Ray Bennett's life was a fascinating tapestry of artistic expression and personal struggle. Born and raised in San Francisco, he would later relocate to Los Angeles, where he would come to reside in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills by the year 1930.
Bennett's early life was deeply intertwined with the world of acting, thanks in large part to his mother, Ella Costillo Bennett, a renowned drama critic and author. This proximity to the craft would ultimately lead Ray to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, beginning with stints in stock theater and eventually transitioning to film work.
Initially, Bennett's entry into the film world was through stunt work, a path that would serve as a precursor to his later roles in front of the camera. Throughout his career, he would be billed under various names, including "Ray" and "Raphael" Bennett, depending on the production's prestige.
As Bennett's career progressed, he would find himself taking on a wide range of roles, from small to medium-sized parts, often playing the part of a tough, rugged individual or sneaky henchman in westerns and serials. On occasion, he would be fortunate enough to play the lead villain, a role that would showcase his acting abilities.
Despite his best efforts, Bennett's career as a small part contract player was marked by financial struggles. According to the 1940 census, he worked for a mere six weeks in 1939, earning a paltry $1250. In between filming, Bennett would attempt to supplement his income by writing dramatic novels with a historical setting. One such unpublished manuscript, titled "The Shelter of the Cloth," is still preserved in the UCLA Library Special Collections.
Tragically, Bennett's life was cut short when he passed away in December 1957 at the age of 62, due to a long-standing heart affliction. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his career, Bennett left behind a legacy that would be remembered for years to come.
