Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
September 10, 2023

You’ve seen him on TV. Now, you can join him aboard his windjammer in Rockland

Actor Marc Evan Jackson, known for roles on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and ‘The Good Place,’ spent most of his childhood desperately wanting to sail on Maine windjammers. Last year, he became part owner of one.
Published
September 9, 2023

5 people taken to hospital after walkway collapse at Arrowsic lighthouse

Six others were also hurt but didn’t require treatment after the Doubling Point Lighthouse walkway collapsed during Maine Open Lighthouse Day on Saturday.
Published
September 8, 2023

Parrot Heads flock to Kennebunk funeral home to share grief over Jimmy Buffett

Bibber Memorial Chapel has invited grieving fans of Jimmy Buffett to celebrate the singer and sign a condolence book for his family. Calling hours continue Saturday.
Published
September 1, 2023

Sound effects: Yarmouth music center expands to meet demand

After a $6.5 million expansion, 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth now serves 800 students of all ages a week and hosts a variety of programs and concerts.
Published
August 26, 2023

From the season’s lineup, 7 pop shows that stand out

Genres range from Celtic music and ’90s rock to country and blues. And there’s a Hollywood actor thrown in for variety.
Published
August 20, 2023

Waterville authors’ marriage has stood the test of time – and deadlines

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have co-authored science fiction novels and stories for more than 35 years. Their 25th Liaden Universe novel came out in July, and they’ve collaborated on 100 works in all.
Published
July 31, 2023

Maine actors say strike is about getting streaming services to play fair

Most union actors rely on residual pay from past work, but streaming services use a different payment model than the one broadcast networks have long used.
Published
July 21, 2023

Third ‘Fool’ novel helps author Richard Russo hold on to his father

‘Somebody’s Fool’ is part of a series that began some 30 years ago and focused on a character based on the Portland author’s father. It goes on sale Tuesday.
Published
July 9, 2023

Maine author plays key role in new Rock Hudson documentary

The HBO film ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed’ relies heavily on research by Mark Griffin of Lewiston.
Published
July 7, 2023

Fight with stranger led to teen’s shooting in Naples on July Fourth, mother says

Shauna Palanza says her son Tyler Fusco came to a friend’s aid moments before the attack. She believes that the suspect should be charged with attempted murder.