Nicholas Ray Biography
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.
Trivia

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).
Source provided by imdb (Copyright) - The Internet Movie Database.