Doris Roberts, who played Marie Barone in the long-running sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, has died at the age of 90.

The veteran actress passed away in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, a family spokeswoman said.

Her cause of death has not been made public, but a statement said the Missouri-born actress had been healthy and active.

Roberts' performance as Ray Romano's meddlesome mother in the TV comedy about a dysfunctional family was one of her best-known roles.

Upon hearing of her death, Romano said: "Doris Roberts had an energy and a spirit that amazed me. She never stopped.

"Whether working professionally or with her many charities, or just nurturing and mentoring a green young comic trying to make it as an actor, she did everything with such a grand love for life and people and I will miss her dearly."

During Everybody Loves Raymond's nine-year run, she won the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series award at the Emmys four times - and was nominated a further three times.

In 1983, she also won the outstanding supporting actress in a drama series award for her role in the medical soap opera St Elsewhere.

After Everybody Loves Raymond came to an end in 2005, she made guest appearances in other well-known TV shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.

Phil Rosenthal, who created Everybody Loves Raymond, tweeted: "We loved our mom, the great Doris Roberts. A wonderful, funny, indelible actress and friend."

She is survived by her son, Michael, and three grandchildren.

(Sky News)