Gene Anthony Ray

• Gene Anthony Ray was born on May 24th, 1962

• He gained prominence playing Leroy Johnson in the 1980 movie Fame and the 1982-1987 Fame TV series based on the movie.

• 2,800 other kids auditioned to play Leroy Johnson. 

• In 1983, a house he had bought in a predominantly white neighborhood and was living in on the weekends was subjected to four *allegedly* racially motivated arson attacks.

• In 1984, after missing work 100 times and continuing to struggle with an alcohol and drug addiction, Gene was temporarily suspended from Fame.

• In 1987, Fame, the TV series was cancelled and Gene struggled to find consistent work as a dancer/actor.

• In 1996, he was diagnosed with HIV.

• Gene Anthony Ray died on November 14th, 2003 from complications of a stroke he had suffered 5 months prior. He was 41 years old.