank Barone, famed for his signature “Holy crap!” exclamation, Peter Boyle had already established himself as a versatile actor long before “Everybody Loves Raymond” premiered in 1996. His early career included a memorable role in Martin Scorsese’s iconic film “Taxi Driver” (1976), where he played Wizard, a philosophical cab driver offering counsel to Robert De Niro’s troubled character.
Beyond his acting achievements, Peter Boyle’s life was filled with interesting facets. He shared a close friendship with John Lennon, even having the former Beatle as his best man at his wedding. Prior to his acting career, Boyle was a member of the Christian Brothers religious order, a period he later likened to “living in the Middle Ages.” He eventually left the order to pursue acting, a decision he humorously attributed to “the normal pull of the world and the flesh.”
Boyle’s breakthrough role came in the 1970 film “Joe,” where he portrayed a prejudiced and violent character, a stark contrast to his later comedic roles. However, he skillfully avoided being typecast, showcasing his range in roles like Robert Redford’s campaign manager in “The Candidate” and, most memorably, as the monster in Mel Brooks’ comedic masterpiece “Young Frankenstein” (1974). “Young Frankenstein” not only broadened his acting horizons but also played a pivotal role in his personal life, as it was on this set that he met his wife, Loraine Alterman. She was visiting as a reporter for Rolling Stone magazine, and Boyle, still in his full monster makeup, boldly asked her out on a date.
A defining comedic moment in “Young Frankenstein” featured Boyle, as the monster, performing a tap dance and song routine to Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ On the Ritz,” revealing a surprising comedic talent that would be further explored in “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Reflecting on his character Frank Barone in a 2001 interview, Boyle described him as “just obnoxious in a nice way, just for laughs,” acknowledging the sweet irony of achieving such success later in life, allowing him to reflect on past mistakes.
Interestingly, Boyle’s casting in “Everybody Loves Raymond” was almost accidental. He was kept waiting for his audition and arrived “hot and angry,” according to creator Phil Rosenthal. However, Rosenthal admitted to hiring him precisely because of that intimidating presence, recognizing his inherent comic potential.
Patricia Heaton, who played his daughter-in-law Debra Barone, praised Boyle as “an incredible man” who inspired his colleagues to strive for acting excellence. Brad Garrett, who played his son Robert, expressed the honor of sharing nine years with Boyle on “Raymond,” witnessing his talent and humanity.
Before “Raymond,” Boyle had already garnered critical acclaim in “Joe” and starred in the 1986 dramedy “Joe Bash.” He won an Emmy in 1996 for a guest role on “The X Files” and received nominations for “Raymond” and the 1977 TV film “Tail Gunner Joe.”
His extensive filmography includes diverse roles in movies such as “T.R. Baskin,” “F.I.S.T.,” “Johnny Dangerously,” “The Dream Team,” “Monster’s Ball,” “The Santa Clause” series, “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” and “While You Were Sleeping.”
Born in Philadelphia to a local TV personality father, Boyle received a Roman Catholic education and spent time in a monastery before pursuing acting. He honed his craft in New York, studying with Uta Hagen and working various jobs before finding his footing in theater and film.
Through his wife’s connection to Yoko Ono, Boyle developed a close bond with John Lennon, united by a shared spiritual quest. Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke in 1990 and a heart attack in 1999, Boyle remained dedicated to his craft and continued to bring laughter to audiences worldwide through “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He considered New York City his home, where he lived with his wife and two daughters, Lucy and Amy.
In conclusion, Peter Boyle’s passing at the age of 71 marked the loss of a versatile and beloved actor. From his dramatic beginnings to his comedic triumph as Frank Barone, Boyle left an indelible mark on the entertainment world and is fondly remembered by colleagues and fans alike. His ability to portray complex, often gruff, yet ultimately endearing characters solidified his place as a true icon of both comedy and drama.
