The Barone Family Goes Abroad: 7 Shocking Secrets From The 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Italy Episodes

Twenty-five years after its original broadcast, the iconic two-part episode of Everybody Loves Raymond titled "Italy" remains one of the most beloved and discussed storylines in the show's history. As of this current date, December 10, 2025, the episode's legacy is enjoying a fresh wave of attention following the recent 30th Anniversary Reunion special, reminding fans of the Barone family's hilarious and surprisingly transformative trip abroad. This deep dive reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets, the real-life Italian town that hosted the cast, and where the stars are today, making it clear why this vacation episode is a sitcom masterpiece.

The "Italy" episodes, which served as the Season 5 premiere, broke the mold for the show, taking the famously home-bound Barone family out of their Long Island neighborhood and dropping them into the heart of Italian culture. The shift in scenery allowed for some of the most memorable character developments, particularly for Ray, who goes from being the world's crankiest tourist to a man "transformed by the food, the people, the beauty, the joy of Italy."

The Barone Family: A Post-Italy Biography Update (2025)

The core cast of Everybody Loves Raymond, including the beloved actors who played the Barone parents, traveled to Italy for the on-location shoot in July 2000. Their work on the show cemented their status as television legends. Here is a look at the main cast members involved in the "Italy" episodes and their current status as of late 2025:

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• Ray Romano (Raymond Barone): Born December 21, 1957. After Raymond, he successfully transitioned into dramatic roles, notably in *Parenthood* and *Vinyl*. In 2025, he remains active in comedy and acting, and he recently revealed his plans to participate in the World Series of Poker. Romano has firmly stated that a reboot of Everybody Loves Raymond is impossible without the late Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, making the 30th Anniversary Reunion a bittersweet final gathering.
• Patricia Heaton (Debra Barone): Born March 4, 1958. A two-time Emmy winner for her role as Debra, she went on to star in the hit sitcom *The Middle* and *Carol's Second Act*. In 2025, Heaton was highly visible, attending the 30th Anniversary Reunion and discussing her latest film projects and advocacy work. She recently joked about a new career move she discovered on a trip to Italy, showing her enduring connection to the country.
• Brad Garrett (Robert Barone): Born April 14, 1960. The Emmy-winning actor for his role as Ray's brother, Robert, continues to be a major force in comedy and voice acting. In 2025, Garrett was promoting his new Pixar animated film *Elio* and performing stand-up comedy shows, including dates at Mohegan Sun and Niagara Falls. He echoed Romano's sentiment, confirming there will be no series revival without the parents.
• Doris Roberts (Marie Barone): Born November 4, 1925. She won four Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the meddling matriarch. Roberts passed away on April 17, 2016, at the age of 90, in Los Angeles. Her absence was deeply felt by the cast and fans during the 2025 reunion special.
• Peter Boyle (Frank Barone): Born October 18, 1935. Known for his versatility, he received seven Emmy nominations for playing the grumpy, lovable Frank. Boyle passed away on December 12, 2006, at the age of 71, in New York. The impact of his and Roberts' passing is the primary reason the cast has ruled out a reboot.
• Madylin Sweeten (Ally Barone): Born June 27, 1991. She played Ray and Debra's daughter, Ally. Now 34, Sweeten is a new mother and continues to take on small acting roles, having recently participated in the 30th Anniversary Reunion.

The Real-Life Italian Village That Hosted The Barones

One of the most surprising and enduring pieces of trivia about the "Italy" episodes is that the production team truly committed to filming on location, giving the show a genuine, sun-drenched Italian feel that transcended the typical sitcom vacation episode.

The picturesque town the Barone family visits is not Rome, as Marie initially advertised, but the charming, smaller village of Anguillara Sabazia.

• A Fisherman's Village: Anguillara Sabazia is a small, historic fisherman's village located approximately 45 minutes north of Rome. It sits directly on the shores of Lake Bracciano, offering a stunning backdrop of water and ancient architecture.
• Filming Schedule: The cast and crew were in Italy filming the two-part episode in July 2000. This on-location shoot lent an authenticity to the storyline, especially in scenes involving local characters like Colletta and Giorgio, who run the small inn where the Barones stay.
• A Tourism Boost: For years after the episode aired, the small town received a notable boost in tourism from fans and travelers curious to see the place where Ray found his inner Italian. The town itself became an entity, a character that facilitated Ray's profound, albeit temporary, transformation.

The Transformation of Ray: Why 'Italy' is a Masterpiece of Character Development

The central plot of "Italy" revolves around Raymond’s miserable attitude. Unlike the rest of the family—Debra, Robert, Frank, and Marie—who embrace the Italian culture, food, and pace of life, Ray initially despises everything about the trip. This narrative choice is a brilliant use of the Barone family vacation trope, focusing on Ray's inability to relax and his reliance on American comforts.

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The true turning point, and the reason this episode is considered a masterpiece of the sitcom genre, is Ray’s profound Ray's transformation.

• The Anti-Tourist: Ray is initially the embodiment of the American tourist who refuses to assimilate. He complains about the food, the lack of a familiar newspaper, and the simple pace of life. This is a classic example of the show using Ray's neuroses for comedic effect.
• The Metamorphosis: His change begins when he takes a walk with Marie, where he starts to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the Italian lifestyle. He is even compared to the famous Italian actor Roberto Benigni by his family upon his return, a testament to his newfound, temporary joy.
• Frank's Surprising Moment: While Ray's change is the focus, the episode also features a surprising moment for Frank Barone. He is shown to be completely at ease, enjoying the local wine and effortlessly connecting with the Italian locals, a stark contrast to his usual grumpy demeanor at home. This is a subtle but powerful piece of character work, suggesting a deeper, more romantic side to Frank.
• The Enduring Theme: Ultimately, the two-part Season 5 premiere uses the Italian food and culture as a catalyst to explore the core theme of the show: the complex, often suffocating, but ultimately loving bond of the Barone family. Even thousands of miles from Long Island, their dynamic remains the same, proving that you can take the Barones out of Queens, but you can't take the Queens out of the Barones.

The "Italy" episodes are not just a travelogue; they are a vital chapter in the Everybody Loves Raymond story arc. They allowed the show to step out of its comfort zone, showcase the incredible talent of its cast, and deliver a story that is as funny as it is genuinely heartwarming. The continued discussion of the episode twenty-five years later, especially in the context of the recent 30th Anniversary Reunion, proves its lasting impact on television comedy.