Doris Roberts, 90, who appeared in the popular series "Everybody Loves Raymond" has passed away. She was set to appear in the film "Old Soldiers." However, pre-production plans have been halted since her passing.
According to TMZ, the "Remington Steele" actress was to play a lead role in "Old Soldiers." She is the third star to pass away before the film began shooting. Mickey Rooney was also to take part but passed away at 93-years in 2014. Prior to that actor James Best also passed away at age 88 in 2015.
Producers of the film were quoted by the website as saying they are hesitant to cast anyone else in Roberts' role. Film crew fear that casting another senior actor would "jinx" production.
Producer Dave Rotan told the website that he felt the opportunity to make the film was growing difficult in terms of recasting vacant roles. However, he said he still had not given up on making the film.
Rotan hopes to rope in veteran actors such as Clifton James, Hugh O'Brian and Rance Howard to complete the film. "Old Soldiers" is set against the lives of three aging war veterans. The trio takes a road trip to Washington D.C. to visit the National World War II Memorial. With their ages playing a factor, the road trip has families of the veterans concerned.
Meanwhile, Roberts is reported to have died in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles over the weekend. Her career has spanned more than 60 years, Daily Mail reported.
Since her passing tributes for the star have poured in via social media. A number of those tributes have been from cast members of the show "Everybody Loves Raymond." Leading the tributes was Ray Romano who plays the character of Raymond.
Romano said in a statement obtained by the British publication, that he remembers Roberts for her "spirit" and her "energy" which always amazed him. Roberts played the character of Marie Barone. She earned a Screen Actors Guild Award, three Emmy nominations, and four Emmy awards with her role. She leaves behind her son Michael Cannata Jr and three grandchildren.
Watch a clip about Roberts: