Finding Peace After Family Dysfunction, Abuse, and the Absence of a Legendary Filmmaker Father

Nicca Ray is the author of “Ray by Ray: A Daughter’s Take on the Legend of Nicholas Ray,” a blend of memoir and biography about her famous father and the impact of his absence in her life. She is also the author of poetry collections titled “Back Seat Baby,” “Curve,” and “Go Go Go Girl.” Her second memoir, “Love and Cigarettes” is coming soon, and her play “Cry of the Butterfly” will be performed in New York City in Fall 2025. In our interview, Nicca and I discuss the impact of addiction and sexual abuse in her life and family, the ways in which her legendary filmmaker father’s absence affected her life, and how she ultimately found healing, peace, and connection.