Doris Roberts was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ann Meltzer and Larry Green, and was subsequently raised in New York, adopting her stepfather's surname. Prior to her extensive career in film and television, Roberts spent two decades honing her craft on the Broadway stage, where she developed her impressive range and versatility as a performer.
As a seasoned character actress, Roberts made a name for herself in the 1970s, initially appearing in a variety of roles, both on screen and on stage. Her uncanny ability to convey a maternal presence, coupled with her talent for playing complex, multifaceted characters, made her a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her illustrious career, Roberts demonstrated an uncanny knack for bringing to life memorable, larger-than-life characters, often imbuing them with a depth and nuance that captivated audiences. Her portrayal of hard-boiled dames, gossips, and nags, replete with a keen sense of the world's ways, left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and drama.
Roberts' appearances in popular sitcoms such as Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Angie helped to establish her as a household name, but it was her iconic portrayal of the meddling, strong-willed family matriarch on Everybody Loves Raymond that cemented her status as a beloved comedic legend. The show's immense popularity and Roberts' subsequent Emmy wins and nominations further solidified her reputation as one of the most iconic mothers in the history of television.
Long after her time on Everybody Loves Raymond came to a close, Roberts continued to delight audiences with her inimitable charm and wit, appearing as a welcome guest star in various television shows and films. Even in her twilight years, Roberts remained an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, a testament to her enduring talent and the timeless appeal of her memorable performances.