'Everybody Loves Raymond' Twin Sawyer Sweeten Battled Inner Demons — He Passed Away Under Tragic Circumstances

Dec 06, 2021 by apost team

“Everybody Loves Raymond” is a sitcom that was filled with joy, laughter and happiness. Airing from September 1996 until May 2005, the television series featured some well known actors as well as a handful of up-and-comers. Unfortunately, one of its most lovable stars went on to face a plethora of personal hardships later on.

The series followed the story of an Italian-American man named Raymond Barone, played by Ray Romano, who lived with his family on Long Island, New York. Patricia Heaton played his wife named Debra. The show was known for its dry and sarcastic humor as Raymond often avoided any responsibilities he had as a father.

While Romano was the main star of the series, it was hard to overlook the other amazing characters the program featured, including the twins sons of Raymond and Debra named Geoffrey and Michael Barone, played by Sawyer and Sullivan Sweeten. In real life, the twins were siblings with Madylin Sweeten, who played Ally Barone, the daughter of Raymond and Debra.

Although he picked up some other work in his career, portraying Geoffrey went on to become Sawyer’s most notable role in his career, as both his career and his life ended much sooner than expected. As the child actor continued to grow up, he was met with more and more hardships, and dealt with his own personal demons. Although he didn’t struggle with substances, it was clear that he was struggling with something that was too much for him to handle. Sawyer was only 19 years old at the time of his passing.

Born on May 12, 1995, in Brownwood Texas, Sawyer grew up alongside his twin brother named Sullivan and his sister named Madylin. The family moved to California when the twin boys were just 6 months old. Within the following year, all three children went on to star in the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” for nine seasons, playing siblings on the show as well as bonding together in real life.

It was clear that Sawyer and Sullivan had a great relationship with one another as they continued to spend a lot of time together. They even owned a house together in Riverside, California, once they were old enough.

Even though portraying the character of Geoffrey on “Everybody Loves Raymond” became the staple role that everyone remembers Sawyer for, he also made a few appearances in other films and television shows during his childhood. While the famous sitcom ran from 1996 to 2005, Sawyer picked up a few jobs here and there. In 2000, he played a character by the name of Milton in an episode of the TV show “Even Stevens.” In 2002, he was cast in the film “Frank McKlusky, C. I.,” playing the younger version of Dave Sheridan’s character. Sawyer shared both roles with his twin brother.

Sadly, Sawyer struggled with his personal life and battled inner demons. On April 23, 2015, the young star died by suspected suicide, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He was only 19 years old, and just weeks away from his 20th birthday. He had been visiting his family in Texas at the time.

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Sawyer's life and career were later celebrated by his former castmates as they released statements following the young star’s passing, including Romano and Heaton, who played Sawyer’s parents on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” 

In a statement, Romano 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.”

Heaton took to Twitter to express her sadness, and wrote, “Sawyer Sweeten was a funny and exceptionally bright young man. He is gone from us far too soon… The entire cast of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ is in shock. Prayers for the Sweeten family.”

Sawyer’ real parents also shared their final goodbyes to their son speaking with People just a few weeks after their son’s death. They said:

“What happened to our son was not textbook depression. He was happy, upbeat and loving. But in the last week of his life, we saw something happen. It was so rapid in progression that we were caught off-guard. Sawyer was not some tragic Hollywood kid who did drugs or became an alcoholic. He did neither. He was a normal young man who loved his Harley-Davidson, video games, his pets and especially his family.”

The parents continued, “We are grateful that his beautiful personality was shared with so many through his years on television. But to us, he was just our hilarious and sweet son. There is no question how much we loved him.”

Did you ever watch Sawyer Sweeten on “Everybody Loves Raymond” or any of the other projects he appeared in? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones, too.

If you or anybody you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit befrienders.org to find your local suicide prevention hotline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.