Warren Whelen is played by actor Robert Culp. Warren is portrayed as the pretentious and adventurous sightseeing husband of Lois Whelen and father of Debra Barone and Jennifer. During the series Warren and Lois are generally avoided by the Barones, except for Debra, who is frustrated by both Ray's and Marie's immature attitudes towards their in-laws. Warren is a loving father toward Debra, although Debra and her sister, Jennifer, as well as Ray refer to him as having "drinking problems".