'Everybody Loves Raymond' Cast Pays Tribute to Sawyer Sweeten
The actor died at 19 of suspected suicide.
— -- The cast of "Everybody Loves Raymond" took to social media Friday to pay tribute to one of their own.
Sawyer Sweeten died Thursday of suspected suicide at the age of 19 and the show's star Ray Romano, who also played Sweeten's father onscreen, said, "I'm shocked, and terribly saddened, by the news about Sawyer. He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around. Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time."
Sweeten played Geoffrey Barone, Ray's son, on the show from 1996 to 2005. His twin brother, Sullivan, played Michael Barone.
Patricia Heaton, Ray's wife and the twins' mother on the show, also tweeted, "Sawyer Sweeten was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon ... The entire cast of #EverybodyLovesRaymond is in shock. Prayers for the Sweeten family."
Doris Roberts also posted, "It is with great sadness that I learned the news that Sawyer Sweeten, who played my grandson Geoffrey Barone on 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' died at his family's home in Texas. He was a very sweet young man who will be dearly missed."
When the news of his death broke late Thursday, Sweeten's rep released a statement from the family, saying, "This morning a terrible family tragedy has occurred. We are devastated to report that our beloved brother, son, and friend, Sawyer Sweeten, took his own life. He was weeks away from his 20th birthday. At this sensitive time, our family requests privacy and we beg of you to reach out to the ones you love."
Madylin Sweeten, the twins' sister, who was also on the show, posted a message on Facebook Thursday, writing, "At this time I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to the ones you love. Let them have no doubt of what they mean to you."
The Hollywood Reporter was the first to confirm the news.