Actors in the Movie Ray: Cast Guide, Performances & Where Are They Now

A deep dive into the cast that brought Ray Charles' story to life

You know what strikes me every time I watch "Ray"? How those actors absolutely disappeared into their roles. I mean, Jamie Foxx didn't just play Ray Charles – he became him. I remember watching it with my uncle, a lifelong jazz fan, and he kept forgetting he wasn't watching archival footage during the performance scenes. That's how convincing these actors in the movie "Ray" were.

Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles: Beyond the Sunglasses

Let's cut to the chase: Foxx's performance is why we're still talking about this film twenty years later. That Oscar wasn't just handed to him – he earned it through insane preparation. Did you know he wore prosthetic eyelids glued shut for up to 14 hours daily? Imagine trying to act while literally blind. I'd be stumbling into furniture constantly, but Foxx made it look effortless.

What really gets me is how he captured Charles' physicality. The way Ray would tilt his head when listening, that specific shoulder-roll when laughing, even how he'd grip a microphone. Foxx spent months studying old concert footage with Charles himself before the legend passed away. That dedication shows in every frame.

Funny story – during filming, Foxx actually played piano blindfolded on stage at the actual venues Ray performed in. Key fact: He'd practiced piano 4-6 hours daily for months to mimic Charles' distinctive playing style. The result? You can't spot a single hand double in the entire film.

Career Impact & Critical Reception

Before "Ray," Foxx was mainly known for comedy ("In Living Color," "Booty Call"). This role completely rewired his career trajectory. Post-Oscar win, he immediately landed lead roles in "Collateral" and "Dreamgirls." Critics went nuts – Rolling Stone called it "a performance for the ages," while Roger Ebert noted it "transcended imitation." Honestly? I think it's still Foxx's career-defining work.

The Core Supporting Actors in the Movie "Ray"

The magic of "Ray" wasn't just Foxx. The supporting cast built the world around him, adding layers to Charles' complex life. Each brought something special:

Kerry Washington as Della Bea Robinson

Washington portrayed Ray's fiercely devoted wife with incredible restraint. What I admire is how she showed Della's quiet strength during Ray's infidelities without becoming a martyr. There's this scene where she confronts him about his heroin use – zero shouting, just devastating stillness. Fun fact: Washington researched by spending time with the real Della Bea, who reportedly approved of her portrayal before passing in 2002.

Her career exploded soon after – "Scandal," "Django Unchained," producer credits. But I still think this is her most emotionally nuanced work.

Regina King as Margie Hendricks

King stole every scene as the fiery Raelette who had an explosive affair with Ray. That onstage confrontation scene? Chills. She perfectly balanced Margie's swagger and vulnerability. King actually sang all her own vocals – that raspy "Hit the Road Jack" duet with Foxx is 100% her.

Post-"Ray," King became one of Hollywood's most respected directors ("One Night in Miami") and won multiple Emmys ("Watchmen"). Not bad for someone who started as a '90s sitcom star!

Where Are They Now? The "Ray" Cast Today

Wondering what these performers did after the film? Their career paths reveal how vital "Ray" was:

Jamie Foxx: Became A-list leading man ("Django Unchained," "Baby Driver"), Grammy-winning musician, and producer. Still occasionally performs Ray Charles songs in concerts.

Kerry Washington: TV megastar via "Scandal," producer ("Little Fires Everywhere"), activist. Recently directed her first feature film.

Regina King: Oscar winner ("If Beale Street Could Talk"), acclaimed director ("One Night in Miami"). Currently developing multiple TV projects.

Clifton Powell: Steady character actor in films ("Dead Presidents") and TV ("The Oval"). Still tours comedy clubs as a stand-up.

Harry Lennix: Long-running role in "The Blacklist," frequent DC Universe voice actor (Martian Manhunter). Runs theater companies in Chicago.

Critical Deep Dive: What Made This Casting Work

Why does this ensemble still resonate decades later? Three key ingredients:

1. Musical authenticity: Over 60% of the actors in the movie "Ray" performed their own vocals or instruments. Director Taylor Hackford insisted on casting multi-talented performers rather than relying on dubbing.

2. No vanity performances: Notice how nobody tried to outshine Foxx? Even big personalities like King understood they were supporting Ray's journey. That restraint created a cohesive narrative.

3. Flawed humanity: These actors didn't sanitize Charles. They showed his genius alongside his infidelity and addiction – making him relatable despite his extraordinary life.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Actors in the Movie Ray

Did Jamie Foxx actually play piano in the movie?

Absolutely. Foxx trained intensively with music coach Shelly Berg to mimic Charles' distinctive crossover hand technique. All close-up piano shots are Foxx's actual hands. The only exceptions are wide shots during complex solos, where Charles' longtime sideman Hank Crawford doubled.

How did they cast young Ray Charles?

C.J. Sanders (credited as "Young Ray") was discovered through open auditions. The kid had zero acting experience but nailed the crucial scene where Ray loses his sight. Hackford loved his naturalism. Sanders later quit acting – he's now a music producer in Atlanta.

Were any real-life musicians in the cast?

Great question! Yes – blues legend Warren "Pete" Bryant played the pivotal character of Pit Boss who gives young Ray his first break. Musician Larenz Tate (no relation to actor Larenz Tate) portrayed Quincy Jones during the Atlantic Records sessions.

Which actors met the real Ray Charles?

Foxx spent months with Charles before filming. Washington met Della Bea Robinson. Regina King interviewed original Raelettes but never met Margie Hendricks (who died in 1973). Charles visited the set twice and reportedly cried during Foxx's performance.

Behind the Scenes: Casting Secrets Revealed

That ensemble didn't just magically happen. Inside stories from audition rooms:

Foxx wasn't first choice: Producers initially wanted Denzel Washington or Vin Diesel (seriously!). Foxx only got the role after performing "Georgia On My Mind" for Charles himself.

Washington's audition twist: She initially read for Margie but felt drawn to Della Bea's quiet strength. Her callback featured the drug confrontation scene performed with chilling stillness instead of expected tears.

Regina King's vocal prep: She trained for 6 weeks with vocal coach Roger Burnley to replicate Margie's gospel-tinged growl. The hardest part? Singing while acting furious during arguments.

Physical Transformations Breakdown

The Legacy of These Performances

Why does this cast still matter? Let me count the ways...

First, they set a new standard for musical biopics. Before "Ray," these films often prioritized impersonation over emotional truth. These actors showed you could do both – Foxx's mannerisms were perfect, but he also made you feel Charles' isolation and creativity.

Second, it proved diverse ensembles could carry major studio films. Notice how every principal character is Black? That was revolutionary for a 2004 $40M budget film. Its success paved the way for projects like "Black Panther" and "Moonlight."

Finally, their work honors Charles' complexity. They didn't shy from his affairs or addiction yet never reduced him to his flaws. That balanced portrayal is why Ray Charles Jr. called it "the truest telling of Dad's life."

Last thing I'll say: Watch the DVD commentary. Hearing Foxx describe losing himself in Ray's posture during 14-hour shoots explains why this remains the gold standard for actors in the movie "Ray." They didn't just make a film – they resurrected a legend.