Gene Anthony Ray was a talented actor, dancer, and choreographer who rose to fame with his portrayal of Leroy Johnson in the 1980 film Fame and its spin-off television series. He was known for his charismatic personality, energetic performance, and raw talent. However, his life was also marked by struggles with drugs, alcohol, and HIV. He died at the age of 41 from complications of a stroke. Here is a brief overview of his life and career, as well as the circumstances of his death.
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Early Life and Career Breakthrough
Gene Anthony Ray was born on May 24, 1962, in Harlem, New York. He grew up in a poor neighborhood and became involved in street dancing at block parties. He attended the High School of Performing Arts, the inspiration for the film Fame, but was expelled after one year for his lack of discipline. He later said: “It was too disciplined for this wild child of mine.” [according to Wikipedia]
He skipped school one day to audition for Fame choreographer Louis Falco, who was impressed by his natural ability and cast him as Leroy Johnson, a rebellious and talented dancer. The film, directed by Alan Parker, was a critical and commercial success, and launched Ray’s career as a star. He reprised his role in the television series based on the film, which ran from 1982 to 1987. He also toured the UK with the other cast members as The Kids from “Fame”, performing at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall. [according to Wikipedia]
Decline of Career and Personal Problems
However, Ray’s fame also came with a price. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, which affected his work ethic and reliability. He was fired from the television series in 1984 after he failed to show up for work 100 times. His mother, Jean E. Ray, was also jailed for running a drug ring. [according to USA Today]
He continued to work sporadically in films and theater, but his career never reached the same heights as before. In 1987, he starred as Billy Nolan in the musical adaptation of Carrie by Stephen King, which flopped on Broadway after only 21 performances. He also appeared in The Weather Girls’ music video for “Well-A-Wiggy” in 1985. [according to Wikipedia]
In 1996, he moved to Milan, Italy, where he taught dance classes and performed in nightclubs. He also revealed that he was bisexual and that he had been diagnosed with HIV in 1996. He said: “I’m not going to die from this disease. I’m going to live my life.” [according to The Guardian]
Death and Legacy
In June 2003, Ray suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He returned to New York City to live with his mother and receive medical care. He died on November 14, 2003, at the age of 41, from complications of the stroke. [according to Backstage]
His death was mourned by his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and charismatic performer who inspired many young dancers. Debbie Allen, who played his teacher Lydia Grant in Fame, said: “He was very special; he had an incredible energy that lit up any room he entered.” [according to The Guardian]
Gene Anthony Ray’s cause of death was tragic, but his legacy lives on through his memorable role as Leroy Johnson in Fame. He was a star who lived up to his name: “Fame! I’m gonna live forever!” [according to IMDb]
