Allene Ray

Allene Ray (January 2, 1901 - May 5, 1979) was a motion pictures actress from San Antonio, Texas. She had long blond hair.

Ray came to Hollywood after winning a motion picture contest in 1920. In 1919 a producer visiting San Antonio met Ray and insisted she take a part in a film he was making. After this success her friends prevailed upon her to enter a contest held by one of the eastern magazine companies. Ray was the winner among a field of candidates selected from throughout the entire United States.

Among her first screen credits are "Honeymoon Ranch" (1920), "West of the Rio Grande" (1921), and "Partners of the Sunset" (1922). The latter she made for the Lubin Corporation. In making "The Fortieth Door" (1924) Ray decided to wear a brunette wig as the film featured an Egyptian heroine. The serial was made by Pathe Pictures.

Ray's film performances were embellished by her skills as an athlete. Her athletic ability was surprising to some who noticed her fragile appearance. Ray was both a fine swimmer and horsewoman.

Her film career continued into the era of sound motion pictures with appearances in such films as "The Indians Are Coming" (1930), "Westward Bound" (1930), and "The Phantom" (1931). Ray played the role of a stowaway in "Gun Cargo" (1949).

Allene Ray died of cancer in 1979 in Temple City, California.

References

*Los Angeles Times, "New Sparkler Comes To Coast", August 27, 1922, Page II37.
*Los Angeles Times, "Blonde Brunette Tresses Puzzle for Allene Ray", July 20, 1924, Page B40.