Ray Turner was an American actor who is best known for Mutiny Ahead, Blondie Has Servant Trouble, and Young Nowheres. He was born on October 28, 1895, in New Mexico, USA, and died on August 18, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Personal and Family Life
Ray Turner was married to Shirley Turner from 1976 until his death in 1981. He was also previously married to Kaffie M. Thompson, with whom he separated after their marriage in 1942. Throughout his life, Ray faced challenges in his acting career due to the racism of his era, which often forced him into roles that were stereotypical and demeaning.
Military Service
During World War II, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 27, 1942. He served honorably and achieved the rank of TEC 4, which is equivalent to a sergeant. His service is a significant part of his legacy, reflecting his commitment to his country.
Death and Legacy
Ray Turner passed away on August 18, 1981, and is buried at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. His contributions to early cinema, despite the limitations imposed by societal attitudes of his time, are remembered through his work and the characters he portrayed.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Blondie Has Servant Trouble | 1940-07-25 | Horatio Jones |
| Union Depot | 1932-01-14 | Men’s Room Attendant (uncredited) |
| Weary River | 1929-02-10 | Elevator Boy |
| Synthetic Sin | 1929-01-06 | Sam |
| Side Street | 1929-09-14 | Muller’s Butcher (uncredited) |
| Darkest Africa | 1936-02-15 | Hambone |
| Speed Limited | 1935-01-12 | Pullman Porter with telegram |
| The Nurse from Brooklyn | 1938-04-29 | Elevator Boy |
| Josette | 1938-06-03 | Mose (uncredited) |
| Hold That Kiss | 1938-05-13 | Fred – the Elevator Operator |
| Turnabout | 1940-05-17 | Mose |
| Night Parade | 1929-10-27 | Paula’s Butler |
| Exclusive | 1937-08-06 | Bellboy |
| The Saint Strikes Back | 1939-03-08 | Porter at Airport (Uncredited) |
| Good Girls Go to Paris | 1939-06-20 | Red Cap (uncredited) |
| Stunt Pilot | 1939-06-30 | The Porter |
| Fast and Furious | 1939-10-06 | Porter (uncredited) |
| Professor Beware | 1938-07-29 | Bootblack |
| Charlie McCarthy, Detective | 1939-12-22 | Harrison ‘Gravy’ Randolph |
| The Patent Leather Kid | 1927-09-01 | Mabile Molasses |
| Wings Over Honolulu | 1937-05-16 | Waiter |
| Strikes and Spares | 1934-10-20 | Pin Boy (uncredited) |
| In Old Missouri | 1940-04-17 | Handy Man |
| Midnight Limited | 1940-03-20 | John, Train Porter (Uncredited) |
| Junior G-Men | 1940-11-01 | Chauffeur (uncredited) |
| Look Out Below | 1929-08-17 | Bus boy |
| Satan Met a Lady | 1936-07-22 | Porter (uncredited) |
| Little Orvie | 1940-03-11 | Jefferson |
| The Love Mart | 1927-12-18 | Poupet (as Raymond Turner) |
| Mutiny Ahead | 1935-03-01 | Sassafras |
| Little Johnny Jones | 1929-11-17 | Carbon (as Raymond Turner) |
| Lady Luck | 1936-09-13 | Elevator Man |
| Young Nowheres | 1929-10-20 | George (as Raymond Turner) |
| East of Java | 1935-12-01 | Messenger with a Letter |
| She Couldn’t Take It | 1935-10-08 | Janitor |
| Twelve Crowded Hours | 1939-02-23 | Redcap (uncredited) |
| Central Park | 1932-12-10 | Kitchen Help (uncredited) |
| A Tenderfoot Goes West | 1936-10-15 | Prankster in Jail |
| The Silver Streak | 1934-12-21 | Sam |
| The Grand Hooter | 1937-05-07 | Room server |
| From Bad to Worse | 1937-06-04 | Porter |
| You Said a Hatful! | 1934-10-13 | Train Porter |
| Burning the Wind | 1929-02-10 | Ranch Cook (uncredited) |
| The College Boob | 1926-08-15 | Whitewings Washington (as Raymond Turner) |
| Riding to Fame | 1927-07-01 | |
| Alimony Aches | 1935-06-29 | Sam |
| Night World | 1932-05-04 | Washroom Attendant (uncredited) |
| Gun Packer | 1938-11-16 | Pinkie – Jack’s Sidekick |
| Heads Up | 1925-08-02 | Zeke |