Gene Anthony Ray

Infobox actor
name = Gene Anthony Ray


imagesize =
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birthname = Gene Anthony Ray
birthdate = birth date|1962|5|24|mf=y
location = Harlem, New York, United States
deathdate = death date and age|2003|11|14|1962|5|24|mf=y
deathplace = New York City, New York, United States
othername =
homepage =
academyawards =
spouse =

Gene Anthony Ray (May 24, 1962 – November 14, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, and choreographer who is best known for his portrayal of the street smart dancer Leroy in the 1980 film "Fame" in addition to the television spin-off which aired from 1982 until 1987.

Biography

Born in Harlem, New York, Ray grew up in the neighborhood of West 153rd Street. [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0712833/bio IMDb bio for Gene Anthony Ray] ] 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.cite news | last =Byrne | first =Bridget | title ="Fame's" "Leroy" Dies | publisher =E! News | date =2003-11-19| url =http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=16a9ea3a-9522-43f1-8e5c-36f9d0bb5ac4 | accessdate =2006-05-19]

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.

After cancellation, "Fame" was later syndicated by MGM Television from 1983 to 1987. 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".

Death

In June 2003, Ray suffered a stroke and ultimately died from complications of the stroke on November 14, 2003 in Manhattan, New York. He was 41 years old and HIV positive at the time of his death.

Filmography

*"Fame" (1980)
*"Vendredi ou la Vie sauvage" (1981)
*"Fame" (1982-1987)
*"Out of Sync" (1995)
*"Eddie" (1996)
*"The Drew Carey Show (1 episode, 1997)
*"Austin Powers in Goldmember" (Uncredited, 2002)

References

External links

* [http://www.carriethemusical.com Official website for "Carrie" the Musical]
*imdb name|id= 0712833|name=Gene Anthony Ray
*tv.com person|43986|Gene Anthony Ray
* [http://www.fameforever.net/indexvid.html Gene Anthony Ray Tribute]
*Find A Grave|id=8102023

Persondata
NAME = Ray, Gene Anthony
ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
SHORT DESCRIPTION = Actor, dancer, choreographer
DATE OF BIRTH = May 24, 1962
PLACE OF BIRTH = Harlem, New York, United States
DATE OF DEATH = November 14, 2003
PLACE OF DEATH = New York City, New York, United States