Patricia Heaton has enjoyed an illustrious acting career, starring on sitcoms like The Middle and films like Front of the Class (2008). However, avid fans will always remember her as Debra Barone of Everybody Loves Raymond.

While Debra put up with a lot from Ray throughout the series, Heaton’s fiery portrayal ensured that the character remained a strong and confident woman that viewers couldn’t help but adore.

The role skyrocketed Heaton into success, making her a household name. During an interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Heaton was pressed as to whether she was bothered by attention from fans.

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“Bothered?” asked Heaton. “Me? You’re kidding! All my life, I’ve waited for that moment. People say, ‘Oh, you must get so tired of it.’ I say, ‘I didn’t work in restaurants and hotels all those years in New York so people would ignore me!’ I’m really at a point where I really enjoy it.”

Heaton struggled for a number of years with her career before she became television royalty. Heaton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to star on a sitcom like Everybody Loves Raymond.

“The schedule gave a lot of time to be with the kids, be home, make good money, and have fun. And really, what more could you ask for!”

Still, when the series ended after nine years, Heaton was excited for the new opportunities that awaited her. “It was a wonderful nine years, but I think it was really time to go,” said Heaton. “The thing about working on a show from 10 to 4, four days a week - if you call that work - those times are locked off and you can just focus on that. Now that that’s opened up, nature abhors a vacuum.”