Born in Houston, Texas, just prior to the onset of the Great Depression, Ray Stricklyn was seized by the urge to perform from his earliest years. He began his theatrical journey with stage roles in his hometown, gradually transitioning to regional theater and eventually Broadway. Ray's impressive resume boasts a diverse range of performances alongside some of the most prominent names in the industry, including Gary Cooper, Debbie Reynolds, Clifton Webb, Geraldine Page, Paul Newman, and Ida Lupino.
However, during the 1970s, Ray redirected his talents towards a different creative pursuit, becoming one of the most influential publicists in Hollywood through his work with renowned entertainment figures. Despite this new career path, Ray's passion for acting never wavered, and he eventually made a triumphant return to the stage, earning the distinction of being the most award-honored L.A. stage actor of the 1980s.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ray has received numerous accolades, including being twice named Best Actor of the Year by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, and twice nominated for a Golden Globe for his acting prowess. In addition to his stage work, Ray has also made guest appearances in several top-rated television series.
However, his most legendary performance to date is arguably his portrayal of Tennessee Williams in "Confessions of a Nightingale", which garnered widespread acclaim and was performed in Los Angeles, New York, and other major cities across North America.