Malcolm Ray, born July 5, 1990, studied at Columbia College Chicago, earning an interdisciplinary degree in film & video. During his studies, he honed his craft through courses in voice over, radio production, and voice acting for animation, laying a solid foundation for his dual path as both on-camera talent and voice actor. From early academic stages, Malcolm’s interest in character performance grew. His involvement in voice-driven electives and practicum films paved the way to professional representation by Stewart Talent. He gradually shifted from acting on-screen to taking on voice acting roles that showcased his versatility.
Malcolm has portrayed a wide array of characters in web-series and related content on Channel Awesome, including in The Nostalgia Critic, where he played all characters across various segments. His roles ranged from comedic to dramatic figures – from Lucifer to The Joker to Barack Obama – demonstrating strong comedic timing and range.
He is also known for his voice performance in Lackadaisy: The Animated Short, voicing Nicodeme Savoy (Nico) and the trombonist J.J., and even doubling as a carnival barker in Rocky’s imaginative sequence.
Collaborations with Online Creators
Malcolm’s long-standing involvement with Channel Awesome’s team—including roles in Demo Reel, The Nostalgia Critic, Orbitor Report, and others – highlights his ongoing partnerships with online creators. He has also made creative fandubs of Sam & Max comics on his YouTube channel — a testament to his passion for animation and collaborative storytelling.
With training in voice acting and radio production, Malcolm brings a dynamic, expressive approach to every character. Whether playing multiple persona in a single sketch or giving life to Nico and J.J., his vocal versatility and timing stand out. His background in film and theatre further enhances his ability to inhabit diverse characters with authenticity and flair.
Challenges in the Digital Entertainment Industry
As with many digital creators, Malcolm works across independent and passion-driven projects rather than big-budget productions. Balancing multiple roles – actor, voice actor, producer—requires versatility and adaptability. Occupying the niche of independent web content means navigating funding, visibility, and production constraints common in digital entertainment.
Upcoming Projects and Opportunities
Following the success of the Lackadaisy short in 2023, an animated web-series adaptation secured funding and is in production for a planned 2025 release. Malcolm’s continued involvement in this series as the voice of Nicodeme and J.J. promises to further elevate his profile and talent in voice acting roles.
