Gene Anthony Ray facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gene Anthony Ray
Ray In 1984
Born	(1962-05-24)May 24, 1962 New York, New York, U.S.
Died	November 14, 2003(2003-11-14) (aged 41) New York City, New York, U.S.
Other names	Gene Ray
Occupation	Actor, dancer, choreographer
Years active	1980–2002

The Kids from "Fame". Gene Anthony Ray is in the back, center. Debbie Allen is center, with sunglasses on top of her head. (1983)

Gene Anthony Ray (May 24, 1962 – November 14, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, and choreographer. He was 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.

Early life

Born in New York City, in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan on May 24, 1962, Ray grew up in the area of West 153rd Street and later became involved in street dancing at block parties. He performed in a dance class at the Julia Richman High School. He skipped school one day to audition for Fame choreographer Louis Falco.

Ray attended the High School of Performing Arts, the inspiration for the film Fame, but was kicked out after just one year. "It was too disciplined for this wild child of mine," Ray's mother, Jean E. Ray, would later say.

Career

Ray won the part of Leroy Johnson in the film Fame, which was released in 1980. Much like his Fame character, Ray had little professional training, but he possessed a raw talent that won him his role for the film.

In 1981, Ray starred as Friday, alongside Michael York as Robinson Crusoe, in the 1981 TV adventure-comedy Vendredi ou la Vie sauvage [fr] (alternative title: Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday).

Ray also starred in the television series based on the film, Fame. The series was produced by MGM Television from 1982 to 1987, and syndicated from 1983 to 1987.

Also in 1982, Ray danced in The Weather Girls' music video for "Well-A-Wiggy". Additionally, he began touring the U.K. with the other members of the Fame cast as The Kids from "Fame"; they performed at 10 venues, including a sell out performance at Royal Albert Hall.

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 21 public performances.

Ray also appeared in the 1995 film Out-of-Sync, which was directed by his Fame co-star Debbie Allen, in the 1996 Whoopi Goldberg comedy Eddie (for which he was also credited as associate choreographer), as well as in commercials for Dr Pepper and Diet Coke.

His last video project was a one-hour BBC Fame reunion documentary, Fame Remember My Name, taped in Los Angeles in April 2003.

Adult life

In 1996, he was diagnosed HIV positive. He suffered a stroke in 2003. Ray never married.

Death

Ray died on November 14, 2003, aged 41, from complications of a stroke he had suffered in June that year and complications from AIDS.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Gene Anthony Ray para niños

• The Kids from "Fame"