Ray Wills

Ray Wills

Personal Details

Biography

Ray, a veteran thespian with an illustrious career spanning over three decades, has consistently demonstrated his remarkable talent and versatility as a performer, effortlessly transitioning between the worlds of stage and screen.

His impressive Broadway resume boasts an array of esteemed productions, including his involvement in the original casts of The Producers, a musical comedy that won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, as well as the Tony Award-winning musical Wonderful Town, Big, a beloved family-friendly show, and Anna Karenina, a critically acclaimed adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel.

In addition to his stage work, Ray has also had the privilege of performing with the esteemed New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, bringing his unique interpretive skills to the iconic production of Candide, a classic opera by Leonard Bernstein and Richard Wilbur.

Noteworthy beyond his illustrious Broadway endeavors, Ray has concurrently enjoyed a prosperous Off-Broadway trajectory, boasting an impressive repertoire of notable credits that prominently feature All in the Timing, Stephen Sondheim's Wise Guys, A Class Act, and The Rothschilds.

Ray has made a significant impact on the world of television, captivating audiences with his diverse range of on-screen performances. His impressive resume boasts a plethora of notable appearances on some of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows, including the esteemed Law and Order franchise, where he has made memorable guest appearances on Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

In addition to his work on Law and Order, Ray has also made notable appearances on other popular television series, such as Ugly Betty, The Protector, and 90210. Furthermore, his recurring role on The Guiding Light, a long-running and iconic soap opera, has solidified his status as a talented and versatile actor.

Throughout his career, Ray has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to a wide range of characters and genres, showcasing his impressive range and depth as a performer. With his extensive list of credits and impressive body of work, it is clear that Ray is a talented and dedicated actor who has made a lasting impact on the world of television.

Noted for his versatility and impressive range, Ray has made a significant impact in the world of cinema, with notable appearances in iconic films such as Oliver Stone's Nixon, Mel Brooks' The Producers, and the quirky Pootie Tang.

Noted theatre enthusiast Ray has had the privilege of collaborating with a plethora of esteemed local theatrical institutions in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. These esteemed organizations include, but are not limited to, Music Theatre of Wichita, a renowned hub for musical theatre productions; The Forum Theatre, a beloved staple of the Wichita arts scene; Crown-Uptown Dinner Theatre, a unique venue that combines dinner and a show; and Wichita Community Theatre, a cherished institution that has been a mainstay of the local theatrical community for many years.

Ray, a dedicated educator, has had the privilege of teaching at esteemed institutions such as Kean University in the state of New Jersey and Butler Community College in the heartland of Kansas.

Ray acquired his undergraduate degree in Speech Communications and Theatre from Wichita State University, a prestigious institution renowned for its academic excellence and strong programs in the performing arts. Subsequently, he went on to pursue his graduate studies at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting, further honing his craft and expertise in the field. Notably, Ray is a dual member of two prominent industry organizations, Actor's Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, a testament to his professionalism and dedication to his craft.

Career

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2005
Great Performances
Great Performances as Heresy Agent and Archbishop and Priest
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1995
Nixon
Nixon as Reporter #3