Ray Sharkey
Actor

Ray Sharkey Net Worth

Ray Sharkey was an American actor and soundtrack born in Brooklyn, New York on November 14, 1952. He was best known for his roles in The Idolmaker (1980), Wiseguy (1987) and Who'll Stop the Rain (1978). He was married to Carole Graham and Rebecca Wood and passed away on June 11, 1993 in New York City.
Ray Sharkey is a member of Actor

Age, Biography and Wiki

Who is it? Actor, Soundtrack
Birth Day November 14, 1952
Birth Place  Brooklyn, New York, United States
Age 68 YEARS OLD
Died On June 11, 1993(1993-06-11) (aged 40)\nBrooklyn, New York, U.S.
Birth Sign Sagittarius
Cause of death Complications from AIDS
Resting place Saint Charles Cemetery
Alma mater New York City Community College HB Studio
Occupation Actor
Years active 1974–1992
Spouse(s) Rebecca Wood (m. 1981; div. 1986) Carole Graham (m. 1988; div. 1992)
Children 1

💰 Net worth: $1 Million (2024)

Ray Sharkey, a renowned actor and soundtrack artist from the United States, is estimated to have a net worth of $1 million by 2024. Throughout his career, Sharkey became widely recognized for his exceptional talent and captivating performances. Known for his versatility, he successfully portrayed various challenging roles, leaving a lasting impact on both the film industry and audiences worldwide. In addition to his acting prowess, Sharkey also showcased his musical abilities by contributing to soundtracks, further adding to his multifaceted career. Ray Sharkey's net worth is a testament to his remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry.

Biography/Timeline

1962

Sharkey was born in Brooklyn to Cecelia and Ray Sharkey, Sr. He was of Irish and Italian descent. Sharkey's father was a professional Drummer who abandoned the family when Sharkey was five years old. He was raised by his mother, Cecelia in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. Sharkey became interested in acting after seeing Jack Lemmon in the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses. After attending New York City Community College for one year, he enrolled at the HB Studio to study acting. While attending the HB Studio, Sharkey performed in various Off-Broadway stage productions. In 1973, he and his friend boxer/actor Chu Chu Malave moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting careers.

1974

In 1974, he made his film debut in The Lords of Flatbush. Sharkey went on to appear in more than forty motion pictures and dozens of guest appearances on various television series.

1980

Sharkey was diagnosed as HIV positive in the late 1980s. He reportedly contracted the virus through intravenous drug use. After his death, Sharkey's manager Herb Nanas admitted that they both decided to keep his diagnosis a secret fearing it would hurt his career. Despite his diagnosis, Sharkey remained in denial about his HIV positive status and, according to his manager, had sex with an estimated 100 women after he was diagnosed.

1981

In May 1981, Sharkey married model Rebecca Wood. The marriage ended in 1986 due to Sharkey's drug abuse. In 1988, he married Actress Carole Graham. That marriage produced one daughter, Cecelia, in 1989. In November 1992, Graham divorced Sharkey also citing his drug abuse as the reason for the divorce.

1989

Four days after leaving rehab, he won the role of Sonny Steelgrave in the series Wiseguy. The character proved to be popular with audiences and boosted Sharkey's career. The character was written out of the series in 1989. Sharkey then co-starred in the biographical film Wired. Based on the life of John Belushi, Sharkey portrayed a Puerto Rican angel who meets Belushi after his death in the Morgue and "show[s] him the error of his ways." Sharkey's next role was in the 1989 black comedy film Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills.

1991

In April 1991, Sharkey began a relationship with model/actress Elena Monica, daughter of Comedian Corbett Monica. In July 1991, she became ill and was hospitalized with aseptic meningitis. During a routine check, she tested positive for HIV. Monica believed she contracted the virus from Sharkey who continued to deny that he had infected her. Monica ended the relationship in October 1991 due to her suspicions. In July 1992, she learned that another woman also suspected that Sharkey had infected her with HIV as well. Later that same year, Monica filed a $52 million lawsuit against the actor for knowingly infecting her with HIV.

1992

In 1991, he starred in the ABC sitcom The Man in the Family. While Sharkey received good reviews for his performance, the show was panned by critics and canceled after one season. The following year, he appeared in a guest spot on Jake and the Fatman, and starred in the television movie In the Line of Duty: Street War. On July 30, 1992, while filming a guest spot on the television series, The Hat Squad, in Vancouver, he was arrested for drug possession. Canadian customs officials, making a routine inspection of incoming cargo at the airport, discovered small amounts of cocaine and heroin in a black envelope being sent from Los Angeles to Sharkey in Vancouver. Police searched his hotel room and found an additional supply of drugs. He was jailed and later released on bail. Sharkey was later fired from The Hat Squad. Sharkey's final role was in the 1993 comedy film Cop and a Half.

1993

In June 1993, shortly after Sharkey's death, a Beverly Hills graphic designer, who said she had an on-and-off relationship with Sharkey from 1985 to 1991, announced that she was suing Sharkey's estate. The woman, who was only identified as "Joyce", cared for Sharkey in his final months and said that she believed that she also had contracted HIV from Sharkey after she was diagnosed with the virus in April 1992.

2015

On September 22, 2015, Sharkey's daughter, Cecelia, was charged with capital murder for the death of her boyfriend's mother.

Some Ray Sharkey images

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.