Gene Anthony Ray, who inspired legions of fans as the leading star of the 1980s musical “Fame,” passed away on November 14, 2003, at the age of 41. Ray was born in New York City on May 24, 1962, and began performing early in childhood. He first became a local celebrity in 1978, when he was cast as Brooklyn street dancer Leroy Johnson in the cultural phenomenon "Fame," released in 1980. Ray continued as the main character of the television show “Fame” and the sequel movie “Fame II.” Ray starred as a professional dancer in the 1985 movie “Oh God! You Devil.” Ray’s other television appearances include roles in “The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd” and “Square One TV.” He was also a guest artist in choreographer Maurice Hines’ Broadway production “Uptown… It’s Hot!” in 1987. Ray is remembered as a dancer and an accomplished choreographer. He was a mentor to many young dancers and was admired for his technical abilities in the craft. In 2000, he choreographed the production “Up and Down Broadway” at the Universal Theater in Hollywood. Ray also choreographed for the production “Dance with Me” at The Cameo Theatre in Los Angeles. Gene Anthony Ray is survived by his mother Ivey and his siblings.