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
June 18, 2023

Gorham native pieces together Hollywood career in film editing

Jamie Kennedy has been editing TV shows and films for more than a decade, including ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.’
Published
June 12, 2023

Pride events happening far and wide in Maine

There are new Pride celebrations this month in Gorham and Bath, plus parades, events and festivals in cities and towns all over the state. Portland’s parade is Saturday.
Published
June 5, 2023

Women of letters: Gov. Mills and her pandemic pen pal inspire new book

Ashirah Knapp of Temple wrote weekly letters to Gov. Janet Mills during the first year of the pandemic. The letters are the basis for the book ‘In Other Words, Leadership,’ which goes on sale June 20.
Published
May 29, 2023

Find a state park that suits your camping style

The best spots for wildlife watching, ocean views, biking, hiking trails and more.
Published
May 26, 2023

Renowned songwriter Joe Henry continues his musical self-discovery in Maine

The critically acclaimed musician, who moved to Harpswell in 2021, is revered by peers and critics for his evocative songwriting and has won three Grammys as a producer.
Published
May 4, 2023

Yvonne Jacquette, painter and long-time Maine summer resident, dies at 88

She had spent summers since the mid-60s at her home in Searsmont and was known nationally for her aerial views.
Published
April 21, 2023

With concert tours back and environment top of mind, Reverb’s work amps up

The nonprofit, founded by Cape Elizabeth couple Lauren Sullivan and Guster’s Adam Gardner, has been making concerts more environmentally friendly since 2004.
Published
April 10, 2023

Mud season has arrived. Here are fun ways to embrace or avoid it.

There are plenty of ways to get your hands dirty in April, plus opportunities to get outside but stay relatively clean.
Published
April 2, 2023

From hot tubs to handrails, the Mainely name sells, business owners say

Hundreds of businesses across the state share the same first name – Mainely – and find it’s an effective way to brand just about any product or service.
Published
March 23, 2023

Richard Russo’s ‘Straight Man’ is back on campus in new AMC series

The show, called ‘Lucky Hank,’ is based on the 1997 novel and stars Bob Odenkirk as a small college professor in a mid-life crisis. The second episode airs Sunday.