Peter Boyle, who played the irascible father on Everybody Loves Raymond', passed away yesterday in New York. The 71-year-old, who had a stroke in 1990 and a heart attack in 1999, died after suffering from heart disease. The actor rose to fame after starring in Mel Brooks'
Young Frankenstein’ and played various characters throughout his career, including films as varied as Taxi Driver' and
While You Were Sleeping’. In 1996 he was cast in Everybody Loves Raymond' and most recently appeared in
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause’. Peter is survived by his wife, Loraine Alterman (whom he met on the set of Young Frankenstein), and their two daughters. [14 December 2006]