Ray Romano, best known for “Everybody Loves Raymond,” is a celebrated comedian and a proud father of four. His family includes a talented PR professional, filmmakers, and a witty son who keeps the Emmy-winning actor on his toes.
Alongside his wife, Anna, whom he married in 1987, Ray has raised four remarkable children: Alexandra, twins Matthew and Gregory, and Joseph. While they largely stay out of the spotlight, the Romano kids occasionally make headlines, offering glimpses of their talents and family bond.
Most recently, the Romano family made a rare appearance together on the red carpet for the premiere of Ray’s new television show, “No Good Deed.” This special occasion gave fans a chance to see the family united. Here’s a closer look at Ray’s kids and their unique stories.
Anna and Ray Romano pictured on February 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Ray’s first experience with fatherhood came with the birth of his daughter, Alexandra Romano, in New York City. Reflecting on those early days, he shared a memorable story about when he picked up his wife and newborn daughter from St. Vincent’s Hospital.
As he lovingly cradled his new baby while leaving the hospital, he discovered they had towed his car. “We had to go to Queens in a yellow cab,” he recalled. “My daughter came home in a yellow cab.”
Now 34, Alexandra — fondly called Ally by her family — has carved out a successful career in public relations. She works at a PR firm managing high-profile clients, including celebrity chefs and restaurants.
Although her role keeps her behind the scenes, her success is a source of pride for her father. He once hinted at her early interest in the entertainment industry and often celebrates her personal milestones.
In April 2023, Ray revealed Alexandra had gotten engaged, and the following year, on September 21, 2024, she tied the knot with Zachary Wilezol at the iconic New York Public Library.
Ray proudly walked his firstborn down the aisle, sharing a heartfelt moment on her wedding day. Fans, reacting to her pictures on social media, called her “Beautiful” and gorgeous.”
While Alexandra has chosen a career path outside the spotlight, her brothers have had closer ties to the entertainment industry. Next up are Ray’s identical twin sons, Matthew and Gregory.
The Twins: Behind-the-Scenes Creators and Ray’s On-Screen Easter Eggs
Ray and Anna’s middle children are their identical twins, Matthew and Gregory, now 31. Fans of “Everybody Loves Raymond” may recognize their names from the show’s pilot episode, where Ray’s on-screen twin sons were originally named Matthew and Gregory.
This was a nod to his real-life sons, but Ray later requested the names be changed, feeling it was too personal. The characters’ names became Michael and Jeffrey before the show began production.
Ray, Alexandra, Matt, and Greg Romano at the 32nd Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 10, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Like their older sister Alexandra, Matthew and Gregory have shown interest in the entertainment industry, focusing on behind-the-scenes work in television production.
Ray, Alexandra, Matthew, and Gregory Romano attend the 14th Annual Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards on April 21, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Ray Romano, with the twins, at the 30th Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 11, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Ray Romano’s twins on “The Ellen Show,” dated December 20, 2022 | Source: YouTube/@TheEllenShow
Matthew has worked on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” In 2017, Ray brought him on stage during an appearance on the show to playfully help him find a girlfriend. Ray’s matchmaking antics didn’t stop there.
Matthew and Ray Romano on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” dated August 15, 2017 | Source: YouTube/@JimmyKimmelLive
Days later, he did the same for his other while appearing on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” where Gregory worked. The twins have clearly inherited their father’s creative spirit.
Gregory Romano on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” dated August 18, 2017 | Source: YouTube/@TheLateLateShow
Ray Romano makes fun on Gregory during an episode of “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” dated August 18, 2017 | Source: YouTube/@TheLateLateShow
In 2023, they were reportedly working on a documentary together. While their personal lives have remained private, Ray did reveal during a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that one of the twins got married a few months before their sister Alexandra.
With Matthew and Gregory building their presence in the entertainment industry, attention now turns to the youngest Romano sibling, Joseph, known within the family for his sharp wit and memorable one-liners.
The Youngest: A ‘Two-Word Ninja’ with a Flair for Wit
Joseph Romano, the youngest of Ray and Anna’s four children, is 26. Ray has often shared anecdotes about Joseph, praising his natural comedic timing and clever quips.
Ray Romano with his three sons pictured at the Gibson Amphitheatre and CityWalk Cinemas on July 12, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
One memorable moment occurred when Joseph came home at 6 a.m. Ray confronted him, asking, “Joe, you come home at 6 a.m.?” Joseph’s response was brief but impactful: “For now.” The remark left Ray pondering the passage of time, jokingly calling it an “existential crisis.”
Another notable story involved Joseph walking around the house in his underwear while his brother and a friend were fully dressed. When Ray pointed it out, Joseph quipped, “I win.” Ray has affectionately dubbed him a “two-word ninja” for his ability to deliver sharp responses with minimal effort.
Joseph has also expressed interest in taking acting classes, although, as of Ray’s interview, he had not yet started them. With his quick wit and natural comedic timing, it remains to be seen if he will follow in his father’s footsteps in show business.
Reflections from Ray: Fatherhood, Fame, and His Children’s Careers
Ray’s life has been shaped by fatherhood as much as by fame. His journey from being a stand-up comic to a television star has come with life lessons he continues to pass on to his children.
While on the red carpet for his show “No Good Deed,” Ray shared his thoughts on his kids’ growing interest in entertainment. “I know the business, and I know even people that have ‘it’ don’t get it,” he stated.
Ray, Anna, Alexandra, Matthew, Joseph, and Gregory Romano, at the premiere of Netflix’s “No Good Deed” on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
But he also sees the positives. “I want them to be passionate about something and go for it. And if that’s it, then good. I’m glad,” he said. His reflections are rooted in his experience as a young comic struggling to break into the business.
Ray Romano seen in New York City in 1997 | Source: Getty Images
“I was passionate about stand-up, and I gave it up two times,” Ray shared. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. It’s all about the journey.” Ray’s material as a stand-up comedian has changed as well. In his early days, he focused on the innocent quirks of his young children.
Ray Romano with his wife and children photographed in Santa Monica, California on October 26, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
But as his kids grew up, his comedy evolved. “Now that they’re people […] we can have a conversation,” he said, noting how much richer his storytelling has become thanks to his children’s perspectives.
As a father of four, Ray remains supportive yet realistic about the entertainment industry’s demands. He admits to being nervous about his kids’ choices, but also proud to see them chasing their dreams. “It’s scary, but I think I’d rather have them do it. Even if they fail and/or flail,” he said, “at least they’re out there.”
A few years back, Ray and his sons appeared on an episode of “Celebrity Family Feud.” Their appearance showcased the family’s playful rapport and humor, with the children’s wit fitting right in with their father’s comedic energy.
