In times of trouble, it’s important not to let your own worries consume you. In order to ground yourself, it might be helpful to hear a bit of advice from a friend to help calm your nerves.

When Peter Boyle was cast as his character’s father in Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano certainly never imagined he’d be gaining a mentor. During the recent special, Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion, Romano discussed the origins of Frank Barone.

“Everything you saw Peter do, my father probably did in real life without pants on,” said Romano. But while Frank Barone was brash and outspoken, Boyle was kind and nurturing. “Peter was pretty much the opposite of that guy,” said Romano, who called the actor “a renaissance man.”

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In fact, Boyle was able to offer Romano some sage advice at the beginning of the series. Before the show had even filmed a pilot episode, Romano admitted he was a bundle of nerves walking through the set when he suddenly saw Boyle.

“Here I am again attempting a show, and I’m nervous, and Peter is the great Peter Boyle, this iconic movie guy. He’s an imposing figure. I didn’t know then how sweet he really was. I hadn’t really had a conversation with Peter. Our paths were crossing, and he stopped me, and I guess he could tell I was a little nervous. He goes, ‘It’s just like water, just let it flow.’ And then he leaves.”

Romano admitted that at the time, the words didn’t make much sense to him. But looking back, it was Boyle’s acknowledgment and kindness that truly moved him.

“Even though, as an actor, I didn’t know exactly what that meant,” said Romano, “but I do now, just the gesture of him reaching out.”