The Early Years: A Shared Beginning on Everyone Loves Raymond
When Sawyer and Sullivan Sweeten were just 18 months old, their careers in television began. Born in Brownwood, Texas in 1995 to screenwriter Timothy Sweeten and actress Elizabeth Millsap, the identical twins moved to California with their family and quickly landed roles on the CBS sitcom Everyone Loves Raymond. The show, which ran for nine seasons from 1997 to 2005, became the defining project for both brothers.
On the show, Sawyer played Geoffrey Barone while Sullivan portrayed Michael Barone—the adorable twin sons of the main character Raymond. Working alongside their older sister Madylin, who played their on-screen sister Ally, the brothers appeared together in 130 episodes. The twins became fan favorites, known for bringing authentic sibling chemistry to their roles as they grew from toddlers into teenagers throughout the series run.
Career Trajectory: Where the Paths Diverged
While both twins shared the same starting point, their post-Raymond careers took notably different directions. During the show’s run, both appeared in supporting roles outside of their main gig. Sawyer landed a spot in the comedy film Frank McKlusky CI in 2002 and made an appearance on the Disney Channel’s Even Stevens. These credits demonstrated early potential for continued acting work after the series concluded.
However, after Everyone Loves Raymond ended in 2005, neither twin secured substantial starring roles in major television or film projects. Unlike their sister Madylin, who transitioned into producing and continued working in the entertainment industry, both Sawyer and Sullivan struggled to establish independent careers separate from their childhood fame.
Industry Recognition and Public Appearances
One notable moment came in 2010 when both twins made a red carpet appearance alongside their sister at the TV Land Awards ceremony at Sony Studios. At this event, Sawyer reflected on his time working on Everyone Loves Raymond, expressing gratitude for the cast and crew who made the experience enjoyable.
Interestingly, the brothers maintained different levels of public presence in their adult years. Sullivan occasionally appeared on his sister Madylin’s Instagram profile, while maintaining a private Facebook account. After 2012, his public social media activity became notably sparse. The twins’ collective legacy, however, remained tied to their shared childhood success rather than individual accomplishments.
The Statistics Tell the Story
By the numbers, the comparison is striking. During Everyone Loves Raymond‘s nine-season run, both twins appeared in 130 episodes together. Meanwhile, their sister Madylin appeared in 206 out of 210 total episodes, establishing herself as an integral cast member. This frequency difference would prove significant for long-term career momentum. Madylin’s higher episode count gave her greater visibility and opportunities to transition into behind-the-scenes work as a producer.
Life After Hollywood
Both Sawyer and Sullivan eventually stepped away from the spotlight. The twins purchased a house together in Riverside, California, suggesting they maintained their close bond even as their acting careers plateaued. Unlike many child actors who pursue reality television or nostalgia-driven projects, neither brother actively sought to capitalize on their childhood fame through modern entertainment ventures.
The contrast between the Sweeten twins and their sister illustrates a common pattern in child actor trajectories. While Madylin successfully navigated the transition from on-screen performer to producer and executive, Sawyer and Sullivan found fewer opportunities in an industry that often sidelines former child stars. Their identical appearance, which once made them perfect for their dual roles, perhaps limited their ability to establish distinct, individual identities as actors seeking adult roles.