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
January 26, 2023

Actor Tony Shalhoub announces donations to USM arts center, credits college for launching his career

Shalhoub, who graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1977, was at the Portland school Thursday, where he was named honorary chairman of the fundraising drive and pledged $150,000 of his own money.
Published
January 23, 2023

Oscar nod expected for Maine native’s work on ‘Avatar’ sequel

Eric Saindon, originally from Gorham, was the senior visual effects supervisor on the blockbuster film and is considered a favorite for his third Oscar nomination.
Published
January 16, 2023

Country Music Hall of Fame shines spotlight on the life of Maine country singer Dick Curless

The Nashville museum will host a yearlong exhibit on Curless, who died in 1995 and whose soulful music continues to inspire.
Published
January 13, 2023

North Yarmouth Academy grad has hands full as music coordinator for Broadway and TV

Maine native Haley Bennett has built a career as music supervisor, musician and conductor for a wide variety of filmed and live productions, including ‘Schmigadoon!’ on Apple TV+ and the musical ‘& Juliet’ on Broadway now.
Published
January 10, 2023

TV series based on Portland author Richard Russo’s ‘Straight Man’ to debut March 19

Titled ‘Lucky Hank’ and starring Bob Odenkirk, the series will seen on AMC.
Published
January 7, 2023

Lifetime turns Zumba prostitution scandal into made-for-TV movie

‘Let’s Get Physical’ doesn’t specifically name Alexis Wright, who went to jail in 2013 for running a prostitution ring from her Kennebunk fitness studio, but the setting and story are extremely similar.
Published
January 1, 2023

Part-time Mainer aims to make science relatable in PBS series

Physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, a Maine summer resident, is host of the upcoming three-part PBS series ‘Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.’
Published
January 1, 2023

After so much stress, the way we dress has become more about comfort

The pandemic loosened company dress codes and changed many Mainers’ mindsets about what they wear, at work and play.
Published
November 16, 2022

News Center Maine anchor Pat Callaghan retiring after 43 years

He began as a Maine TV news reporter in 1979 and has been co-anchor of the station’s main newscasts since 1989. His last day is Dec. 9.
Published
November 15, 2022

Maine native Amy Allen nominated for new songwriter Grammy

The 2010 Waynflete graduate, who grew up in Windham and South Portland, was nominated Tuesday for songwriter of the year. The Grammy Awards will be broadcast live Feb. 5 on CBS.