Yesterday I learned an old friend of mine passed away quite unexpectedly (for me, at least). Ray Thomas. I met Ray over 14 years ago but I had seen him around in the Chicago night club/bar scene long before that. We would nod to each occasionally. A silent acknowledgement of our fabulousness. I got to know Ray much better after we both made some lifestyle changes and Ray ended up directing and appearing in the first play I ever wrote. The 12 Stepford Wives, a 2 1/2 hour epic that ran for two nights. Ray loved the play and really encouraged me when I started writing. Ray loved the stage and could could probably walk better in 5 inch spiked heels then in a pair of Nikes. He was the very first Elfano, the Boss Elf in Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer back in 1997 (or was it ‘98?), and I’ll never forget his his Trailer Trash Barbie moment when he looked down on stage, picked up a cigarette butt, looked around, brushed it off, then lit it as is if he was a Hollywood movie star.

You will be missed Ray Ray.

Filed under: My Way Of Life