While studying acting in New York with drama teacher William Esper, Patricia Heaton made her Broadway debut in the gospel musical Don't Get God Started. She and fellow students then formed Stage Three, an acting company that produced plays Off Broadway. They took one production, The Johnstown Vindicator, to Los Angeles, where Heaton's performance caught the eyes of casting directors. Consequently, Heaton portrayed the producer/daughter in the television series Room for Two. Her additional television credits include a starring role in the series Someone Like Me, a regular role in CBS's Women of the House, and a recurring role on thirtysomething. She also starred in the highly rated CBS television movie Miracle in the Woods with Della Reese. Her feature film credits include Memoirs of an Invisible Man, Beethoven, New Age, and Space Jam.

For her role in EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, Heaton recently won the 2001 Emmy for Leading Actress in a Comedy Series. She was nominated for a l999 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and won a Viewers for Quality Television Award for Best Actress in a Quality Comedy in l998.