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Ray Rayner was a Chicago children's television institution in the 60's and 70's. Whether as Oliver O. Oliver on Bozo's Circus or as himself on Ray Rayner and His Friends, Rayner endeared himself to parents and children.
Rayner is fondly remembered for his do-it-yourself projects (which were never quite as good as Chauncey's attempts), the jelly bean counting contest, his interaction with Chelveston the Duck and his 2 billed baseball cap (1 side for each Chicago team, as he showed highlights from the games). Rayner also lip-synched to classic old tunes, visited Lester Fisher at the Lincoln Park Zoo and read fan mail with Cuddly Dudley (the dog puppet voiced by Roy Brown aka Cooky the Clown). Rayner also was famous for pinning notes to his brightly colored jumpsuits (sort of a precursor to post-it notes).
Rayner is fondly remembered for his do-it-yourself projects (which were never quite as good as Chauncey's attempts), the jelly bean counting contest, his interaction with Chelveston the Duck and his 2 billed baseball cap (1 side for each Chicago team, as he showed highlights from the games). Rayner also lip-synched to classic old tunes, visited Lester Fisher at the Lincoln Park Zoo and read fan mail with Cuddly Dudley (the dog puppet voiced by Roy Brown aka Cooky the Clown). Rayner also was famous for pinning notes to his brightly colored jumpsuits (sort of a precursor to post-it notes).
Rayner's show was definitely aimed at children, but was also enjoyable for adults. Rayner managed to entertain everyone without appearing to 'try' to entertain them.
I never knew that Rayner was a POW during World War II. In fact, he helped prepare the escape route which was depicted in The Great Escape. Rayner was moved to another camp before the escape actually happened.
I really wanted Rayner to appear in one of the NIE ads. I sent him a couple requests and was on the verge of trying to call him when I heard the news of his death on 1/21/04. Rayner's death truly saddened me. It was like a piece of my childhood was gone.
I never knew that Rayner was a POW during World War II. In fact, he helped prepare the escape route which was depicted in The Great Escape. Rayner was moved to another camp before the escape actually happened.
I really wanted Rayner to appear in one of the NIE ads. I sent him a couple requests and was on the verge of trying to call him when I heard the news of his death on 1/21/04. Rayner's death truly saddened me. It was like a piece of my childhood was gone.
Ray Rayner with Chelveston the Duck, a puppy from the Animal Cruelty Society and Cuddly Dudley.