The Gene Anthony Ray reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
(provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Gene Anthony Ray

For people who check facts
Gene Anthony Ray (May 24, 1962 - November 14, 2003) was an American actor and dancer who shot to fame in the movie Fame. He reprised the role of Leroy in the television series based on the movie from 1982 to 1987.

Ray died from complications of a stroke on November 14, 2003 in Manhattan. He was HIV positive.