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 (born May 24, 1962 – died November 14, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, and choreographer. He became famous for playing the character Leroy Johnson. This role was in the 1980 movie Fame and the TV show Fame that ran from 1982 to 1987.

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Gene Anthony Ray was born in New York City on May 24, 1962. He grew up in the Harlem area of Manhattan. From a young age, he loved street dancing at local block parties. He even took a dance class at Julia Richman High School. One day, he skipped school to try out for the movie Fame. The movie's choreographer, Louis Falco, was impressed by his talent.

Ray also attended the High School of Performing Arts. This school was the real-life inspiration for the movie Fame. However, he left after only one year. His mother, Jean E. Ray, later said that the school was "too disciplined for this wild child of mine."

Gene Anthony Ray's Career

Ray won the part of Leroy Johnson in the movie Fame, which came out in 1980. Just like his character Leroy, Gene didn't have much formal dance training. But he had a natural talent that helped him get the role.

Television and Music Videos

In 1981, Ray played the character Friday. He starred alongside Michael York in a TV adventure-comedy called Vendredi ou la Vie sauvage. It was also known as Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday.

Ray also starred in the popular Fame television series. This show was based on the movie. It was produced by MGM Television from 1982 to 1987.

In 1982, Ray showed off his dance moves in The Weather Girls' music video for their song "Well-A-Wiggy". He also went on tour in the U.K. with other cast members from Fame. They were known as The Kids from "Fame". They performed at 10 different places, including a sold-out show at Royal Albert Hall.

Broadway and Later Roles

In 1987, Gene Anthony Ray got the role of Billy Nolan in the musical version of Carrie. This musical was based on a book by Stephen King. Ray performed the role when the show first opened in Stratford-upon-Avon. Later, he moved with the show to Broadway in New York City.

Ray also appeared in the 1995 movie Out-of-Sync. This film was directed by his Fame co-star Debbie Allen. He also had a role in the 1996 Whoopi Goldberg comedy Eddie. For Eddie, he was also an associate choreographer, helping with the dance moves. He even appeared in commercials for popular drinks like Dr Pepper and Diet Coke.

His last video project was a one-hour documentary for the BBC. It was called Fame Remember My Name. This show was a reunion of the Fame cast and was filmed in Los Angeles in April 2003.

Later Life and Passing

In his later years, Gene Anthony Ray faced some health challenges. He passed away on November 14, 2003, at the age of 41.

Filmography

See also

• The Kids from "Fame"