Charles Edgar Ray was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, born on March 15, 1891, in Jacksonville, Illinois. He spent his childhood in Springfield, Illinois, before moving to Arizona and eventually settling in Los Angeles, where he completed his education.
Ray's early career began on the stage, but he soon transitioned to film, working as a film extra for director Thomas H. Ince in December 1912. He appeared in numerous bit parts and supporting roles before landing his breakout role in 1915 opposite Frank Keenan in the historical war drama The Coward.
Ray's popularity soared after starring in a series of films that cast him as a juvenile, primarily portraying young, wholesome characters, such as "country bumpkins," who often foiled the plans of thieves or con men. In March 1917, he signed with Paramount Pictures and continued working with director Thomas H. Ince.
By 1920, Ray had become a highly sought-after actor, earning a reported $11,000 a week. However, he left Paramount in 1920 after studio head Adolph Zukor refused to grant him a pay raise. Zukor later wrote in his autobiography that Ray's ego had become excessive and that he was "headed for trouble" and did not want to be associated with him when he encountered it.
Undeterred, Ray formed his own production company, Charles Ray Productions, and used his fortune to purchase a studio in Los Angeles, where he began producing and directing his own films. Throughout his career, Ray was known for his versatility, appearing in a wide range of film genres, from comedy to drama.
Sadly, Ray's life was cut short when he died of a mouth and throat infection on November 23, 1943, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles. He had been hospitalized for six weeks prior to his passing.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry, Charles Ray has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6355 Hollywood Boulevard.
