Sawyer Sweeten, one of the twins who played Geoffrey Barone on the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, tragically died by suicide in 2015 at the age of 19. This article explores the circumstances surrounding his death and how his family and friends have honored his memory.
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Everybody Loves Raymond cast. Monty Brinton/CBS Photo Archive/Getty. The cast of the show that launched Sawyer Sweeten to fame.
Sawyer Sweeten’s Death: A Heartbreaking Loss
Sawyer Sweeten’s death shocked fans and colleagues alike. While visiting family in Texas in April 2015, he took his own life. The news devastated the Everybody Loves Raymond family, who remembered Sawyer and his twin brother, Sullivan, for their charming portrayal of the Barone twins.
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Sawyer Sweeten. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty. A portrait of Sawyer Sweeten.
Honoring Sawyer’s Legacy: Sawyer’s Playhouse
Four years after his passing, Sawyer’s family, including his sister Madylin Sweeten, who played Ally Barone on the show, and members of the Loft Ensemble theater company, dedicated two renovated theaters in his memory at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in North Hollywood.
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Christina Dugan. A photo of the theater dedicated to Sawyer Sweeten.
The upstairs theater was named “Sawyer’s Playhouse,” a fitting tribute to his love for creativity and the arts. The dedication plaque reads: “May this place be a light for all to find safety and friendship through creativity.” Funding for the renovation was provided by the Sawyer Sweeten Foundation, the Rosenthal Family Foundation (Philip Rosenthal created Everybody Loves Raymond), and Ray and Anna Romano.
Remembering Sawyer: Madylin Sweeten’s Reflections
During the dedication ceremony, Madylin shared touching memories of her brother, describing him as a deep thinker with a unique perspective on life. She emphasized his belief in the power of belief itself and how it shapes reality. Madylin believes Sawyer’s spirit lives on in the theater, guiding young souls seeking creative expression and a sense of belonging.
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A view inside the Sawyer Sweeten Theater.
Coping with Loss and Finding Strength
Sawyer’s mother, Elizabeth Gini, also shared heartfelt memories, emphasizing the joy and laughter he brought into her life. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor her son and keep his memory alive. Madylin spoke about her own struggles with alcohol following Sawyer’s death and how finding sobriety and contributing to Sawyer’s Playhouse helped her heal. She believes the theater provides a safe haven for young people, preventing them from feeling lost and potentially suicidal.
A Lasting Tribute
Sawyer Sweeten’s untimely death serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. Sawyer’s Playhouse stands as a testament to his life, providing a space for creativity, friendship, and healing, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire others.
