Biography

Raylin Schannette; stage name Ray'Lin Francois. Originally from Louisiana but resides in the Rio Grande Valley area, South Tx.

Acting since 2017 in mostly Mexican films. By 2020, Ray'Lin decided to stop waiting for opportunities and started giving them. He began writing American short films which allowed me more practice in bettering his craft as an actor. Biggest obstacle to overcome was being told he needed the experience. No big studio gave him a chance to get that experience, which lead down the path of creating his own way.

Ray'Lin is most inspired by various celebrities such as Viola Davis, Tyler Perry, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, John Boyega, Jordan Peele, Robert Rodriguez, Deon Taylor, Kevin Hart, Master P, Snoop Dog and many more.

- IMDb mini biography by: Raylin Schannette

Ray'Lin Francois Biography

Born Raylin Schannette, Ray'Lin Francois, African-American actor also is a Louisiana Black Creole with Sicilian ancestry, filmmaker, and military veteran currently residing in McAllen, Texas. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Ray'Lin has built a reputation for his versatility, work ethic, and dedication to authentic storytelling across film, television, and short-form media.



Ray'Lin began his acting journey in 2014, accumulating credits in over 20 short films, four feature films-including three in Spanish-five commercials, and seven music videos. Notable attributes include playing an Army Major in Taylor Sheridan's Lioness (Season 2, Episode 8) and starring in high-intensity action roles in projects like Find Me and Morals. His ability to portray a wide range of ethnicities, including African-American, Afro-Latino, and Hawaiian/Samoan characters, reflects his unique cultural heritage and adaptability as a performer.



In addition to acting, Ray'Lin is an accomplished filmmaker. He has written two feature films and five short films, showcasing his storytelling talent and creativity. Ray'Lin has produced two short films and one feature film while also co-directing two short films and one feature. In 2023, he co-directed, wrote, and self-produced Find Me, a feature-length independent film made on an $7,000 budget. Despite its grassroots origins, Find Me grossed nearly $30,000 within six months on Amazon Prime Video, demonstrating his ability to craft marketable and compelling content.



Before pursuing a full-time career in entertainment, Ray'Lin served in the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2023 as part of the Navy Security Forces. His 16+ years of service in law enforcement and tactical operations equipped him with expertise in firearms, SWAT tactics, and fight choreography-skills he now brings to life in dynamic action scenes. He also pursued a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Fine Arts, combining analytical precision with creative expression.



Committed to continuous growth, Ray'Lin hones his craft through biweekly acting classes and collaborates with local productions as a fight choreographer and weapons consultant. His ability to perform in Spanish-language productions, despite being a novice in the language, underscores his teachable and dedication to his roles.



With a proven track record as a versatile actor, filmmaker, and action specialist, Ray'Lin Francois is passionate about creating impactful stories and captivating audiences. He aims to elevate his career by partnering with agencies and collaborators who share his commitment to excellence in action, thriller, and suspense genres.

- IMDb mini biography by: Ray'Lin Francois