Patricia Heaton, one of America’s most admired actresses, producers, and comediennes, began her career with a recurring role in Thirtysomething and went on to appear in hit comedies such as The Invisible Man and Beethoven. She later became a household name through her performances in sitcoms like Room for Two, Someone Like Me, and Women of the House. However, it was her portrayal of Debra Barone in the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond that earned her widespread fame and critical acclaim. While Patricia’s professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable, her personal life had its own share of ups and downs before she found lasting happiness with her husband, actor and producer David Hunt.
Before her marriage to David, Patricia was married to her childhood sweetheart, Constantine Yankoglu. The Emmy-winning actress rarely speaks about this chapter of her life, but it is known that she and Constantine tied the knot on October 10, 1984. The two reportedly met during high school and reconnected later, leading to a relationship that culminated in marriage. At the time, both were still building their careers, and though they seemed in love, their marriage ended in 1987 after just three years. Patricia once reflected on that period, admitting that the two were simply incompatible and that the failure of her first marriage deeply affected her, especially coming from a devout Catholic background. In her own words, she once said that divorce felt like a “huge failure” and that she had struggled to accept it as part of her life’s journey.
After their divorce, Constantine Yankoglu chose to live a life away from the spotlight. He maintained his privacy and refrained from using his brief marriage to Patricia as a way to seek fame or media attention. While little is known about his professional pursuits, it is documented that he appeared briefly in the 1988 baseball drama Eight Men Out, directed by John Sayles, where he played a minor role as a New Jersey fan. That was his only appearance in the entertainment industry, after which he seemingly stepped away from acting altogether.
Meanwhile, Patricia’s career continued to thrive. Her comedic timing and relatable performances made her one of television’s most beloved actresses. As her professional life soared, her personal life also took a turn for the better when she met David Hunt. Their love story began when David sublet his apartment to Patricia while he was away performing in a play. The two developed a connection that blossomed into romance, and by 1988 they began dating. After two years together, they got married in 1990, marking the start of a long and steady partnership.
Their marriage, now spanning over three decades, stands as one of Hollywood’s most enduring unions. Patricia and David have four sons together and have often spoken about the mutual respect and faith that hold their relationship together. In an interview, David once recalled how their relationship reached a turning point when Patricia gave him an ultimatum, telling him she loved him but needed commitment. He remembered her words clearly, saying she told him it was time to either commit fully or let go — and from that moment, he knew she was the one.
Today, Patricia Heaton continues to be celebrated for both her talent and resilience. Her journey — from a struggling actress with a short-lived first marriage to a successful performer and devoted wife — is a testament to her strength, grace, and belief in second chances.