Ray Singh
Being well-grounded and lovely does not often go hand in hand with success in Hollywood. But these were words used to describe Newham-born actor Ray Singh, who is currently on the up and up in Tinseltown, when he returned to Lister School. Once a pupil of the Plaistow secondary, the Grey’s Anatomy actor found a window in his packed diary to visit the school and give drama students the benefit of his experience.
FROM NEWHAM What did you like best about Lister School?
My fondest memories of Lister are drama and English classes. One of my earliest memories of acting was when Tracy Dowling, the drama teacher, put on a song called Fast Car by Tracy Chapman and we had to devise a play around its lyrics. Most of the other students did a play about driving flash cars, but my group did a really emotional piece about escaping from an alcoholic father. That was really special – something ignites in you when you do something creative for the first time.
Was it easy to find work after drama school?
Not exactly – it’s felt like one hurdle after another! I got an agent who put me out for auditions for TV shows and adverts. But it wasn’t what I wanted to do; doing a one-minute audition after having been on the Tube for an hour was just not working for me, and I felt as though I was doing the same roles over and over. So I thought: it’s time for me to go to LA and try for the bigger roles. I had no idea how to go about it – I’m a Newham boy, I was used to Forest Gate and Stratford. But I had to take the leap of faith, which I did three years ago.
Acting is notoriously hard to get into: was your family supportive?
I was very lucky, because my parents were encouraging. They just wanted me to do what made me happy. But I would advise anyone with ambition, no matter what it is, not to let anyone else change that. And don’t put barriers in your own way – think positively and stay determined.
Do you miss Newham when you’re in LA?
LA is great – the sunshine and all the work – but I miss the cultural diversity of Newham. My background is Guyanese and I can’t even get that kind of food in LA – I always go back with a suitcase full of scotch bonnet peppers! I walk down Green Street or around Forest Gate and there’s so much colour and vibrancy. There are people from all over the world. Newham really stands out for that.
It must be a very different place now from the one you left.
I can’t believe the changes to Newham! I’ve only been away for three years but everything’s different. Westfield has completely changed the face of Stratford.
I got my big break on stage at Theatre Royal Stratford East, and giving theatre workshops at Stratford Circus was extremely significant for me too. Back when I was growing up, these were the main attractions in Stratford, but now there’s so much more.
I met Arnold Schwarzenegger at an event in LA recently. When he heard I was from Forest Gate, his face lit up! He shooed away his bodyguards so he could talk to me about how the area looks now. He spent a lot of time training at Wag Bennett’s gym on Romford Road. I’ve promised to take some photos of the area for him before I go back to LA.
Arnold Schwartzenegger
TO HOLLYWOOD ... an interview with Grey’s Anatomy actor, Ray Singh
*This feature is courtesy of Newham Communications: find out more at the Newham Mag...
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Photo: Newham Communications & Andrew Baker
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