Биография
Ellen Becker-Gray was raised in the coastal town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Her stage debut came at age 10 when she performed in the "Dream Ballet" segment of the musical Oklahoma, sparking a lifelong passion for acting. Coming from a show business family, her mother was a skilled dancer and model, while her father, a prominent Boston dentist and jazz enthusiast, cared for famous musicians like Jack Teagarden, Cozy Cole, and Buck Clayton. Notably, her father was one of the few non-musicians inducted into the International Press Club Jazz Hall of Fame and was also a TV and radio personality focused on dental health. Ellen grew up enjoying jazz jam sessions and cookouts with legendary artists such as Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars.
Ellen also dreamed of blending entertainment, education, and the performing arts. After earning a Master of Education from Smith College, she worked as both a college and public school teacher. During her teaching career, which spanned over 30 years, she was honored by having a published children's book dedicated to her. Eventually, Ellen took early retirement to pursue acting full-time. Beyond performing, she also directs, produces, and teaches acting.
Her film career began in the summer of 2004, during her final year of teaching. While on break from summer stock theater, she attended a casting call for a TV pilot. Aware that film acting differed from theater, she valued her theater training for its role in helping her improvise, emotionally analyze characters, and bring depth to her performances. She was cast in the pilot and went on to appear in a dozen episodes of the series. This initial role marked a turning point, leading to work in over 85 films, commercials, educational videos, and television projects. Ellen earned the "Best Actress Award" in 2007 at the Providence 48 Hour Film Project and directed the 2008 film that won the "Audience Choice Award" at the same event. She has been featured in Imagine Magazine's issues highlighting Talented New England Actors (March 2013), New England Actors (March 2011), and Women in the Industry (November 2009).
Ellen is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity. At an after-party following the SAG Awards in Los Angeles, she had the chance to congratulate Julie Andrews on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and tell her how much she has inspired her.
Ellen is married to Rob Gray, who is also involved in the entertainment industry. They met over 35 years ago while working together in a New England theater.
