Brad Garrett

Brad Garrett Bio

Brad H. Gerstenfeld (born April 14, 1960) is an American actor and stand-up comedian known for his iconic role as Robert Barone on the CBS sitcom ‘Everybody Loves Raymond.’ His career began in stand-up comedy in the early 1980s, leading to successful television and film appearances, including ‘Til Death’ and voice roles in various animated films. Garrett has received multiple Emmy Awards for his work and is an established figure in the comedy scene, also owning a popular comedy club in Las Vegas.

Early Life and Background

Brad H. Gerstenfeld was born on April 14, 1960, in Oxnard, California, to Barbara and Alvin “Al” Gerstenfeld. He is of Jewish descent and has two brothers, Jeff and Paul. Garrett attended George Ellery Hale Middle School and graduated from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. He briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles, before dropping out to pursue a career in comedy.

Path to Hollywood

In the early 1980s, Garrett began his career in stand-up comedy, performing at various clubs in Los Angeles, including The Improv and The Ice House. His breakthrough came in 1984 when he became the first grand champion in the comedy category of the TV show Star Search. This success led to his first appearance on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,’ making him one of the youngest comedians to perform on the show. Following this, he opened for major acts like Diana Ross and Frank Sinatra, gaining national attention.

Brad Garrett Career

Early Career (1980–1995)

After establishing himself in stand-up, Garrett transitioned to television, voicing characters in animated series and appearing in various shows. He had minor roles in series such as ‘Family Feud’ and ‘Hollywood Squares’ before landing a significant part in the short-lived series ‘First Impressions.’ His career-defining moment came when he was cast as Robert Barone on ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ which debuted in 1996 and ran for nine successful seasons. This role earned him five Emmy nominations and three wins for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Breakthrough (1996–2005)

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ solidified Garrett’s status as a prominent actor in Hollywood. His performance as Robert Barone was widely praised, contributing to the show’s success and earning him critical acclaim. In addition to his work on the series, he starred in the film ‘The Pacifier’ alongside Vin Diesel and appeared on Broadway in the revival of ‘The Odd Couple.’ Garrett also participated in various reality shows and poker tournaments, showcasing his versatility beyond acting.

Notable Works and Milestones

Garrett’s signature work remains ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ where he won three Primetime Emmy Awards. He has also voiced characters in several animated films, including ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘Christopher Robin.’ His ongoing presence in stand-up comedy and ownership of a comedy club in Las Vegas further highlight his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Brad Garrett Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Brad Garrett has received multiple nominations, particularly for his role in ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ where he garnered five Emmy nominations.

Brad Garrett Awards Won

Brad Garrett has won three Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance in ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ recognizing his talent and impact in the comedy genre.

Brad Garrett Family

Brad Garrett was married to Jill Diven from 1999 until their divorce in 2007. Together, they have two children, a son and a daughter. In 2021, he married actress IsaBeall Quella, whom he began dating in 2008.

Personal Life

Garrett has been open about his struggles with alcoholism, achieving sobriety as his acting career began. He continues to perform regularly at his comedy club in Las Vegas, maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment industry.