Actor Jonathan Bray (Bosch: Legacy) Talks About Life, Acting
Perseverance might be the best word to describe Jonathan Bray’s career. His very first professional audition was for the film School Ties. “I could tell it went well,” said Bray. “The casting directors were leaning forward, hanging on every word and when I finished, they leapt up excitedly, sang my praises, looked me in the eye very intently and said ‘you’ll definitely be hearing from us soon.’ I never heard from them again.” Now, more than 30 years later, Jonathan Bray is a name finally starting to resonate in the vibrant lights of Hollywood. Born and raised in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Bray’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for storytelling.
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Bray’s cinematic journey is painted with roles that showcase his versatility and commitment to the craft. His notable works include “Bosch: Legacy” (2023), “King Richard” (2021), “Castle” (2009), and “The Walkaround” (2012). Yet, behind the camera flashes and red carpets lies a man who, despite his success, finds solace in the shadows and the art of storytelling.
The roots of Jonathan Bray’s narrative are grounded in the suburban town of Natick, just outside of Boston. Growing up as the son of two English teachers, his childhood was steeped in academia and the world of words. However, it was not in the confines of the classroom that Bray found his true calling but on the sports fields that dotted his upbringing. From grade school through high school and into college, Bray’s days were consumed by sports, a passion that would eventually lead him to an unexpected epiphany.
It was during his college years at Boston College that Bray stumbled upon the world of acting. In a moment of revelation, he realized that the stage and the screen were his true calling. Acting, for Bray, wasn’t about seeking the limelight; it was an opportunity to delve into the complexities of the human experience, to defend and explore the essence of humanity itself.
Upon graduating from Boston College, Bray made the pivotal decision to move to New York City to study under the tutelage of Bill Esper, a renowned acting teacher. The next seven years were dedicated to rigorous training and immersing himself in various theatrical productions. It was a period of self-discovery and honing his craft, laying the foundation for the successful career that awaited him.
The journey didn’t stop in the bustling streets of New York; it continued to the sun-soaked landscapes of Los Angeles. “Moving to LA was hard. I loved New York and I’m an East Coast guy at heart. But there was almost no film or television work in New York at the time and most of Broadway was musicals and I don’t sing.” Though he secured an agent right away, casting directors didn’t know him at all, and he had a total of 4 auditions in his first year. “Things were slow, so I started writing a lot. I did plays and took workshops run by casting directors which introduced me to them.” Slowly, things picked up and he began booking some television work. During that time, fate smiled upon Bray when he met his wife, a woman who brought unparalleled joy into his life. As he candidly expresses, “meeting the person you want to spend your life with fills your existence with 95% of what truly matters.”
Over the years, little by little, more and better roles came. “It really is a process. Casting directors get to know your work, start to trust you, and the roles you audition for get bigger and bigger.” When the streaming world began to explode in the 2010’s, Bray booked his first series regular role as the dad on the Verizon Go90 series Play By Play. “That was a real breakthrough because it gave me the opportunity to work for months at a time in front of the camera on a daily basis, in a really meaty role that had a lot of comedy and a lot of pathos.” He credits that period to helping him really refine his craft and prepare him for the next stage of career, which included working opposite Will Smith in his Academy Award winning performance in King Richard, and Titus Welliver in the extremely popular series Bosch: Legacy.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Bray reveals a multifaceted personality. He is not confined to the roles he plays on screen but constantly seeks new avenues for personal growth. In the past year, he has ventured into the world of surfing (albeit, with a touch of self-deprecating humor), attempted to master the guitar (with a good-natured acknowledgment of his skill level), and embarked on the challenging journey of learning Italian, the language of his maternal grandparents.
Volunteering is another of Jonathan Bray’s passions, and his commitment to the community is evident in his volunteer work. Drawing inspiration from his father’s humble beginnings in the Bronx during the Depression era, Bray passionately supports causes that provide equal opportunities for all. His belief in the transformative power of education, exemplified by his father’s story, fuels his advocacy for initiatives that open doors for those who may not otherwise have the chance.
Of all the roles he has portrayed though, the one that resonates most deeply with Bray is that of father. Embracing this role in 2017, he acknowledges it as his favorite, most cherished, and undeniably the most fulfilling. Parenthood, for Bray, is not just a role; it’s a lifelong commitment that he approaches with relish, savoring every moment it brings.
It makes sense that this would be his favorite role, as the American actor has long harbored a discomfort with the spotlight, a sentiment that dates back to his reluctance to indulge in birthday celebrations orchestrated by his mother. Despite the seeming contradiction that arises from an actor shying away from attention, his aversion to the limelight finds its roots in his preference for becoming one with his characters. Rather than reveling in personal acclaim, he derives satisfaction from immersing himself in having the attention be on the character, and not him. However, he admits that after 30 years, a subtle shift is occurring as he finds himself gradually growing more at ease with the spotlight, embracing the visibility that comes with a successful acting career.
Bray’s life story is a testament to the power of self-discovery, the pursuit of passion, and the joy found in both personal and professional fulfillment. His journey from the suburbs of Massachusetts to the heart of the entertainment industry reflects the transformative impact of seizing opportunities and expressing gratitude through hard work and dedication. As Bray continues to weave his narrative through the realms of acting and production, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and individuals striving to make a difference in the world.
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