Ray Whelan is an actor best known for Max Payne Retribution (2016). He has starred in several British films, such as I Am Hooligan by Steven M Smith. Ray is starring in the upcoming feature Kidnap Me by Ikonic Films Ltd. He plays the role of Ernie. Ray has a twin named David, and is the youngest of five boys and two girls of Irish descent. After graduating from Libberties College, where he studied advanced acting, Ray moved to London to forge his career as a actor, working on both stage and screen. (Source: IMDB)
Could you tell our readers a little about Kidnap Me? You play the part of Ernie.
Kidnap Me is a film by Ikonic Films directed by Ross Aikens & James Browning Is a black comedy about sex, lies, and getting tied up in love. I play the role of Ernie, a part of a comic Duo, who Kidnaps the wrong couple who have booked a ‘Luxury Kidnap Experience’ only to get napped by the pair of dimwitted gangsters. This film is now nominated for Best film and Best Actress by Gemma Foden, at the Indie-Lincs Film Festival, the first of many festivals to come.
What are you most excited about in your career?
The opportunities and possibilities that are out there excites me. I am a positive person, so I’ve done so much at a young age, and still have a lot to do. That excites me because no day is the same. I always have the opportunity to meet people and have fun.
What has been your favorite role, thus far?
Well, this is a great question because it’s not just film I do. I grew up with five boys and two girls in my family. We where all on stage together growing up, starring in many a musical and stage plays. On stage, I played the ‘dentist’ in Little Shop Of Horrors. That was a amazing role to play. On film, I have to say in my new film Serve Up – that will be out this year. I played a part of Limpy Laurence. I play a fragile man with a limp and a slow condition. It was a challenge, but my director loved what I did with the role.
What are you most proud of in your career?
There are many proud moments I have achieved, but one stands out that I will always remember is I used to do the Sunday Shows in Her Majesty’s Theatre in the Westend. I got to sing Why God, Why? from Miss Saigon, and my parents flew over from Ireland to see me. I performed there many times, and to do that is a big achievement.
Editor’s Note: Her Majesty’s Theatre is a West End theatre situated on Haymarket in the City of Westminster, London.
If there was a role you could play what would it be?
I think something that requires me acting a real life story. Something I can unravel myself and get lost in the character. I did a play recently called The Rise in London before Christmas to celebrate a hundred years of Irish freedom. I got to play Seán Mac Diarmada, a true Irish hero. The reaction I got from the people I will never forget.
We see that you have a role in the upcoming RedCon 1 movie. You play a infected zombie officer and on the stunt team.
Originally, the producer rang me for a role in this movie, but I was in my play The Rise. So, I couldn’t commit to a lead role for months on end. I was lucky to get back as part of the stunt team, and playing multiple roles in this epic zombie movie. We had to train in a MMA gym for a few weeks mastering fights and falls. We were all battered and bruised, but my goodness it was it worth it. Great team work. This zombie blockbuster is now in the Berlin Film Festival.
If you had an opportunity to work with any film director, who would it be?
Another great question. So, there so many to choose from. I like Mel Gibson’s work. He seem to create true epics, and Spielberg’s – everything he touches turns to gold.
We see you support other actors in social media. Tell us how did this start.
Well, you have to be a people’s person and support all you can. I donate to about two films a month, to help fund their movies and share people’s achievements. I believe the door swings both ways. If you’re a positive person, it will attract positive people.
Are there any projects you’re working on that you can share?
Yes, check out Max Payne Retribution and Dead Zone by Nocturnal Films, directed by Leroy Kincaide. These will blow your mind when released. I am also starring in Serve Up, starring along side Darren James Kings from I Am Hooligan, where I play a fantastic role of Limpy Laurence.
What’s next in your career?
The world’s my oyster, but I have a few roles booked for the summer. I will also direct and produce a short film this year, too. So keep in touch.
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