Walter James Raney

Walter James Raney (1941-2021) left home and family in Haverhill, MA, at a young age to pursue his dream in Hollywood. His parents, Helen B. and Charles Edward Raney followed their son out west. Walter spent over 60 years in Los Angeles as an actor, casting director, writer, and director. Walter performed for years in plays, films, and television. He later worked in casting at Twentieth Century Fox and spent the remainder of his life directing and mentoring actors through his New Theatre League Repertory. He was especially proud of his productions of "Stage Door" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf." Walter spent a lifetime meeting and learning from as many industry professionals as he could, and passing that knowledge on to young actors. He learned a great deal about directing from one of his biggest mentors, Charles Laughton. There was barely a film star from the 50s or 60s that Walter did not have a personal story about. Upon meeting actor/playwright Jason Miller, they became fast friends; Walter even traveled back east to Scranton, PA to direct and produce for Jason's theatre company. Many working actors over the years have passed through Walter's repertory company, including Jason Patric, Amy Jo Johnson, John Larroquette, Sarah Brown, Kin Shriner, Walter Jones, Jeff Phillips, Thuy Trang, and Mary Hart. Persistence, charm, ingenuity and the support of lifelong friends enabled Walter to find longevity and success in the ever-changing, competitive entertainment business. He is predeceased by his parents, and brother George W. Raney of Fresno, CA. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/walter-raney-dead-longtime-la-drama-coach-dies-at-79