Sitcom legend Ray Romano experienced a life-changing health scare that not only saved his life but also revitalized his 35-year marriage to Anna, the mother of his four adult children, according to sources.
The 65-year-old "Everybody Loves Raymond" star was unknowingly on the brink of a deadly heart attack when doctors discovered a blockage in his main artery. The condition, known as the "widowmaker," was averted when Romano received a stent to open the artery.
"I got kinda lucky that we found it," Romano reveals, now appearing in the streaming movie "Somewhere in Queens." "I had 90 percent blockage in the main artery. I had a stent put in."
Sources say that this brush with death has given Romano a fresh outlook on life and rekindled his passion for his wife, Anna, 60.
"Ray's the first to admit he's slacked off in the relationship and put his career ahead of marriage and family life, but no more," an insider shares. "He's stared death in the face and came close to having a fatal heart attack before surgery saved him."
The source adds, "If doctors hadn't found it when they did, he might be a dead man and Anna a widow. It's terrifying to think about."
Ray and Anna, who first met while working as tellers at a Queens, New York, bank, are parents to Alexandra, 33, twins Gregory and Matthew, 30, and Joseph, 25. The couple has made a conscious decision to rekindle their romance and prioritize their relationship.
"Ray's pushing work aside to spend quality time with Anna, travel, and get romantic. He brings her flowers, they take walks and have fun," the insider says. "He's learning to smell the roses while he still can."
Romano's near-death experience has served as a wake-up call, prompting the actor to cherish his life and make the most of the time he has with his loved ones, particularly his wife. This renewed sense of love and appreciation is a testament to the power of life's unexpected twists and turns.