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November 22, 2003

OBITUARY: Gene Anthony Ray Gene

OBITUARY: Gene Anthony Ray

Gene Anthony Ray, the actor who played Leroy Johnson in
'Fame', died yesterday in Manhattan at the age of 41.

I am writing this with a great sadness in my heart. 'The Kids
from Fame' was the soundtrack to my childhood, and I'm not
afraid to admit it! The explosive talent of Gene's singing and
dancing could be felt once as BBC1 broadcast the weekly
episode. The show would be duly recorded and I'd spend the
following week learning the new songs and practicing the dance
routines in front of the TV.

Gene brought a force and determination to the character of
Leroy, in his passionate dance routines and tempestuous
on-screen relationships. My favourite song routines included
the kitsch-camp 'Desdemona', the smooth-as-chocolate
'Lay Back and Be Cool', and the uplifting ensemble numbers
like 'Starmaker'.

There is a certain grace & style in male dancers and Gene was
up there with the best. He pulsated, rocked and leapt through
the air. Thank you Gene - you'll live forever and I will remember
your name...

[for more obituaries, see www.fameforever.com]

November 20, 2003

Another day at the office?

Another day at the office?

Life after Webber has been a blast so far. The summer involved various
side jobs, such as freelance journalism that involved me reviewing some
Health Spas. This was soon followed by the worlds most extravagant stag
night, with one very generous friend who flew 17 of his mates out to Jamaica
for a 6-day party in Montego Bay's prestigious Half Moon Club. Kicking!

The acting? I've done a Channel 5 gig where I played a Gladiator in the kids'
show 'Morris 2247', there's been some corporate training work playing
Managing Agents & Tenants for The Crown Estate, some roleplaying work
at the Institute of Psychiatry, portraying mildly depressives, and I've written
a radio play called 'Escape from Jerusalem' that is set during the Roman
occupation of 70 BCE. Sail, Haesar!