Nicholas Ray studied architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright, worked in the New York theater and became involved in progressive politics, and directed "Lovers of the Night (1945)", one of his few totally controlled pieces of work. In this movie he touched upon his favorite theme: two lovers searching for a quiet place to live in peace. His most important films were made in the next decade, though, such as Johnny Guitar and Bigger Than Life. Tiring of Hollywood, he traveled to Europe for Bitter Victory and other movies. For producer Samuel Bronston he made King of Kings and 55 Days at Peking.
Children: producer Anthony Ray, cameraman Timothy Ray, actress Nica Ray and Julie Ray. Was voted the 36th Greatest Director of all time by Entertainment Weekly. He worked with principally younger cast members throughout his career and always preferred hanging out with them, having flings with young actresses like Natalie Wood and sharing beers with James Dean. Is portrayed by Barry Primus in James Dean and by Robert Taylor in The Mystery of Natalie Wood Went to the same high school in La Crosse, Wisconsin, as Joseph Losey. Had a severe heart attack during the filming of 55 Days at Peking in 1962, bringing his career in movies to a premature finish. Member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1961 Prior to entering the film business, he studied architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright. After collapsing on the set of 55 Days at Peking, he didn't direct until the mid-70s. Influenced a younger generation of directors, especially in Europe, such as Jean-Luc Godard and Wim Wenders. The marriage of his ex-wife Gloria Grahame and his son Anthony Ray caused a big scandal in Hollywood and led to a battle over custody (1960).