Ray Whelan is an award-winning Irish actor who won The Jury Prize award for the best supporting actor at the South Europe International Film Festival for his role as Jay in the award-winning film Soft Hands. He has starred in several British films, including The Living Dead and Kidnap Me, both on Amazon Prime. He features in the upcoming films Jurassic Island, Reign Of Chaos, and On The Other Foot. We had the pleasure of catching up with the talented actor between projects.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. We’ve had the pleasure of following your career but, particularly for new readers, please tell, us how you got into acting?
I got into acting from a young age performing on stage in plays and musicals. My family are all talented. Five boys and two girls and we were all on stage at the same time. We were known in Ireland as The Whelan Family.
What career would you explore if you weren’t working in the film industry, and why?
I would like to try my hand at casting directing. I was just about to do a course before the pandemic hit so it was put on hold, it’s still something I might explore.
To date, who have been your biggest influences and why?
I like Colin Farrell because he is Irish and came from a tough place in Dublin and we are cut from the same cloth. I also like Henry Cavill for the way he trains for upcoming roles. I work out six days a week to keep in shape for roles so I know how hard it is. That mindset influences me.
How selective are you with choosing roles?
I am definitely more choosey now than I used to be. I only go for projects that are going to get released or at least enter a film festival. I have done so many acting jobs that nothing became of the project and have just wasted everyone’s time.
Are there any particular roles or characters you wouldn’t entertain?
No. I think I am game to try anything. I don’t smoke so as long as my character doesn’t smoke then I don’t mind doing anything.
You’ve been filming ‘Jurassic Island’ and just started work on ‘On The Other Foot’. Can you tell us more about these projects, your roles, and what we can expect?
Yes. I Just wrapped on both Jurassic Island by Proportion Productions Produced by the talented Rebecca Fletcher and Scott Chambers and directed by Dom Ellis. I play the role of Tommy a botanist who meets his demise by getting poisoned by a leech and eaten alive by a Velociraptor. We shot this film in the beautiful location of Dartmoor and Dorset from mountains to sailing in the sea. The film was originally supposed to be shot in Tenerife but because of Covid-19, there was a change in plan. But the locations and different weather I think we got blessed with some stunning shots.
I have also another project called Reign of Chaos directed by Rebecca which is out very soon where I play the evil role of Erebus a God. My other project is called On The Other Foot by directed Fredi Nwaka a film addressing racism but in a very comedic way. Starring a host of celebrities like Peter Andre. I play the role of Andrew. This is my second time working with Fredi Nwaka he has just released our new film The Living Dead on Amazon Prime, Sky, and iTunes in the USA, Canada, UK, and Ireland. I would also like to add my new film also out on Amazon Prime this month called Kidnap Me by Ikonic Films where I play part of a comic duo called Bert & Ernie.
You have worked on numerous projects. Have you considered working behind the camera yourself?
I have considered this. I recently was a co- producer on Soft Hands, directed by Darren King James which went on to win awards. I just won best supporting actor at the Fusion Film Festival 2020. I also write and have written a new feature film which is ready for pitching.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Your readers are more than welcome to follow my very active social media accounts.
- Twitter: @raywhelanactor
- Instagram: @raywhelanctor
- IMDBpro: https://www.imdb.com/raywhelan
About Author
Always nice to hear straight talking from ambitious and determined actors. Eyes on the prize!