A little about J. Ray

Justin Ray, a San Diego native, accumulated a few different nicknames in his early childhood. The first: Thunder Thighs. Not only did he have thick, chubby, hobbit feet (which he has yet to grow out of) but he also had massive thighs. Which provides a seamless transition to his next nickname: Couch Potato. His favorite past time - put him in an oversized t-shirt, stick a bottle in his mouth, plop him on the couch, and start up a movie... bliss. Luckily for him, his next nickname slimmed those big thunders to a more appropriate size. Monkey Boy started after he developed an incessant need to climb anything and everything he could get a grip on.

When Justin wasn’t talking to his invisible friend The Purple Kid, he was busy expanding his imagination with his older brother building forts, playing legos, or acting in home made movies. Sometimes his imagination got the best of him while watching, with tears streaming down his face, his brother beat up The Purple Kid. It’s safe to say this Monkey Boy was sensitive. But he was no weakling. With impressive coordination, no fear of heights, and natural flexibility, the Couch Potato learned that he was a pretty darn good gymnast for a 4th grader. But then 6th grade rolled around, along with a girlfriend, and suddenly this gap toothed, past Thunder Thigh-er decided that gymnastics took up too much time... someone should have nicknamed him DUMBASS after that.

With his future wife by his side (or some might say behind, cracking the whip), Jr. High was a bubble filled with love letters and floating hearts for this hopeless romantic. But five years later, the love bubble Romeo was trapped in exploded! Without his Juliet, Justin had a lot more time on his hands with no idea how to use it.

During his last semester of his Junior year, the now eligible bachelor invested in some train tracks to connect the grand canyons that were impeding on his smile. It was then that a shift occurred. With an aunt’s encouragement, Justin auditioned for his first musical. The stars aligned. His every fiber wanted more as he became a human sponge soaking in everything that would improve his craft. Brace Face learned that his coordination, flexibility, and gymnastic past rendered him to be a natural dancer. After graduating high school, and now with a perfect smile, Justin continued training with voice lessons, dance and acting classes, and performing in many musicals around town. After getting an AA degree at a community college, he transferred to UC Irvine, majoring in Drama. Shortly after, his yellow-brick-road of musicals called him to the Broadway scene. But then another shift occurred to a more silver hue. Justin heard the potato from his past calling from the couch, “GO TO HOLLYWOOD!”.

Dancer Boy moved to LA, hung up his chorus boy coat, and began his work in front of the camera. Today, Justin resides in Austin TX. He continues to act and now also produces projects with his brother… yes, the one who beat up The Purple Kid. Its okay, turns out the kid deserved it. “I thank God for His amazing grace while I pursue my dreams, and for providing me with the most loving and supportive family. I am truly blessed.”