Fred Olen Ray

Meet Fred Olen Ray, the cool filmmaker from Wellston, Ohio, who’s all about making movies that break the mold. Born in 1954, this guy’s got a knack for creating films that are kind of a big deal in the B-movie world.

From spooky horror to out-of-this-world science fiction, and heart-pounding action, Fred’s movies are like a wild rollercoaster ride. You might’ve heard of his super quirky “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers” or the time-traveling fun of “Dinosaur Island.”

With tight budgets and big dreams, Fred Olen Ray is the unsung hero of making movie magic on the cheap, and he’s got a fan club that’s totally into his unique style.

Fred Olen Ray Wiki/Bio: Age, Early Life

Fred Olen Ray was born in Wellston, Ohio, on September 10, 1954, and his family came from West Virginia. As a teenager, he was all about those horror and sci-fi vibes, reading Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine and digging flicks like Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

And get this, he didn’t just watch movies; he started making his own at just fourteen! At seventeen, he was like, “I’m gonna be a big shot,” and self-published three issues of a fantasy-film fanzine called Dagon in 1972.

But, like, we don’t know much about his school life or parents – that’s still a mystery. Fred’s journey into moviemaking? Totally started from the teenage dream zone!

Is He Married? Who Is His Wife?

Fred Olen Ray has had some serious love adventures. He was married to Kimberly A. Ray back on October 23, 1997. They even have two children together, which is pretty cute. But, here’s the plot twist – they’re not hitched anymore, they got divorced in 2017.

Before Kimberly, there were other leading ladies in Fred’s life. Dawn Wildsmith and Miriam L. Preissel had their time in the spotlight as his spouses.

Fred was Previously Married To Dawn Wildsmith

Hold onto your popcorn because the Fred Olen Ray love saga just got an exciting update! So, there’s this movie “Prison Ship,” aka “Star Slammer,” and the genius behind it is Michael Sonye.

Fred apparently hired Michael to whip up this cinematic masterpiece. But here’s the cool part: Michael is tight with this aspiring actress, Dawn.

Now, Michael, being the ultimate matchmaker, decides to take Dawn to a party where he introduces her to Fred. And get this – he convinces Fred to give her a shot in one of his films! Hollywood magic, right?

Fred and Dawn become this powerhouse team, working together and making movie dreams come true. As if that’s not enough, love blossoms, and they start dating in no time.

The plot thickens as Fred and Dawn decide to take the plunge and say “I do” in this super cozy ceremony, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

But, oh boy, brace yourself for the twist – their love story hits a rough patch, and they go their separate ways in 1990. Another Hollywood romance with all the feels and unexpected turns!

He Is a Proud Father of Four Children

Fred Olen Ray, the movie maestro, is a cool dad to four awesome kids – John Ray, Max Olen Ray, Anthony Ray, and the other son, Christopher Ray. Now, we don’t know much about the other three, but Christopher is like, totally making a name for himself!

Born on July 30, 1977, Christopher isn’t just your regular guy. He’s a pro producer in Hollywood, making things happen. Check this out – he worked on “Assault on VA-33” in 2021, “Minutes to Midnight” in 2018, and “A House Is Not a Home” in 2015.

Oh, and there’s more! Christopher also rocked the horror scene with “Circus Kane” in 2017. Talk about talent running in the family! Christopher Ray is taking the entertainment world by storm, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. Go Team Ray!

Career Highlights: Movies and TV Shows

Early Work and The Brain Leeches (1970s)

After serving in the United States Navy, Fred Olen Ray commenced his career at a local television station in Orlando, Florida. His early involvement in the film industry began with a small role in the 1975 film “Shock Waves.”

Utilizing station equipment during his free time, Ray ventured into independent filmmaking, directing “The Brain Leeches” (1978) on a modest budget of $298.

1980s

Ray’s budget-conscious approach learned from “The Brain Leeches” paved the way for his next venture, “Alien Dead” (1980), shot on a $15,000 budget. Featuring Buster Crabbe, a Hollywood veteran, the film’s success prompted Ray to relocate to Hollywood.

Ray’s transition to Hollywood included diverse genres – horror with “Scalps” (1983), action with “Armed Response” (1986), and science fiction with “Deep Space” (1987) and “Cyclone” (1987). Notably, the horror-comedy “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers” (1988) achieved unexpected success.

1990s

The 1990s marked Ray’s exploration of comedy with films like “Mob Boss” (1990) and ventures into sword and sorcery with “Wizards of the Demon Sword” (1991). The success of “Inner Sanctum” (1991) initiated a series of erotic thrillers, including “Mind Twister” (1994) and “Possessed by the Night” (1994).

Collaborating with Jim Wynorski, he co-directed films like “Scream Queen Hot Tub Party” (1991) and “Dinosaur Island” (1994). The comedic tone persisted with “Evil Toons” (1992) and “Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfold” (1995).

Ray’s prolific output continued with various genres, including action, family, and comedy, producing films like “Critical Mass” (2001) and “Dear Santa” (1998).

2000s to Present

In the 2000s, Ray’s penchant for action and comedy remained evident, exemplified by films like “Bikini Airways.” Establishing his DVD company, Retromedia, he delved into a series of Bikini films.

Despite budgetary constraints, Ray occasionally attracted A-list actors, such as Peter Fonda in “American Bandits: Frank and Jesse James” (2010). Reflecting on his career in 2007, Ray acknowledged the challenges of low-budget filmmaking but emphasized finding genuine interest in each project.

Recognized for his contributions, Ray received the “Living Legend Award” at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival in 2017. Continuing his involvement in the industry, he produced and released “Boggy Creek: The Series” in 2019.

Net Worth

Fred Olen Ray, the accomplished filmmaker, director, and screenwriter, is estimated to have a net worth of $5 million. His wealth is a testament to his prolific career and contributions to the film industry.

Social Media Presence

Fred is active on Instagram. He has verified Instagram with the handle name @fredolenray. He has followers over 2k. Fred often shares his behind the scenes of his work, family, and his daily lives.

Just like Fred, Carlacia Grant and Timothy Shallowy are active on Instagram.

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