Ray Buffer

Biography

Ray Buffer, born Raymond Ernest Buffer, Jr. in 1969, is a multifaceted American talent known for his remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and music scene. Hailing from Greenacres, Florida, Buffer's artistic journey was shaped by the unwavering support of his parents, Delana and Raymond Ernest Buffer, Sr., who instilled in him a deep appreciation for creativity and performance from a young age.

Adopted into the Buffer family at just 29 days old, Buffer embarked on a poignant quest to uncover his roots, leading to a heartfelt reunion with his birth mother, Patricia Odell, in 2003. Despite this reunion, the identity of his birth father remains a mystery, adding a layer of complexity to his personal narrative and fueling his artistic endeavors with a sense of curiosity and introspection.

A prodigy in music, Buffer's early talent for the violin blossomed into a mastery of multiple instruments, setting the stage for his foray into the world of theater. It was at John I Leonard High School where his passion for the stage ignited, showcasing his musical prowess in jazz choirs and honing his skills on the viola, piano, and string bass, foreshadowing his future success in the performing arts.

Following his graduation from Palm Beach State College and Florida Atlantic University with a BFA in musical theater in 1994, Buffer honed his craft through a series of captivating performances in regional and dinner theater productions throughout the 1990s. His versatility as both a performer and director garnered him acclaim and admiration from audiences and peers alike.

In 1992, Buffer tied the knot with writer and actress Roberta McMillan, embarking on a creative partnership that birthed the acclaimed documentary "Rats & Bullies," which he directed in 2003. This impactful film shed light on relational aggression and the issue of bullying, sparking important conversations and earning recognition at esteemed film festivals. Despite their separation in 2009 and subsequent divorce in 2019, their collaborative legacy endures.

Relocating to Huntington Beach, California in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in Buffer's career, as he ventured into the realms of television and film, showcasing his range and talent through guest-starring roles, including a memorable appearance on "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Driven by a fervent passion for storytelling, Buffer departed from his managerial role at Long Beach Opera in 2007 to establish his own theater company, The Relevant Stage, in San Pedro, California. This bold endeavor allowed him to produce a diverse array of captivating musical theater works until 2011, when he co-founded Art-In-Relation alongside business partner Jonas Sills, further solidifying his impact on the theatrical landscape.

With Art-In-Relation, Buffer continued to make waves in the world of theater, staging compelling productions across Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Hollywood. His commanding stage presence and resonant voice led to numerous portrayals of Santa Claus in various media, showcasing his versatility as a performer and earning him a dedicated following of fans and admirers.

Today, Ray Buffer stands as a prominent figure in television, film, and theater, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances and leaving an enduring imprint on the entertainment industry. As a highly sought-after concert soloist and voice-over artist, he continues to push boundaries and redefine artistic excellence, all while proudly calling Long Beach, California his home. Represented by esteemed agencies both in the USA and internationally, Buffer's star continues to rise, cementing his status as a true artistic force to be reckoned with.