Ray Sharkey

Raymond Sharkey Jr., known professionally as Ray Sharkey, was a prolific American stage, film, and television actor who was most noted for his captivating performance as Vincent Vacarri in the 1980 film The Idolmaker, a role that secured him a Golden Globe Award. Born on November 14, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, he was of Irish and Italian descent. His father, a professional drummer, left when he was only five years old. Raised by his mother in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, he was intrigued by acting after seeing Jack Lemmon in the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses. After studying at the New York City Community College, he honed his acting skills at the HB Studio and began his acting career with several Off-Broadway stage productions. He commenced his film career with The Lords of Flatbush in 1974 and quickly rose to prominence with more than forty film roles and numerous guest roles in television series. Unfortunately, Sharkey's career deteriorated due to an escalating heroin habit, but he secured a memorable role as Sonny Steelgrave in the series Wiseguy which garnered great reviews. His personal life was tumultuous, marked by failed rehab treatments, two failed marriages, and multiple legal and health issues resulting from his drug abuse. Sharkey was diagnosed as HIV positive in the late 1980s. He passed away due to complications from AIDS at age 40.