Ray McDonald's O-Negative Co-Stars Mourn Loss of Beloved Friend
Ray McDonald, the Thai-American actor from the 1990s film O-Negative: Love by Design, has died, reuniting his former castmates at a Buddhist ceremony where they shared memories of their lifelong friendship forged during filming.
Ray McDonald, the beloved Thai-American actor and television host, has passed away, prompting an emotional reunion of his closest friends from the cast of the iconic 1990s film O-Negative: Love by Design. At the water-pouring ceremony and first-night chanting at Wat Yang temple, co-stars Tata Young, Chakriti Yaemnaam, Liu Manasawee, and On Sriphan came together to share their profound memories and the enduring bond they forged during filming.
Liu recalled that the film was her first major role, and she felt she had met a group of strong-willed individuals who impressed her with their talent, particularly Ray. "When we finished filming, everyone would watch and say, 'Wow, Ray is so good!'" Tata described their time together as one of the best memories of her life, emphasizing that their friendship transcended the film and remained genuine and eternal. "We were teenagers, we shared so many wonderful memories together. This film didn't just show friendship on screen—we as actors truly bonded and became real friends. We never fought." Chakriti noted that while the movie had ended, the bond and brotherhood formed remained immortal to this day.
On shared that they were so close they "slept on the street together," and praised Ray's distinctive personality: "He was unique, sharp, incomparable. And now he's gone from this world." When learning of Ray's death, On called Tata, and it took multiple calls and explanations before Tata could believe it was real. On had to call 19 times before accepting the truth, afraid to call Chakriti but brave enough to reach Liu, who wept heavily.
Tata later posted on Instagram expressing regret that she never had the chance to apologize. During filming, there was a scene where she pushed Ray, and upon reviewing it, she realized she had pushed him hard. "I pushed my friend hard, and he actually fell," she said emotionally. "I never got to apologize to him face-to-face." Though she has apologized since learning of his death, Tata shared that her own child comforted her, saying, "Mommy, you loved this person so much. He was your best friend, wasn't he? You love him so much." On described Ray as a lovable person with a stubborn and mischievous side, but whose true nature was kind and endearing to everyone around him.
