Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Kevin James thought of sitcom guys as "big, wacky" characters until Ray Romano's 'Everybody Loves Raymond'

By Sophia Soto | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 12:04 PM ET

Kevin James had his doubts about whether Ray Romano's Everybody Loves Raymond would be a success, but the reason why might not be what you're expecting.

"I couldn't believe it, because he's such a low-energy guy," James explained on the Sibling Revelry With Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson podcast. "Sitcom guys were, to me, like the big, wacky [characters]. I'm like this, this is death. It's not gonna happen."

However, the comedy, which first premiered in 1996, ran for a total of 9 seasons with 210 episodes and won the hearts of families everywhere. James even guest-starred multiple times before getting his own spin-off, The King of Queens.

The actor said that he "learned everything from Ray on how to do a sitcom," continuing to add, "[Romano] was so good on his sitcom, and the way he threw things away. I was like, 'Wow. I have to watch him and learn from him, because I'm gonna be too big on camera.'"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Patricia Heaton (@patriciaheaton)

Everybody Loves Raymond also starred Patricia Heaton, Peter Boyle, Doris Roberts, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, Sullivan Sweeten, and Sawyer Sweeten. Romano and the cast have made it clear that a reboot isn't in the cards because Boyle and Roberts have both passed away.

"[Everybody Loves Raymond] changed my life," Romano told PEOPLE. "It changed my family's life. I've made such great friends. It changed my career. I've gotten from that show to continue acting and to work with [Martin] Scorsese. What's happening? That can't be right."

Along with James, The King of Queens starred Jerry Stiller, Leah Remini, Victor Williams, Patton Oswalt, Gary Valentine, Nicole Sullivan, Larry Romano, and Merrin Dungey. The sitcom, which started in 1998, aired for 9 seasons, concluding after 207 episodes. The two shows even had crossover episodes!

Sophia Soto

Sophia Soto is a writer and interviewer with a passion for all things entertainment. She is a Senior Reporter at The Nerds of Color and contributes to Yardbarker, Screensphere, Den of Geek, What to Watch, Nerdtropolis, and Temple of Geek. You can see her past work on Remezcla, Young Hollywood, Looper, Paste Magazine, Primetimer, Soundsphere, and Starry Constellation Magazine

More must-reads: