Beginning his life as a stand-up comedian Ray Romano and proved that he has what it takes to make people laugh. But it wasn't until into his thirties that he established himself as a well known and reliable comedic actor, across both films and television. In addition to his comedy, Ray has made the transition into more dramatic roles, as only a few comedians can, with tremendous results.
With a career spanning more than two decades he's compiled quite the resume. With this in mind here are Ray Romano's 10 best films and television series he's appeared in.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (6.9)
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs marks the third entry in the Ice Age franchise and sees Ray Romano reprise his role as Manny the mammoth. Despite taking certain liberties with history the film offers plenty of laughs for the whole family and is one of the highest-grossing films of Ray's career.
The Ice Age franchise would go on to spawn 5 movies in total, the last of which was released to negative reviews and expended the last of the good-will the franchised has earned.
Bad Education (7.1)
Based on real events Bad Education tells the story of one of the biggest scandals in American history when the teachers themselves are suspected of embezzling funds at one of the country's top-performing schools.
Starring Hugh Jackman, Ray Romano co-stars as Big Bob Spicer and the HBO produced film marks one of the more dramatic roles he has taken on over his career. The film is filled with twists and turns in a story so complex is easy to forget that it actually happened.
Everybody Loves Raymond (7.1)
Arguably his most recognizable work Everybody Loves Raymond ran for 9 years from 1996 to 2005 and was nominated for numerous Emmys and endured in popularity. The series channeled Ray's unique sense of humor and portrayed the life of an Italian-American family like never before on television.
The show allowed Ray to show his comedic range, as every week he was faced with uncomfortable situations and awkward encounters with his tight-knit family. The series created a host of funny and memorable characters, with many elements taken from Ray's real life.
Paddleton (7.2)
The small indie production Paddleton was released on Netflix in 2019 and marks one of the most serious roles of Ray's career. Although he is given many opportunities to put his comedic abilities to good use, Paddleton is by no means a comedy.
The film sees two middle-aged single men with a strong friendship living their unremarkable lives happily when one discovers he is dying. Ray's characters Andy, can only watch on helplessly and try and remain strong for his friend, knowing their time is limited. The heartbreaking story required Ray to channel a level of emotion never seen before in his career.
Ice Age (7.5)
Released way back in 2002 Ice Age launched the franchise and proved to be its greatest entry. Voicing Manny the Mammoth, Ray's nasally voice is perfectly suited to the mannerisms of the creature.
The family-friendly films see a group of misfit animals come together to form a herd-like no other in an effort to return a missing child to her family. The cutting-edge computer-generated film provides big laughs large in part due to the film's break-out character, Scratch the squirrel.
The Big Sick (7.5)
The 2017 romantic comedy The Big Sick highlighted the differences between cultures when a young couple came together from widely different backgrounds, only to find that these differences would prevent them from being together.
Ray Romano starred in a supporting role as Beth's father and delivers a nuanced performance which allowed him to use his comic ability in a more dramatic fashion. His character was three-dimensional and the film wasn't afraid to portray his prejudices.
Vinyl (7.8)
Created by Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger, Vinyl released on HBO in 2016's and charted a New York City music executives rise as he signs artists from all across the city. Despite the talent behind the series it was canceled after only one season.
Ray Ramano plays Zak Yonkavich a fellow music producer. The setting allows Ray to turns in a one of a kind performance and become almost unrecognizable in the role of a 70's music executive.
The Irishman (7.9)
2019's The Irishman reunite longtime collaborators Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, among others, in one of the greatest crime movies of their respectively impressive careers. The film was nominated for many awards including a staggering 10 Oscars.
The gangster epic featured Ray as a lawyer to the gangsters and saw him act alongside some of the most talented performers of his generation in a role that is undoubtedly one of his career highlights.
Men of a Certain Age (8.0)
Ray Romano put the problems of middle-aged men under the spotlight in 2009's Men of a Certain Age. The series follows three middle-aged men who have been friends since college and are trying to keep their friendship going, despite their lives going in different directions.
The comedy-drama received great reviews and was even nominated for 2 Primetime Emmy, but despite this the show was canceled after only two seasons.
Parenthood (8.2)
2010's Parenthood marks Ray Romano's big return to television and has proven to be one of the defining roles of his career. After lying low after the success of his sitcom his played Hank, a photographer in over 44 episodes through the shows run.
The show allowed him to display both sides of his acting ability, with his character having many opportunities to crack jokes but wasn't afraid to get serious when it was necessary.