Gene Anthony Ray
| Gene Anthony Ray | |
|---|---|
| Born | Eugene Anthony Ray May 24, 1962 Harlem, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 14, 2003 (aged 41) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Other names | Gene Ray |
| Occupation | Actor, dancer, choreographer |
| Years active | 1980–2002 |
Gene Anthony Ray (May 24, 1962 – November 14, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, and choreographer. He was best known for his portrayal of dancer Leroy Johnson in both the 1980 film Fame and the 1982–1987 Fame television series based upon the film.
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[edit] Early life and career
Born in Harlem, New York, Ray grew up in the neighborhood of West 153rd Street. He attended the New York High School of the Performing Arts, the inspiration for the film Fame, but was kicked out after one year. "It was too disciplined for this wild child of mine," Ray's mother, Jean E. Ray said.[1] Ray also studied dance at the Julia Richman High School, where he would audition for Fame choreographer, Louis Falco. Much like his Fame character, Ray had little professional training, but a raw talent that won him his role for the film.[1]
Fame was syndicated by MGM Television from 1983 to 1987. In 1987 he won the role of Billy Nolan in the ill-fated musical adaptation of Carrie by Stephen King. Ray played the role in the original opening in Stratford-Upon-Avon which closed after less than a month, he then transferred to Broadway and continued to play the role until the musical closed after only five public performances.
Ray also appeared in the 1995 film Out Of Sync, which was directed by his Fame co-star Debbie Allen, and the 1996 Whoopi Goldberg comedy Eddie.
[edit] Death
Ray died on November 14, 2003 at age 41, from complications of a stroke he had suffered the previous June. Ray's mother stated that Ray was also HIV positive. [1][2]
[edit] Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Fame | Leroy Johnson | |
| 1981 | Vendredi ou la Vie sauvage | Friday | Television movie Alternative title: Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday |
| 1982–1987 | Fame | Leroy Johnson | 116 episodes |
| 1995 | Out of Sync | Crash | |
| 1996 | Eddie | Dancer | Associate choreographer |
| 1997 | The Drew Carey Show | Dancer | 1 episode |
| 2002 | Austin Powers in Goldmember | Dancer | Uncredited |
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b c Byrne, Bridget (2003-11-19). "Fame's "Leroy" Dies". E! News. http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=16a9ea3a-9522-43f1-8e5c-36f9d0bb5ac4. Retrieved 2006-05-19.
- ^ Obituary, The New York Times, November 19, 2003
