Patricia Heaton on ‘The Middle’ and those ‘Raymond’ Emmys

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The last time Patricia Heaton entered the Emmy derby, it took time before she made the race. ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ wasn’t nominated for best comedy series and neither was Heaton for lead comedy actress until the end of Season 3 -– then both eventually went on to hit the jackpot and win.

Now she’s back in contention after the second season of ‘The Middle’ and TV critics are raving about the show. The Washington Post calls the series ‘funny and smart … a triumph for Heaton,’ who is ‘splendid’ in the role of an overwhelmed mom –- just like she portrayed on ‘Raymond.’ With a twist. This time, while her character ‘may be as equally put-upon by her family, she seems much fonder of them,’ notes USA Today, which calls ‘The Middle’ ‘a perfectly timed, down-to-earth comedy.’

Below, Heaton and I chat about her new series plus revisit those Emmy races she ran with ‘Raymond.’

-- Tom O’Neil

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