Gene Anthony Ray:The Story of Dance Icon "LEROY JOHNSON" "FAME"

This video is a celebration of the life and legacy of Gene Anthony Ray, an artist whose influence continues to be felt in the world of dance today.
From his humble beginnings on the streets of New York to his rise to popularity as the star of the hit TV show "Fame," Gene's story is one of perseverance, passion, and talent.

[@Trini4th]

Gene was my cousin he was very loving caring and misunderstood. We miss and love him very much.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

Which side of the family are you on?

[@emmimus]

❤🧸

[@ucity88]

My condolences to you and all who knew and loved Gene. 😢

[@angelajones8912]

What a talent.

[@carltonwalton9819]

Gene was the man!

[@wendyburke2210]

There would be no FAME without Gene Anthony Ray .

[@jrnyjrnl]

Spot On!!!

[@gracefullybrkn9512]

Exactly!

[@Bedmoments]

Yes he was the most iconic character in Fame by a long way.

[@The10thManRules]

Or Debbie Allen. Can't forget her. If Leroy was the spirit, she was the discipline and the focus.

[@sarabrown3821]

I agree for sure

[@noeraldinkabam]

Somebody you haven’t seen or thought about in over 40 years and the second you hear ‘Leroy’ it all comes rushing back. Yeah, he made an impression.

[@monniquaharmstrong2120]

❤

[@nixwestlake9196]

1,000%

[@lisalee2885]

He was Amazing. So sad 😢

[@sparkle3000]

Debbie Allen loved this young man so much. I can't believe he and Irene are gone. May they Rest In Peace 💜

[@batgirlp5561]

Irene Cara is dead??!!

[@42ayla]

@@batgirlp5561 Last year. November I think.

[@siristarburst9]

​@@batgirlp5561😮😮😮

[@Proverbspsalms]

@@batgirlp5561chileeee yes. She took that magic potion.

[@tmariethatsme8170]

As well As Michael Peter's who IS The Greatest Choreographer of all time

[@paulchezkari6952]

I remember his fierce dancing, he was so gifted 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@natalyd9674]

The cornrows. I’ve never seen them before and I was in love 😍

[@stacyhackney6100]

He was outstanding in that role.

[@noglenogle]

"Outstanding" ? out standing in a field

[@clbert7460]

I watched every single episode…loved it!

[@sentb5744]

He was!!!

[@shevawn4927]

I had a huge crush on him. Never missed a show.

[@Irene-xs9pc]

@@shevawn4927me too ❤✌🏽💯

[@LisaLisa-2023]

I remember FAME like it was yesterday. And I remember the most extraordinary character on that show portrayed by Gene Anthony Ray. This documentary depicted an enormous talent with courage and fierce determination. Gene Ray was a true gift. I was saddened to hear about how his life ended. But we will always remember his name. Rest in peace.

[@jrnyjrnl]

Thank you for this beautiful comment.

[@LisaLisa-2023]

@@jrnyjrnl you are very welcome. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of your narration/documentary. It was interesting, easy to understand, and rich enough with material/footage. Thank you.

[@LisaPettrison]

I agree. He was my absolute favorite character on that show. He was iconic and played a very complex character effrotlessly. SO talented!

[@sensimania]

"We will always remember his name" 👈👈 I see what you did there 😉💜

[@uthmaanpacsa7259]

Do you remember Starsky & Hutch?

[@Mondo1Bongo]

His funeral was a turn out… so many in show business attended, so many young gay’s from our Harlem neighborhoods passed during that time, including my son… it was way before that first vaccine was available… a couple of funerals I attended… he performed, I can still see him dancing to the choir music at one of them… there were balloons as someone recited beautiful words of parting… it was a celebration of life… much later after my son passed I remember seeing him one night and he just walked over and hugged me… that hug was worth a million words! Tony!! a talented and loving worrier… they all were. Thanks! for waking up beautiful memories…. ❤ 🔔 🎊 🎈 🎉 🎈

[@diamonds377]

Sorry for your loss

[@pinkyjohns5198]

Met him once at a club and actually danced with him! He was the nicest celeb I ever met. No arrogance, just a down-to-earth human being!

[@elisabetpurve2908]

There is a clip online where he visits Norway around 197-88 and participated in a childrens program where he dance with them and for them and conversed together.He was so good with those children,both teaching them and talking with them and man what he could dance!! They loved him! Such a social skill he had also besides his danceskills.

[@entertainingsportshighligh7525]

what year ??

[@elisabetpurve2908]

@@entertainingsportshighligh7525 1987 or 1988. I provided the link here above

[@woofman00701]

I used to see him in the 90s in the drug drench Harlem by the polo ground . He seemed happy waving at people from old tenements which could have been drug spots . Hope you found peace in your final days .

[@lornakennedy7412]

I am so sorry things turned out the way they did. He had so much talent.

[@michaeldemocko443]

I knew Gene; I met him while working for Princess Cruises in the mid 90's. He was a complicated human being, but he was incredibly kind and he was a blast to be around. I learned of his death by a ticker on a 24 hour news program. I will never forget his positive spirit and sense of humor.

[@leilaamoura2101]

never forget him, He brought us joy & humor

[@rudeboyranking642]

His presence alone was fierce and his dancing was even fiercer…RIP Leroy Johnson

[@kaseyb.4440]

This made me weep!! Fame was one the shows I loved when I was younger. I just appreciate how gentle the telling of his life was. This wasn’t demeaning or derogatory in any way. Though it was a lot of hard truth, it was still compassionate. ❤❤❤

[@cynthiatorrence-turner4450]

I agree. You worded it perfectly.💕

[@kaseyb.4440]

@@cynthiatorrence-turner4450 Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@kee5428]

I was walking down the street in Manhattan, near 52nd St & 5th Avenue (where ever the big library is) back in the 90s and happened to have been looking down toward the ground. I soon heard "Keep Your Head Up" and turned to see who said it. Well, it was none other than the man I had a huge crush on, Gene Anthony Ray. I did not want to disturb him as he continued walking, so we both continued on our way. I, on the other hand, had a fantastic rest of my day because of him. I could not believe what I just experienced. I smiled all day. And as you can see, 20+ years later how impactful it was to me. What an inspiring thing to say, thank you, Mr. Gene Anthony Ray. I wish I had stopped you to let you just how gorgeous I thought you were.

[@Auntkekebaby]

Gene is one of the reasons why I became a dancer.

[@robinp13946]

I grew up with him and his family. Harlem is my home and I’m so proud of that! Yes it was rough this was during the crack era and a lot of good people was lost! RIP Leroy😊

[@leilaamoura2101]

I think of an autobiography of this young man, so gifted and exceptional. I am from Algeria

[@Vic222B]

One of my biggest dance inspirations. Rest easy, Gene!

[@crystalvspivey-briggs7959]

Tony, as we called him, grew up on the same block, 153rd between 8th & Macombs Place, Harlem, NY. Drove me nearly insane but I loved him and still do. He beat a guy up for me because whilst playing volley ball, the guy spiked me in the face, causing my nose to bleed! Very talented… He danced and I sang and danced at the 153rd Street block parties. I cried at his service.😭Love, Crys, The Song🎶🕊💟☦️

[@sabirabdul-lateef5352]

We called him Tony Ray

[@bxdale83]

I heard he could fight really well

[@sabirabdul-lateef5352]

@@bxdale83 l

[@sabirabdul-lateef5352]

I lived on 154th street between 8th and Bradhurst. Went to Bethany Baptist. Ps154 which is Rucker Park. Those were good times. I remember him well. Tough reputation.

[@KingSeer]

@@sabirabdul-lateef5352was he down low or seemed like he changed. I think he was abused when he came into starlight on the show. Just a feeling?

[@FlyLikeDove]

I was only 13 when the movie came out, and I had THE biggest crush on him. The TV series was so good! Such a tragic loss of a timeless talent 💜🕊️

[@alyzu4755]

I remember seeing him walking down the street in the Village in NYC when I was at NYU. He was in "Carrie: The Musical" at the time, which had just opened. My friends and I were more than a little star struck. May his memory be a blessing. ❤️

[@WendyDahling3]

Me too! I was in 8th grade when Fame came out. He was an extremely talented dancer!!! He was my first celebrity crush. So fine with a beautiful smile.

[@marlenepollard4982]

Gene Anthony Ray will always have a special place in my heart because his character Leroy gave me an abundance of joy when he danced on the show fame. No more struggles with life, may he continue to Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.

[@db26127]

Me a nobody got to dance with him at a club in NY named the Limelight, in the late 80s. I’m 63 now. It was a highlight of my life. I was just doing my thing and felt someone dancing with me and it was Leroy. Couldn’t tell me sh!+. I loved to dance and had no problem dancing by myself all night or should I say all morning long. Great times.😂👍🏽🤣💃🎊👌RIP Leroy, loved watching him in Fame. Debbie Allen is my idol. Got to meet her as well.

[@mikemenelik8193]

Anytime I hear the name "Leroy" , I think about Leroy Johnson ! I was a huge fan of "FAME" in the 80s - ´til this day . 🌿RIP Gene⭐

[@crownjewel832]

He will ALWAYS be ICONIC! Rest in Power Gene Anthony Ray...

[@AhtoNajeebRashied]

Rest in Power? Ouch. Sounds exhausting. I guess peace isn't practical anymore

[@carolesmith2619]

​@@AhtoNajeebRashied😂😂😂😂🎉🎉

[@furrymonkeything]

It's hard to imagine the impact the movie had at the time. It was phenomenal and cool. So many people took up dancing. It was the era of the leg warmer ,even if you didn't dance. In the song by Irene Cara ,who sadly has passed too. The words were "Fame ,I'm gonna live forever, I'm gonna learn how to fly Im Gonna light up the sky like a flame " they certainly did . May they rest in peace 😢. The series was such a success here in the UK 🇬🇧 I bought the music tapes that came out with it. The songs were really good for a TV series. The song "fame" is outstanding, vocally tricky to sing (i know I use to sing it) 😁 not forgetting that lead guitar part🎸. What a time that was 😊❤️🌹

[@a.r.tavares1322]

Big hit in Portugal also, loved watching it as a kid. Whenever i see "Fame" videoclip I have tears in my eyes.

[@Katrina-je2kp]

Too the very first real world was them😢😢

[@SorayasFierceCookingShow]

Gene was amazing. May he rest in peace.

[@user-dh7hu3yi8n]

Gene was a fantastic, fantastic dancer. He and Debbie were the best in the series. It was a pleasure to see him dance ❤

[@lauriegentry7764]

This story is heartbreaking. All I could think about while watching was, this is an example of generational trauma. That even this great of a talent couldn’t break out of the tsunami of mental and emotional damage his entire family drowned in. I knew so many with the same. People with huge talent, but were drowned out with trauma.

[@gabriellaprettyone1287]

🙏❤️

[@joycelynlundy-db5qb]

I missed you Leroy Johnson ❤😢

[@ladyd8028]

Look at how young & vibrant GAR is! What a BEAUTIFUL physique!! 😍 This is a well-done tribute to a dancer extraordinaire. I'm so sorry he had these woes and was taken from us so soon...

[@lillydee5978]

He was easily the standout. So much talent. RIP.

[@sjdone]

I grew up with Gene. We shared many classes, and he was always a pleasure to be around. He used to often appear on the show Wonderama. It came as no surprise that he ended up being famous. I remember when his family was busted for selling drugs. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of the end for him.

[@michelrood2966]

Sure you did...😅

[@PV-ux3be]

Harlem Stand Up! My mom did too!

[@leepo007]

I grew up with him also, we were neighbors

[@justasimplesomeone]

Kind of crazy to even ask, but I had a friend around the same age who grew up in the Bronx and went to that school of Performing Arts. He played double bass. He was called Stanley. Ring any bells ?

[@phylisiadaley5995]

​@Stephon Perves I know he might not have been rich but I wonder why he couldn't have gotten his mom and grandmother into a better situation by then he did have a ton of success....maybe they didn't want to.

[@prayingwarrioressaminah9798]

He was so handsome, sooooooo talented OMG 😩😭💔... But so very volatile 😩... When I was a child in France, FAME was broadcasted on the first nationsl TV channel TF1 in 1982, every saturday afternoon. We d never miss it and would also watch all re runs religiously... I learnt of his passing years after it happened and it broke my heart... Still does. He was in pieces inside, tormented, in pain. He fought fought fought but it was stronger than him. So gut wrenching! SMH 😰...

[@lisabrightly]

He was a really good actor. ❤ RIP

[@rowdyraven2009]

I loved watching Fame as a teen. This is so sad to know about him. I got the same feeling learning that and how Wheels ( Niel Hope ) from Degrassi Junior High had died. I hope they both knew that their talents brought a lot of joy to so many.

[@elle4717]

I will always have deep fondness for Gene I loved his style and personality in fame. Gone too soon 💜💕

[@u.s.n.retired1995]

A sad ending for such a handsome, beautiful, talented man. I'll always remember "Fame the movie" and the TV series. Unfortunately shows like this are no longer created, which is also a sad thing.

[@taotaostrong]

That NASTY Leroy audition in the movie is unmatched to this day. He was magical. ❤

[@SandraSealySeawomanBDS]

Was so good - crushed on him. Loved his rebelliousness and zest. Fame wouldn't have been the same.

[@lisaellis2593]

Agreed.

[@MissPresley69]

Such a sad story and such an incredibly gifted soul he was. Even at a young age, I knew that his acting came from real life experiences. Thank you for covering his story, I learned details I didn't know yet. I hope he found peace 🤍🙏🤍

[@darkfeather6857]

This is a beautiful tribute to such a tragic life!

[@carolinebedwell3358]

R.i.p both of you you will never be forgotten 😢

[@nesetans1407]

why tragic life? sorry English is not my first language, I didn't understand some things. Gene My biggest crush 😍💖

[@lilpaulettenthegang7869]

I loved Leroy!! One of my all time fav shows. Then Janet Jackson came on and it could not get any better!❤

[@rogerdogger6969]

I cannot believe that at this moment I am only just hearing about him passing. How sad and what a shock. I had imagined he had just retired to a quiet life somewhere. I had no idea that he was having drug issues. Not many of us got out alive from that era. At that time I was dancing and performing with a band or two and we all were obsessed with Fame. And as much so with him

[@carolesmith2619]

He didn't really stand a chance what with both his Mother and Grandmother peddling drugs 😢😢

[@Lolamich]

Gene was so gifted. I will always remember him.

[@christymalekani4104]

He was the first TV personality I had a crush on. I know he had a hard life, and has passed (way too early), but I still think he is amazing and hot. His spirit is quite radiant and transcendent. Rest in peace Gene (Leroy). You were an inspiration to many.

[@eleanorryan2750]

Loved watching Fame here in Ireland with my parents, and siblings all those years ago. Loved Leroy and the Cast members. Its extremely sad that Fame brought him such sadness ,and his disfunctionable family members. Addiction is a curse. May he Rest in peace. Regards from Ireland 🇮🇪 💚

[@clbert7460]

He was sooooo FABULOUS in Fame.

[@emmimus]

My biggest crush on TV as a kid and teen was Leroy. This breaks my heart how he struggled. His mum’s sentence was a BLM issue in my opinion and far too high. Gene i‘ll always remember your amazing soirit that shone through the screen to me in Denmark. Thank you ❤ Rest in peace, dance and power up there ✊🏾

[@KCfromDCtheLeo]

The epitome of "raw, natural talent" and such a good looking kid. May he continue to rest in peace.

[@RainbowBrite80]

So so very sad 😢. I grew up watching Fame as a kid ( and I was also put in dance very young) And I had no desire to be like any of the girl dancers on the show, but man, I wanted to BE Leroy!

[@ronque23]

I grew up watching this show. He was a very talented and charismatic force on screen. He brought the world a lot of joy. Rest in power!

[@movingforward-fc4lg]

One of my favorite shows coming up in the 80s

[@carolharris1236]

I absolutely loved “Fame.”The dancing was incredible. Gene was a phenomenal dancer. I think Debbie Allen had the hots for him(😊). She was always all over him. He was gorgeous and gifted. So sad the way his life withered away.

[@velmascarborough7680]

OMG...I had no idea he left us😔😔. Leroy was my absolute favorite character on Fame. Definitely a force to be reckoned with. Rest In Peace🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@carastone3473]

I loved the movie and was obsessed with the TV show for the first few years it was on. Love Gene Anthony Ray. His talent as a dancer was so inspiring. So sad that he passed so young.

[@lmmhanlon9758]

Sorry to hear of Gene's passing. He really was talented. I remember watching Fame when I was younger and loved the show. It's unfortunate that he had so many struggles afterward. R.I.P. Gene

[@reneesaucier1059]

Thank you for clearing that up about his health. Sometimes people are quick to make assumptions. He was a very talented young man. Such a tragedy that he couldn't overcome the demons in his life. May he rest in peace 🙏🏽

[@kruz2443]

Gene was an amazing dancer. I used to rush home from school to watch Fame. Loved it so much ❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jhamps4806]

I’m a 53 woman from the U.K., I loved this show and I adored him. In the U.K. this programme was huge and I had both Kids from Fame tapes which I played constantly on my Walkman…. Broke my heart what happened to him… RIP…

[@carolesmith2619]

Yep, I'm from England too and I loved the TV series, Valerie Landsburg as Doris was my fave, she had an amazing voice, I remember High Fidelity as if it was yesterday 💃💃

[@dinawells5298]

Oh man what memories that brings up of my childhood.loved fame

[@zacharyconnors7945]

Same with one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid and he was the most memorable character from that show. Whenever I think of Fame he's the first person I think of dancing his heart out for Debbie Allen!

[@massagemodality366]

Gene was wonderful on screen and stage and there hasn't been a male talent dancing like this since him. The world was his Oster. FAME was tops. No show afterwards nor any of the current dance shows can compete with the shows phenomena, Debbie Allen and Gene were the primary reason for that. Hopefully messages like this will be enough for other to take he.d and just leave the drug world alone.

[@rjimmersonhardy8158]

He was truly blessed. I watched all the episodes. Loved that show.

[@queenlorea2094]

He was an amazing dancer for sure. One of the greatest in the world. 🙏🏽😍😇💗💗💗

[@mindylene9534]

Rest in peace Gene Anthony Ray 🙏

[@fl3693]

What a wonderful talent. If this had happened in this time, he would have received more support. His mother and grandma's issues would have effected him deeply. He did amazingly well to get as far as he did with such a disadvantage due to family addiction. That is talent. Respect and thanks to him for giving me hope as a child. He was amazing and his dancing and vibe were stunning.

[@All.Natural.]

He was so talented!💜

[@Beautifulchild22]

He was my favorite! He was so talented ❤

[@Super13177]

Gene will always be my favorite from FAME!!! R. I. P. Sir!!!

[@TDeValcourt]

I remain in awe of his talent. I think dance frees a person and he could fly.

[@JuliaWillinghamJ5J]

He was the finest man ever!

[@Ailuj234]

He was such a lovely young man. When you saw him in the street he would be happy to chat. A real Star at heart.❤

[@evelynwilson1566]

Used to watch this as a kid in Scotland in the early eighties. Leroy was my favourite character and I have to say, Gene Anthony Ray was a brilliant dancer. RIP Gene.

[@draperlamarcakes]

Gene had talent to spare. So much more than most, it’s wonderful that we got to witness his spectacular greatness.

[@chaisepomme4070]

He was electrifying. So sad about the drugs, health and other issues that hampered what could have been a fabulous, long life and career. But for a little while, whenever he was dancing, one couldn't take our eyes off him. I'd like to think that he's now at peace, dancing away for the angels.

[@conatcha]

Fame was huge in Spain too and Leroy was one of the most charismatic characters.

[@kimmaddison8686]

a amazing star im in uk when fame came out i was 8 i had all the fame sticker books posters lunch boxes album i won a talent show singing fame god bless you gene never forgottonxxxxxxxxx

[@djhulk1]

Growing up with my sisters and brothers always couldn't wait to see Leroy on fame miss the 80s

[@Decgyrrl]

He was an outstanding dancer. Im sorry he didn't live to fulfill his dreams. He was a talented, dancer & actor. RIP Gene Anthony Ray.🙌🏽🪽🪷🕊🙏🏽

[@tabithagoodwin6040]

Such a great actor/dancer! R. I. H.

[@michelrood2966]

H ?

[@tabithagoodwin6040]

Heaven

[@blackkatt777]

Wow. I always wondered what happened to him. He was so gifted...sometimes gifted people have a hard time laser focusing ways to get where they want to be when their plans and connections fail them. But he isn't bound by human disappointment any longer. He was never as big in lights as he should have been, but he has made his mark none the less.

[@dday3322]

❤

[@bozay66]

I’ve always felt a special connection to Gene Anthony Ray. From a little kid to my young adult yrs, I always heard, “ you look just like the guy from fame”, especially when I went to NY! RIP bro!

[@AuntieRobbin]

Watching this, my heart beat so quickly. I thought it would bring me joy, but as I reminisced, it made me sad. We went to high school together. The last time that I saw him, he was so very different. I'm going to take some time to think about the joyous times.

[@mrlij6534]

He was clearly the face of Fame even though he wasnt the main star. anytime i think of that show, his face is the 1st thing i remember. he made that show , he ought to be given his flowers for that impact

[@Eva-zv6bu]

This documentary was done with great care and repect for Gene Anthony Ray. He was a fabulous dancer and I also enjoyed his acting. Wonderful actor. May he continue to Rest in Peace.

[@ChooseCompassion]

One of my favorite films ever. From the time it came out to this very day where it still holds up. I’m sad that he’s gone. He made a huge impact on me.

[@ThankGodForJesusChrist]

Gene Anthony Ray: Gone but never forgotten 💕

[@Kem-ce7sc]

I was 13 when fame came out and i thought leroy was super fine....that dance scene was iconic

[@mslora710]

This was so heart breaking 💔 😢. I hope he is at peace.

[@mickyelmb]

I loved the movie, the tv series, and the soundtrack. Gene was one of my favorite characters on both TV and in the movie. I had heard rumors about his life after the show but didn't know how tragic it was. RIP Gene, may you continue to dance as graceful in heaven as you did no Earth.

[@carolesmith2619]

🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺

[@Camille_Anderson]

Gene was a beloved artist and so talented. He was a magnificent dancer & we would watch him as kids with such awe! RIP Gene. 💯🌟🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tonganqueenb5517]

He was a beautiful looking man. RIP 😘

[@whatch638]

Gene was a awesome Dancer he was born to Dance and Act sad very sad he left us so early in life RIP my young Brotha ❤

[@gardenlover9663]

Amazing talent. Glad he shared it with us.

[@maalumzawadi245]

I'm surprised that the series wasn't as publicized as I thought it was...I remember the show and ALL the actors who made it what it was. How unfortunate for Gene...absolutely sad that he had no one to turn to...to look out for him and be a support to him. Being in the spotlight comes with a side of insensitivity and lack of emotion and sometimes the only time people hear about you...is when your in the negative. I hope and pray that during his last hours...that he was surrounded by friends and family who loved him. RIP

[@vanessa12342able]

I never liked fame but this just touched me to go back and watch

[@Nell_3]

So much talent. God Bless 🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️

[@AudaciousChic]

How sad such a handsome and talented man forever ingrained in my childhood memories RIP Gene 🙏 ❤

[@imari2305]

The movie and tv show were both favorites of mine and of course so was Gene. He was a powerful dancer; very gifted. May he continue to RIP.

[@leighburton832]

He was also expelled from the real life Fame school before auditioning for the role of Leroy on Fame!

[@michelrood2966]

??

[@tonyyoung3985]

He performed "Wind Beneath my Wings" at my church in Van Nuys. One of my fave memories of my L.A. days.

[@nnaturalheaven3754]

I will always remember the cast, Gene "Leroy" in Fame he could dance so well and his personality was contagious! In fact I will always remember the dance teacher/choreographer Debbie Allen just as much, she was super talented dancer herself! And Irene Cara was great in this too! So many beautiful faces in the 80s. I'm a 70s baby I so miss these times! ❤❤