Born in London UK, Godfrey J. Rayner is happy to be a true Londoner–minus the cockney accent (although he can do one). His love for acting dates back to his youth and relationship with his aunt. She was a silent screen star, who would take Godfrey to the movies. There was one particular movie that left a mark, it was the game-changer, an eye-opener to possibilities: Caesar and Cleopatra with Vivien Leigh, Claude Rains, and 100 of Britain’s finest stage actors.
Fast forward to the ’60s, folks in Theatreland, UK referred to Godfrey as their favorite “drug dealer”. He was known as the pharmacist to the stars of screen, stage, and radio. He was the west end go-to guy for what ails you, a part he played well into the early 80s.
In 1986 Godfrey would come to the U.S.A. for Guerlain as their spokesperson, and the new position was fraught with TV appearances. His strong British accent led him to embark on an exciting career in voiceovers. Coincidentally, another audition came to life, that of a business owner. This was a life conflict for his voice-over ambitions and at the time the choice was the business.
He is the co-creator and former VP of Design Compendium and helped create, and build (from scratch) the multi-million dollar company. Luring big-ticket clients from each side of the Atlantic and the far east. Additionally, mentoring his staff for their personal creative growth, Godfrey would be their starting quarterback (American football term here) for the next 27 years.
In 2017, it was finally the right time for Godfrey to chase his original passion, selling his business and joining the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. The TV Film Audition & Scene Study Workshop with actor Anthony Grasso has helped him realize, that not only is his desire for acting very much alive but that under his expert tutelage, he can hone his craft. Godfrey feels fortunate to have such a talented and experienced actor as a teacher.
It’s a creative rebirth and Godfrey is proud to be represented by Josh Rayborn and Memphis Rose Talent Management.
The adventure continues…