Sawyer Sweeten's Death Addressed During 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Reunion

CBS aired its Everybody Loves Raymond 30th anniversary reunion special, which included emotional segments following the loss of three of the show's main stars since the show ended after its incredible nine-season run in 2005.

Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle died in December 2006 and April 2016, respectively. Roberts played Ray Barone's intrusive but lovable mother, Marie Barone, and Frank played Ray's tough father, Frank Barone.

But it was Sawyer Sweeten's sudden death that hit the cast hard when he died by suicide in 2015. Sawyer played one of Ray and Debra Barone's twin sons, Geoffrey Barone. Sawyer's twin brother, Sullivan, played his TV twin brother, Michael.

The brothers were cast on the show when they were less than 2 years old, and they played the role until the hit sitcom ended. The twins' real-life sister, Madylin, also played their TV big sister, Ally, Ray and Debra's eldest daughter.

During the reunion, Sullivan recalled some of his best memories on the set.

"I've got plenty of good memories of playing tag in the bleachers and the prop room," said Sullivan, now 30. "But I think I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and the final scene with everybody gathered around the table has got to be my favorite memory."

Romano wondered aloud if he could bring up Sawyer when he was interrupted by Madylin, 34, who said, "Sawyer? Yes."

"He was a wonderful and sweet kid to be around," Romano continued. "Just a great energy whenever he was there. My heart breaks for him, his family, and his friends during this very difficult time."

Romano added, "So Sawyer, of course, is no longer with us, and we miss him. He just, like you are, was just this bright energy, light."

Sullivan added that "none of us really expected what happened," and that he tries to "think about the good moments, and oftentimes that's here on the set."

Madylin took the opportunity to talk about suicide prevention, which she said is something her family is passionate about in the wake of Sawyer's death.

“Were very passionate in our family about suicide prevention. It is the second leading cause of death between ages 18 to 25. But 90 percent of people who seek treatment are cured,” said Madilyn, who, along with Sullivan, works closely with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

Everybody Loves Raymond first aired on CBS in 1996 and ended in 2005. The show also starred Ray's brother, Robert, played by Brad Garrett. The show went on to win 15 Primetime Emmys.