Ken Bray(I)
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Ken Bray, born Kenneth Harper II, is an American actor, political activist, powerlifter, and healthcare advocate of Senegalese descent. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Bray is renowned for his versatile acting career, impressive achievements in the world of powerlifting, and his inspiring journey as a prostate cancer survivor.
A decorated veteran, Ken Bray served in the United States Army during the Desert Storm era. As a member of the elite Military Police Special Reaction Team, he received specialized weapons, explosive and close quarters combat training and earned the nickname "Spiderman" for his ability to one-bound Australian Rappel from the roof of a 5 story building. During his six years of dedicated service, he completed deployments to South Korea, Panama, and Cuba. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant on his birthday in 1995. His military experience undoubtedly shaped his character, discipline and resilience.
Bray is a dominant force in the world of Powerlifting. Ranked in 2024 as the number one powerlifter in the United States and number five in the world within his age and weight class, he has achieved international acclaim. His most notable accomplishments include securing Silver medals at both the 2022 IPF Masters World Powerlifting Championships in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships in Panama City, Panama in 2022 where he also claimed the NAPF North American Deadlift record of 280.5kG (618.4lbs).
Ken Bray's acting journey began at the age of 44 when he was cast in a background role as police officer Gravers in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. That brief exposure to filmmaking at the highest level was enough to convince him that it might be possible to actually earn a living while a full-time undergraduate student. He signed with his first agent and began to take on part-time commercial work that he could schedule around his intensive pre-med course load. Since Bray transitioned to acting full-time in 2022, his acting career has gained significant momentum and attention through roles in both television and film. His previous experience behind the camera as a director, cinematographer, and editor has contributed to his exceptional on-screen presence, making him a highly directable actor.
Ken Bray is a dedicated Dean's List scholar who graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in biology at the age of 49 from Cleveland State University in 2018. A year later he was accepted into Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine at the the age of 50, but could not complete the rigorous program due to health challenges related to his prostate cancer. His personal battle with the disease, candidly documented in his self-produced documentary series, "Chasing 600," brought national attention to his story and inspired countless individuals. He remains a vocal advocate for early detection and treatment of the disease.
A decorated veteran, Ken Bray served in the United States Army during the Desert Storm era. As a member of the elite Military Police Special Reaction Team, he received specialized weapons, explosive and close quarters combat training and earned the nickname "Spiderman" for his ability to one-bound Australian Rappel from the roof of a 5 story building. During his six years of dedicated service, he completed deployments to South Korea, Panama, and Cuba. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant on his birthday in 1995. His military experience undoubtedly shaped his character, discipline and resilience.
Bray is a dominant force in the world of Powerlifting. Ranked in 2024 as the number one powerlifter in the United States and number five in the world within his age and weight class, he has achieved international acclaim. His most notable accomplishments include securing Silver medals at both the 2022 IPF Masters World Powerlifting Championships in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships in Panama City, Panama in 2022 where he also claimed the NAPF North American Deadlift record of 280.5kG (618.4lbs).
Ken Bray's acting journey began at the age of 44 when he was cast in a background role as police officer Gravers in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. That brief exposure to filmmaking at the highest level was enough to convince him that it might be possible to actually earn a living while a full-time undergraduate student. He signed with his first agent and began to take on part-time commercial work that he could schedule around his intensive pre-med course load. Since Bray transitioned to acting full-time in 2022, his acting career has gained significant momentum and attention through roles in both television and film. His previous experience behind the camera as a director, cinematographer, and editor has contributed to his exceptional on-screen presence, making him a highly directable actor.
Ken Bray is a dedicated Dean's List scholar who graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in biology at the age of 49 from Cleveland State University in 2018. A year later he was accepted into Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine at the the age of 50, but could not complete the rigorous program due to health challenges related to his prostate cancer. His personal battle with the disease, candidly documented in his self-produced documentary series, "Chasing 600," brought national attention to his story and inspired countless individuals. He remains a vocal advocate for early detection and treatment of the disease.
Learn more at IMDbPro
