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
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 20, 2023

The master of mastering albums, Portland’s Bob Ludwig is retiring after 50 years and 13 Grammys

A mastering engineer, he has worked with hundreds of stars, including Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons and Mariah Carey.
Published
July 17, 2023

How to make every minute count at the Yarmouth Clam Festival

One of Maine’s signature summer events opens Friday, and you’ll have no trouble finding lots to see and do the whole time you’re there, no matter how short or long your stay.
Published
July 9, 2023

Lewiston 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.
Published
July 3, 2023

Maine’s fair season is just heating up. Here’s where to go

Plus, tons of other organized family fun, including food-centric festivals and community celebrations.
Published
June 23, 2023

For in-demand drummer Jay Bellerose, Thompson’s Point concert is a homecoming

The Old Orchard Beach native, who has built a career in the music business over the past 30 years, will perform in Portland along with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss on July 3.
Published
June 20, 2023

Woolwich wild food fan competing for ‘MasterChef’ title

Nina Interlandi Bell made venison dumplings during an audition round in May and now is among 20 contestants vying for the Fox show’s $250,000 prize.
Published
June 18, 2023

Original art from beloved Maine children’s author Robert McCloskey on view in Brunswick

‘Robert McCloskey: The Art of Wonder’ opens Tuesday at Curtis Memorial Library and features work for ‘Blueberries for Sal,’ ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ and others.

Sign In: