Billy Zane is set to make his debut in a Lifetime movie called Devil on Campus: The Larry Ray Story, which will premiere on June 23. The film is based on the true story of Larry Ray, an ex-con who moved in with his daughter at Sarah Lawrence College and formed a cult involving many of his daughter’s friends. Ray’s crimes were exposed in a New York Magazine article, leading to his sentencing to 60 years in federal prison.
In an interview with TV Insider, Zane and director/executive producer Elisabeth Röhm discussed the exploration of Ray’s heinous crimes and their impact on the victims. Zane praised the platform and network for their restraint in telling the story, avoiding sensationalizing the content like other streamers might. Röhm, an alum of Sarah Lawrence College, expressed horror at the events surrounding Ray’s presence on campus and emphasized the need to tell the story in support of the victims and to warn others about the dangers of sociopaths.
Courtesy of Lifetime
Röhm, upon learning about the story, started a podcast called Devil in the Dorm and later decided to develop a movie around it. When casting the role of Larry Ray, Zane was the only actor Röhm considered, and after some persistence, he agreed to star in the film. Zane underwent a physical transformation to portray Ray, working with a dialect coach to capture his mannerisms and speech patterns.
Reflecting on the experience, Zane emphasized the importance of maintaining agency and not giving away power, especially during formative years. The movie serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to trust their instincts and retain control over their lives.
Devil on Campus: The Larry Ray Story, Movie Premiere, June 23, 8/7c, Lifetime
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