Darts fans worldwide recognize the iconic voice of Russ Bray. For decades, his distinctive call of “Game On!” and “One hundred and eighty!” has been the soundtrack to some of the sport’s most thrilling moments. But now, at 68 years old, Bray has ventured into an entirely new and wonderfully bizarre arena: the world of fantasy filmmaking.
The Unlikeliest Film Role: A Talking Door
While many might expect a darts legend to narrate a documentary or make a cameo as a referee, Bray’s role is far more whimsical. He has become the voice of a magical door in a new fantasy film. Yes, you read that correctly – a door.
Bray himself shared the delightful peculiarity of his role, explaining that he voices a door that transports two young children to a fantastical land with “pink sky and blue trees.” As the children journey through different chambers, his voice greets them with a simple, “hello, what are you doing?” It’s a premise that sounds straight out of a dream, yet Bray delivers it with the same calm authority he once used to officiate high-stakes darts matches.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen: The Voice of Darts
Long before his cinematic debut, Russ Bray cemented his status as an auditory institution in the world of darts. His career spans nearly three decades at the sport’s highest level, earning him a place in the Darts Hall of Fame in 2024.
His impressive career highlights include:
- Officiating 28 World Finals: A testament to his consistent excellence and presence in the sport’s biggest moments.
- Induction into the Hall of Fame: Acknowledging his profound impact and contribution to darts.
- A Distinctive Voice: Known for its gravelly, powerful tone that has become synonymous with the sport.
The Secret Behind “The Voice” (Or Lack Thereof)
Despite his iconic vocal cords, Bray makes a surprising revelation: he does absolutely nothing to warm up his voice. Unlike singers who follow strict routines, Bray simply goes with the flow.
“I don’t do anything. Honestly, seriously, I don’t drink water. My doctor turns around and says, no, you’ve got to drink lots of water, drink lots of water… I drink a lot of tea or something like that. But in the end, I really don’t do anything to warm my voice up,” he admitted. This natural, unforced approach only adds to the mystique of his unique vocal talent.
Reliving Darts History: The 2007 World Championship Final
When asked about his most memorable moment as an official, Bray immediately recalls the electrifying 2007 World Championship final between two titans of the sport: Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor. This particular match was not only a classic but also the very last final held at the legendary Circus Tavern, adding to its historical significance.
The final was a nail-biting encounter that went all the way to a sudden-death leg. It was Raymond van Barneveld’s first year competing in the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), making his performance even more remarkable. He set a record for the most 180s in a final at that time.
The tension peaked in the final leg:
- The Bullseye Throw: In those days, players could leave their dart in the bullseye during the throw-off to decide who started the leg. Taylor threw first, landing just under the bullseye. Barney then strategically placed his dart on top of Taylor’s, hitting the bullseye and earning the right to throw first.
- The 180 Duel: Barney started with a good score. Taylor responded with a maximum 180, leading Bray to think Taylor had the upper hand. But then, Barney matched him with his own 180! This stunned Taylor, visibly draining his confidence.
- The Decisive Moment: With Taylor faltering, Barney seized the opportunity, calmly hitting his crucial shots to leave himself with “tops” (double 20) and clinching the 2007 World Championship title.
Bray describes it as an “unbelievable” match, calling it “probably one of the greatest finals” due to the sheer drama, the historical setting, and the incredible performances from both players.
A Career Defined by the Unexpected
From the roaring crowds of a darts arena to the whimsical world of a talking door, Russ Bray’s career continues to surprise and delight. His latest venture is a wonderfully bizarre encore to a life that has clearly never settled for the ordinary, proving that even after decades at the top, there’s always a new, unexpected “Game On!” to be called.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
