Ray Klein's birthplace is a matter of intrigue, as he was born in Minot, North Dakota, amidst a tornado that was raging in the area at the time, an extraordinary and peculiar circumstance that would set the tone for his life's journey. Despite his birth in North Dakota, Klein's roots can be traced back to Kansas City, Missouri, his place of origin. Growing up, Klein's life was marked by a sense of adventure and unpredictability, thanks to his father's military career, which required the family to relocate to seven different states by the time Klein reached the age of 12. This nomadic lifestyle provided Klein with a unique and diverse childhood experience, one that would shape his perspective and influence his future endeavors.
Ray's artistic journey began with his childhood fascination with playing the trumpet, a passion that remained unwavering from his elementary school days to his college years. This early start laid the foundation for his future endeavors, as he continued to hone his skills and explore the world of music with unwavering enthusiasm.
As he entered his high school years, Ray's musical interests evolved, and he discovered a new creative outlet in playing the bass guitar. This marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for the instrument, as he dedicated himself to mastering its intricacies and developing his unique style.
Throughout the years, Ray's love for music has remained a constant, with the bass guitar becoming an integral part of his artistic expression. His dedication to his craft is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of nurturing one's passions, as he continues to inspire and delight audiences with his exceptional talent.
Ray's academic odyssey began with the acquisition of a Bachelor of Music degree from the illustrious University of Missouri, a renowned institution of higher learning located in the culturally rich and vibrant city of Columbia, Missouri.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Ray embarked on a new academic journey, enrolling in a Master of Music program with a specialization in Composition at the esteemed Arizona State University. During his time at this prestigious institution, he had the opportunity to refine and polish his skills in the art of music composition, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies and complexities of this creative field.
Ray's sojourn in Arizona proved to be a transformative experience, as it was during this period that he became enamored with the enchanting realm of improvisation. This newfound fascination was largely owing to his association with the Oxymoron'z, a collective led by the late Louis Anthony Russo, a renowned figure in the music industry who commanded great respect from his peers.
Ray's odyssey in Arizona proved to be a pivotal moment in his life, as it was during this particular phase that he intersected with Rob Twohy, a serendipitous encounter that would ultimately give rise to the formation of the illustrious comedy duo known as Twohy & Klein.
Ray's professional trajectory continued to ascend, prompting a pivotal decision to relocate to the City of Angels, where he devoted himself to refining his artistic abilities within the realms of improvisational and sketch comedy.
Ray was a dynamic and multifaceted individual whose passion for the art of comedy knew no bounds, actively participating in a multitude of sketch comedy groups throughout his illustrious career.
As a valued member of Second Helping, a prestigious comedy troupe, Ray showcased his exceptional creative skills and versatility, effortlessly navigating a wide range of comedic settings and scenarios.
Furthermore, Ray was also an integral part of Abe Lincoln Presents, another esteemed comedy group, where he continued to hone his craft and push the boundaries of comedic storytelling.
Throughout his career, Ray's dedication to the art of comedy was evident, as he consistently brought a unique blend of wit, humor, and creativity to every performance, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and fellow comedians alike.
Ray pursued a multifaceted approach to sharpen his comedic abilities, supplementing his group efforts with personalized mentorship from esteemed professionals and institutions within the industry.
He enrolled in The Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop, a highly respected organization renowned for its commitment to nurturing and refining the comedic talents of aspiring performers.
Ray's pursuit of comedic excellence led him to take a significant step forward by enrolling in The Upright Citizens Brigade, a prestigious institution renowned for its impressive track record of launching the careers of numerous successful comedians, thereby providing him with a unique opportunity to hone his comedic skills and expand his artistic repertoire.
Ray is currently embarking on a deeply committed romantic journey with the exceptionally gifted and accomplished actress, Cynthia Rube, whose maiden name is Klein. This loving couple has embarked on a life together, sharing their daily experiences and intimate moments with not one, but two adorable felines, Dewey and Smudge, who have undoubtedly become the central focal point of attention within their home.
Ray's multifaceted talents have enabled him to carve out a successful career in the realm of comedy, simultaneously nurturing his passion for music by skillfully wielding the bass guitar as a member of a prominent Los Angeles-based bar-rock band, aptly named Smales.
Ray's extraordinary fascination with the unparalleled comedic mastery of Jerry Lewis has prompted him to amass a remarkable and comprehensive library of the legendary entertainer's cinematic endeavors, a testament to the depth of his admiration that is unprecedented in its scope and magnitude.
