Reviewed by Vicki Carver
[large print edition]

Every week millions of T. V. viewers tune into an extremely popular sit-com, “Everybody Loves Raymond”. The show centers around Ray, the main character, but its phenomenal success is also due to an extremely strong supporting cast.

Doris Roberts plays Ray’s mother in “Everybody Loves Raymond”. Recently Roberts published an autobiography called Are You Hungry Dear? Life, Laughs and Lasagna with Danelle Morton. The book’s readable style tells about Roberts’ life in a way which is humorous but poignant. Also, the author’s favorite recipes are included, one at the end of each chapter.

Doris Roberts was born in New York and grew up during the trying times of the Great Depression and World War II. Her first acting part came at age six when she was a potato in a school play. She began to study acting during her teen-age years and eventually sought professional training at the famous Actors Studio in New York. She debuted in the theater in New York and subsequently had parts in many plays.

Eventually Roberts left New York for Hollywood where she began a successful T. V. and movie career. She was a regular character on “Remington Steele” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Comedy Hour” among other shows. She has had parts in many popular movies.

Roberts also writes about her personal life in Are You Hungry Dear? She tells about her struggles of growing up in a household where she was shuffled from one family member to another. Her first marriage occurred when she was 18 and lasted twelve years producing her beloved son Michael. Her second marriage was to the “love of her life”, William Goyen, and lasted until his death from leukemia.

The story of Doris Roberts moves along at a rapid pace. Her zest and enthusiasm for life with its joys and sorrows comes through in every chapter. Even though Roberts is a very successful and famous actress she seems like a real person who would definitely be fun to know.

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