When he created Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal certainly didn’t have any idea what an impact the series would have on his personal life.

As the show’s creator, writer, and executive producer, Rosenthal frequently incorporated pieces of his own personal life into the series, including elements of his marriage to actor Monica Horan.

Horan frequently appeared on the series as Amy MacDougall, Robert Barone’s girlfriend and later wife. Horan spoke with The Sioux City Journal about her husband bringing their personal life to television. Surprisingly, Horan said that for the most part, it was a fairly positive experience.

Watch Everybody Loves Raymond on MeTV!

ONE FULL HOUR

Weeknights at 9 PM & Sundays at 10 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

“It had the effect of marriage counseling,” said Horan. “I saw myself, but I also saw his piece in it, too. I was a little embarrassed because I told people to watch it. When I actually saw it, I thought they must think I’m insane.”

Of course, many events were dramatized for television, but Rosenthal and Horan were a couple who knew that laughter was important.

“We have a pretty big sense of humor about ourselves,” said the actor. “If you can laugh at it, it takes the onus off. There’s never been anything dire that would be detrimental. Besides, when we look at the reruns, I think, ‘We’ve kind of evolved.’”

However, the couple also prioritized the separation of professional and personal in one aspect: their children.

“There’s so much taking your attention with the kids and the house that it’s easy to leave work at the studio,” said Horan. “It’s like two different lives. We’ve learned to work together.”