Anna and Ray Romano | Source: Getty Images
Ray Romano, beloved actor and comedian, has been married to his longtime wife, Anna, since 1987. Their children — Alexandra, 34, twins Matthew and Gregory, 31, and Joseph, 26 — have largely stayed out of the public eye, but appear alongside their famous father every now and then.
Most recently, the entire family posed together at the red carpet premiere of Ray’s new television show, “No Good Deed.” It was a rare sighting of the Romano family together. Here’s a closer look at each of Ray’s kids and the stories behind them.
Anna and Ray Romano pictured on February 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The Firstborn: Ray’s Parenting Trial Run
Ray’s first experience with fatherhood came with the birth of his daughter, Alexandra Romano, in New York City. Reflecting on those early days, Ray shared a memorable story about when he picked up his wife and newborn daughter from St. Vincent’s Hospital.
As he walked out of the building lovingly cradling his new baby, he realized his car had been towed. “We had to go to Queens in a yellow cab,” he recalled. “My daughter came home in a yellow cab.”
Now 34, Alexandra, whom they fondly called Ally, has built a career for herself in public relations. She works for a PR firm that handles high-profile clients, including celebrity chefs and restaurants.
Although her role keeps her behind the scenes, her career success is a point of pride for the actor. Her father once hinted that Alexandra was interested in working in the entertainment industry. The proud father also occasionally shares her personal milestones.
In 2023, Ray talked about Alexandra who had just gotten engaged. The following year, on September 21, 2024, Alexandra and Zachary Wilezol tied the knot at the iconic New York Public Library.
Ray, proudly walked her down the aisle, sharing a heartfelt moment with his firstborn on her wedding day. Fans reacting to her pictures on social media have 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.
The names were a nod to his real-life twin sons, but Ray later requested that the names be changed, feeling it was too personal. The names were changed to Michael and Jeffrey before the show went into full 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. Both have worked behind the scenes 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 worked on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and in 2017, Ray brought him on stage during an appearance on the show in an attempt to help him find a girlfriend. Ray’s playful 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 Gregory while appearing on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” where Gregory was working at the time. The twins have taken their father’s influence to heart, diving into creative pursuits of their own.
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 reported to be 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, who is 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 24. Ray has frequently shared anecdotes about him, highlighting his knack for clever one-liners. One of the stories about Joseph happened when he returned home at 6 a.m.
Ray Romano with his three sons pictured at the Gibson Amphitheatre and CityWalk Cinemas on July 12, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Ray confronted him, asking, “Joe, you come home at 6 a.m.?” Joseph’s response was brief but stuck in his father’s mind. “For now,” he answered. The moment left Ray reflecting on the deeper meaning of time, joking that it sent him into 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 described Joseph as a “two-word ninja” for his ability to deliver sharp responses with minimal effort.
He has also shared that Joseph has expressed interest in taking acting classes, although, as of Ray’s interview, he had not yet started them. With Joseph’s 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 stand-up comic to television star came with 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, attend 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 own 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 he’s 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.
