Biography
Biography
David Rayden was born David John Barber on September 16th 1963 in the small city of Chelmsford, Essex, in England, to working class parents Sylvia and Ed Barber, but raised from one year old by his mother's new partner Raymond Dennis; from which he made his stage surname Rayden ('Ray' and 'Den') to honour his love and affection of the man who, to this day, is the faithful loving companion of his mother; and to reflect the positive influence on his life and character that David now acknowledges after a previously rebellious childhood.
He first appeared on stage in his secondary school, and writing and performing in ensemble comedy pieces in his third year that proved popular with students. Following his studies at college he was part of the Royal London Drama Group, which performed in professional theatres for charity. He received positive critical reviews in the local press as one to watch out for.
Later, after many years as a professional Loss Adjuster, David realised he couldn't shake his passion for acting and to the surprise, but everlasting support, of his family and friends, and encouraged by his previous positive feedback, sold his apartment to finance theatre training in London at the London Drama school (AKA Star-Tek).
He was accredited with Honours and Merit from Guildhall School of Music and Drama for character studies ranging from such classical work as Shakespeare and Molière, to more contemporary work, and cited as a promising performer.
His work in the UK was mainly theatre, touring Europe in 2003/2004 with the playwright Philip Ayckbourn, and appearing in Edinburgh in 2004 as Lord Capulet from Nick Brownlee's "Romeo and Juliet in pieces"; mentioned because both offered testimonials when asked.
Marriage took him to Asia and a job as a teacher trainer, before discovering after too many years that there were English speaking acting roles in China.
David has since appeared in movies and TV in China, with his breakout role as Captain Derek, mentor to the Chinese lead Zhang Han, in "Ocean City" (One boat One world) due for release in mid 2021.
He has also appeared in international productions, recently cast as Commander Rockford in the upcoming Megan Fox movie Dog's Best Friend/Think Like a Dog, where director Gil Junger (10 Things I Hate About You) likened him to Tom Wilkinson, and said he was versatile, seasoned, and could hold his own with established Hollywood professionals.
