Los Angeles may be known as the city of dreamers, though for Singaporean actor Rayve Tay, it’s where he’s turned long-shot ambitions into reality. Since relocating to LA in 2019, Tay has not only secured leading roles in major projects, including a Lionsgate Alternative Television pilot and the indie action-comedy Big Rage, but also carved out a reputation as a versatile performer that is unafraid to break the mould.
Before his relocation to Los Angeles, Tay cut his teeth on stage across Singapore and beyond, delivering standout turns in theatre productions like Spring Awakening (Hanschen Rilow, Pangdemonium), Glass Anatomy (Shi Jun Mai, Toy Factory), Very Wagnerian Night (Siegfried, Charlotte Engelkes Productions), The Glass Menagerie (Jim O’Connor, Conejo Players Theatre), and National Broadway Company (TheatreWorks, directed by Ong Keng Sen). Lesser known is that Tay is also a multi-sporting hyphenate, having dabbled in competitive soccer, yoga, and rock climbing, his musical chops, sharp humour as a comedian, and years of stage work laid the foundation for the boundary-pushing performer he is today.
Fresh off his viral appearance as the antagonist in Jackson Wang’s viral and humorous “GBAD” music video (which clocked over 31 million views in just two weeks) the blends noir aesthetics with raw emotion, following the discovery of identity and more in drawing as well as pushing boundaries, Tay spoke with us during a rare pause between projects, reflecting on his journey, creative aspirations, and hopes for Singapore’s entertainment industry.
“The enormous spectrum of personalities and ideas we have here. And the breathtaking geography,” Tay shares when asked about the contrasts between his adopted city and his homeland. “One of my favorite stress-relief techniques is to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, agenda-free. You’ll realize how miniature you are compared to the vast beauty in front of you!”, an incredibly humbling and glorious outtake.
That sense of openness is reflected in LA’s creative process, particularly when it comes to casting and storytelling. For Tay, the difference compared to Singapore is stark, and talks about how liberating it is. “Infinitely. Zero comparison. The birth of great culture lies in relentless experimentation and the courage to take risks — and that’s right at the heart of Hollywood. In Singapore? It would take a complete overhaul, both in spirit and in structure, for the local scene to get anywhere near that kind of artistic potential. At this point, it’s not serious. It largely wants to copy and measure up to others. Will it change? We’ll see.”
It’s a refreshingly candid take, but not one without hope. “Our forefathers took huge risks to build Singapore —so we know the bravery is somewhere there in the DNA.” The arts just needs to reconnect with it.
Landing a lead role overseas was a deeply personal milestone for Tay. “I thought about my father and mother, because they are the most wonderful and without them, I am nothing. I’ve also always known that my career was going to take me away from Singapore and I was very grateful to have chance to create something fun in a different part of the world.” That desire to create extends beyond acting.
That desire to create extends beyond acting. Tay has long spoken about wanting to produce his own film, with a personal story rooted in his family’s food heritage. “There’s a very real connection between food and love in the way I grew up. I’ve grown to appreciate the beautiful subtlety in the manner many Asian families express emotions and I’d like to create something connecting those things.”
His recent collaboration with Jackson Wang, a creative force, only cemented that ambition, as he is clear on what he wants and not afraid to take risks. Working with him reminded me why Rayve wishes to go into production – because when you stop being afraid to fail, that’s when you make art that connects.
So what advice does Tay have for actors back home looking to follow a similar path? His response is as no-nonsense as it is inspiring. “Improvise. Quit expecting a fixed path or tiptoeing about imaginary rules. Develop a fiercely independent mind, and a strong artistic spine. Stop waiting for other folks to do things for you. Get out of Singapore, at least for a while. Broaden your world view and compete at a much, much higher level.” To do so, will help you come back sharper, stronger, and with a bigger view of what’s possible.
With Under The Influence in post-production and more projects on the horizon, Tay is far from done. If anything, his journey is just getting started and he’s determined to bring a bit of that LA boldness back to Asia.
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