We sat down with the newly engaged 36-year-oldto answer all of the burning questionswe'vehad since the show said its final goodbye. It's wild to look back on. For me, some of the places that Ive had the most constructive conversations about these movements, and about the work that needs to be done, is sitting around a Shabbat dinner table. I look back on the shows that I grew up on and I know where I was when I was watching them. I wasnt as observant as I was growing up. And so it feels less like a conscious decision to go and find something to be active in. Some of his early works include The King and I, Peter Pan and The Music Man. In that show, Ullman portrayed the protagonist, Phil Diffy, a freshman from the year 2121 who traveled back in time to the early 2000s with the rest of his family and got stuck there. While Raviv Ullman might not actually be from the future, hes since been taking an active role in shaping it. Were happy to make this story available to republish for free, unless it originated with JTA, Haaretz or another publication (as indicated on the article) and as long as you follow our guidelines. And thats still definitely a big part of my life. When we finally speak on Zoom, me in New York City and Raviv in L.A., its a Friday. Ullman was cast as Kip in the Lifetime sitcom Rita Rocks, which premiered in 2009. E! RU:I'm about to be an associate director on another opera coming up soon and I have a short film that is going up to festivals. Thats a form of taking stock of everything. RU:I don't think I was looking at it like, "now I am a Disney star and will do Disney movies forever," I just wanted to work. He revealed that he would love to work on a sequel to help save the planet from environmental ruin. Raviv Ullman was born on 24th January 1986 in Eilat, Israel to American parents Laura and Brian Ullman. But we sit around for hours and hours and hours and rip the thing to shreds, and we do it every year. [6] Lieberman's mother and Ullman's matrilineal great-grandmother were sisters. The group expanded to as many as seven people and later changed its name to His Orchestra. Raviv Ullman has been dating American actress Sarah Steele since 2012. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/raviv-ullman-34859.php, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. One last question, and its something I want to touch on *just* to torture you a little bit: The Weebee Boys. And then I realized that I was seeking something: spirituality, or faith, or meditation, or a connection to, like I say, something larger than myself. At this point, I'm still a little too close to it. In 1998, he landed his first role in a movie called "Crossfire. News.". Between January and March 2012, the former child actor portrayed Alex in the Off-Broadway production "Russian Transport." But then you seemed to walk away Disney. 124k Followers, 1,221 Following, 2,331 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from @ravivullman While Ullman previously went by the stage name Ricky, he started using his real name in 2006 when he guest-starred on an episode of House[7] and continued to use Raviv on all projects since. We found that the Torah portion gave us this kernel of an idea. Look, at the end of the day, I am very grateful to be a part of any entertainment that reaches anybody and brings them joy. Raviv (previously known as Ricky) Ullman starred in "Phil of the Future" from 2004 to 2006. So who knows what's coming next. Part of our journey through faith and learning about our connection to God, or something larger than ourselves, is to wrestle with it, not to just accept blindly. Those are simple human rights. My mother looked at me straight in the eye, without me asking, and said, Raviv, your theme is God.. But that work is never over. His family left for the US when he was one year old. Do you still get recognized as Phil? I was taught that asking questions is one of the most Jewish things you can do. A few days before I sit down to chat with Disney-star-turned-sexy-mensch Raviv Ullman, I turn on the TV. They were going to get out of their Brooklyn neighborhood, try different bars, try. [12], In 2018, Ullman performed in the Roundabout Theatre Company Underground's much-lauded production of Usual Girls by Ming Peiffer.[13]. Most recently, he started a podcast called , study, question, and apply the weekly Torah portion to better understand our world., When we finally speak on Zoom, me in New York City and Raviv in L.A., its a Friday. Jewish Besties Alana Haim and Sasha Spielberg Want to Be Your Camp Counselors, This Groundbreaking Jewish Journalist Inspired a Character on PBS Vienna Blood, Some Advice From Queer Jewish Comedian Robby Hoffman. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. But right now concert. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Copyright 2023 The Forward Association, Inc. All rights reserved. However, he said that "it's not all fun and games anymore.". I see people around. And Raviv seemed taken aback by the reaction. That speaks a lot of my mother and how I was raised as a Jew but I still dont think I understand themes or what the point is. I really missed that. E! The sci-fi comedy series, which was created by Tim Maile and Douglas Tuber, aired from 2004 to 2006, covering two seasons. We have a new Judaism. And its been a really exciting way to engage with Judaism and my own faith and the questions that I have, and be able to talk about and process what were all going through. The breadth is a smaller group of people now but, in a way, it's more meaningful. The core of what the Torah teaches is to be an activist, right? Sticks and Bones opened 6 November 2014 and closed 14 December 2014. Besides, Ullman is also the founder and member of the boy band named The Webee Boys.Along with that, he has been active in many other musical and acting fields. Advertisement Born in January 1986 in Israel, Raviv "Ricky" Ullman has been involved in the entertainment industry since he was only a child. Ullmans most recent films are Contest (2013) and The Other Side (2015). RAVIV ULLMAN'S MUSIC CAREER AND BECOMING A GENDERFLUID ICON. Ullman's first professional role was as Louis in the national touring company of The King and I along with Jesse McCartney. A lot of people have told me how angry they are at Disney for making me change my name to Ricky. Raviv Ullman in a black shirt. In February 2012, Raviv Ullman shared some details of his career during an interview with Broadway.com, admitting that he was more focused on storytelling. ", "As a part of an exploration that is so personal but shared so publicly, its important to recognize all of those who have sacrificed so much so that I could feel comfortable wearing what I want.". So its a little bit of an oldie but definitely for me a goodie. In gorgeous shots taken by Kaitlyn Mikayla and shared to Ravivs Instagram, the actor is seen modelling skirts, dresses, fishnets and make-up, proving that gendered clothing can be worn by anybody. And I was a 17-year-old idiot. Early life [ edit] Then weve actually uncovered something and can start to unravel it. And 13 years after the show ended, Raviv totally looks like the future. I'm not going to be the one to turn that down, but I haven't heard any rumblings. Its something that I havent done since I was a kid. With Judaism as a guide, Raviv has dove head-first into the world of activism, whether its fighting for the environment or fighting against racism. RU:I loved being an actor, performing, working with a team of funny people to figure out how jokes work and how to make a good show. Other productions he worked on include Peter Pan at the Polka Dot Playhouse, The Music Man with the New England Repertory Company, and Just People at the Long Wharf Theatre. Ullman knows it's our job to build a better world and that includes redefining what Judaism can mean. The core of what the Torah teaches is to be an activist, right? Raviv, formerly known as Ricky, first entered our hearts back when he starred onPhil of the Future. Picture this: It's 2004 and you just got home from a long day of school. | [9] In December 2006, Ullman met actor Douglas Smith of Big Love fame and together they formed a band called Goodbye Ian. I was just a kid and enjoying what I was doing. RU: I'm in Los Angeles and I just returned from San Francisco. [16] Production of the film took place throughout 2017. So no crawfish boils? His first professional stage role as Louis in the national touring company of The King and I (1956). I want to be really thoughtful about what I say here. He returned to his love of theater and starred in some off-Broadway and regional theater productions. I often forget that Im in interview mode and Im just having a good time talking, he said. ", Raviv Ullman as Phil Diffy in "Phil of the Future" | Photo: YouTube/Disney Channel, RAVIV ULLMAN'S CAREER BEFORE AND AFTER "PHIL OF THE FUTURE", He later appeared in a few other projects, including "The Guiding Light," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." The show was canceled after two seasons. He said that even though he was having fun, he wishes he'd had more of a career strategy back then. I did change my name professionally back to Raviv. He played Phil Diffy, a 15-year-old from 2121 who gets trapped in the year 2003 (back then, it was present for us) after his family's rented time machine breaks down. Yeah, I keep a kosher home. His career skyrocketed, though, in 2004 when he started working in the Disney Channel series "Phil of the Future.". But what do you think Phil would be up to now? We are granted the space to take a breath and have a glass of wine and engage with each other. Id just like to know what that was. I dont have to blindly accept anything, the whole point is to wrestle with it and ask the hard questions. February 7, 2018. At the end of the day, if thats what Weebee Boys did for some people, then I can allow myself to be proud of that. I don't think I knew how to be strategic or what that actually meant in terms of a career.". I dont think Ive ever shied away from the fact that Im Jewish. Its one of my favorite places. Our conversation, edited lightly for clarity and rather heavily for length, is below. It does not include images; to avoid copyright violations, you must add them manually, following our guidelines. I look back at that time and, even though it is a centerpiece of my career at this point, it was one of many jobs that I've done over, you know, the 25 years that I've been working in the industry. With Judaism as a guide, Raviv has dove head-first into the world of activism, whether it's fighting for the environment or fighting against racism. After being raised in a Jewish home and attending Orthodox day school, Ravivs focus shifted to show business, getting cast as the lead in Phil of the Future when he was 18. The other thing thats even more difficult and more thrilling are the really problematic parts. Do you still keep in touch with your co-stars? Raviv Ullman was born in Israel to American parents, Laura Ehrenkranz, a teacher, and Brian Ullman, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Since then he's acted in other series and films, but took some time to reflect on his Disney days.. [18], Ullman lived in Brooklyn, New York until 2020, then he moved to Los Angeles, California.[16][19]. Ive never known them not to be. The same source compared Ullman to another genderfluid icon, Ezra Miller, pointing out that both of them were shifting away from traditional definitions of gender. I never consciously was trying to break out. Do you have a favorite Phil of the Future memory that sticks out to you? [11], Ullman starred in the 2017 benefit play Right Before I Go at The Town Hall. His family is Jewish, and his maternal grandfather, Joseph Ehrenkranz, was an Orthodox rabbi. But its been in the years since that life-changing role that the 35-year-old, has embraced Judaism in all avenues of self-exploration, purpose and connection to the world around him, . I wear pants and a shirt most days because thats what society has told me to do. E! Since his time on Phil, Raviv has touched all corners of the entertainment industry: Hes appeared in several TV series and independent films. But all of these things that weve been fighting for, whether its, Im so grateful for the work that is done by the. But if you know me well you know that I love to wear a gorgeous ladies coat. I started doing theater at an acting camp, Polka Dot Playhouse, when I was 8 years old. I think the term activist is really interesting, because it sounds radical. Ullman, along with Rabbi Adam Greenwald, hosts The Study, a podcast focused on exploring, questioning, and applying the Torah. But on the weekends, often you would shoot something like Circle of Stars, you'd go to an event at Disneyland, or you'd shoot a 'Disney Stars Are Just Like You' or a PSA about exercise," he said in April. Im glad to talk about other things. In October 2016, Ullman announced his project Standing Ground, a documentary that explores the Standing Rock Sioux Nation, the North Dakota Access Pipeline and the fossil fuels industry. After over 60,000 downloads in over 100 countries, we are so glad to have brought an entire cycle of Torah study to our listeners. Those were the people that we were hanging out with because Disney Channel, at least back then, kept you really busy. It was really hard to engage with the world we didnt know what the heck was going on. RU:If he's still stuck here now in 2022, I would just hope that he's become some kind of climate warrior. Life is good. He learned to play the trombone as well. A couple crazy artists just trying to make some cool stuff. Over the ensuing years, he continued to appear in several films such as Prom Wars (2008), The Trouble With Cali (2010) and How to Make Love to A Woman (2010). [17] The trailer was released in late September 2020, and the first episode came out on 2 October 2020. Nani - Saperstein Management - Raviv's Personal Managers, Other Works : Why do you think people are nostalgic for their old favorite shows? However, in 2013, the "Phil of the Future" star became the drummer of another group called Reputante. Boston Lyric Opera and Long Beach Opera commissioned an eight-part miniseries by James Derrah, the LBO artistic director, and Ellen Reid, who won a Pulitzer for opera, and they wrote this opera. I have to admit that I grew up without cable and I have never seen Phil of the Future.. But even then, that wasnt something that felt antisemitic or prejudiced as much as the unfortunate nature of the industry at that time, and I think the industry is really different now. Sara Spanjers creates "Recycled Art From the Ground to your heart!" "I started on this piece one year ago beginning with a white canvass, a few found elements and handed down earrings. I knew Dylan and Cole [Sprouse] before their show aired. RU: We were friends and making those shows at the same time. RU: When she started Lola Wolf, they asked if I would come and do some drumming. Get in touch at [emailprotected] or on Twitter @miraefox. Other actors in the series included Aly Michalka, Amy Bruckner, Craig Anton and Lise Simms. Lets hope Raviv brings his style to a red carpet, or some magazine covers, soon. But that doesnt necessarily mean its gender fluidity as much as it is fluidity more broadly. And social media is a part of that. And then it was everyones favorite thing people looked forward to that quiet moment at the end of the week. They named their group the Weebie Boys. All right, lets close this out with some rapid fire questions. Born in Israel in 1986, Ravivs family relocated to Connecticut when he was just a toddler. "I wear pants and a shirt most days because thats what society has told me to do. And how did the podcast fit into all of this? So Kaitlyn and I decided to explore what that was for me and turn it into art. All 50 Sex Scenes on 'Orange Is the New Black' Ranked! Mira Fox is a reporter at the Forward. What I hope to be doing is to just contribute to the community that is interested in figuring out how to connect all those dots. I hosted a lot of Shabbat dinners in normal life or BC and we went to, My practice in Judaism is very supportive of that; they feel one and the same. If a year and a half ago, you even told me that I was directing opera in San Francisco, I would have laughed. Ullman is an accomplished musician and plays drums and guitar. : Were you strategic about your career path and choosing what you were doing next? And I dont know what my place is in that. Guests have included Ilana Glazer and Neshama Carlebach. Get the drama behind the scenes. In 2004, he played the lead role in the TV series Pixel Perfect. E! Male celebrities ditching gender norms through their clothing is having a serious moment on the red carpet thanks to people like Ezra Miller, whose fashion choices on The Crimes Of Grindelwald press tour were everything, and Cody Fern, who channelled androgynous chic at the Golden Globes. His first professional stage role as Louis in the national touring company of The King and I (1956). [4] Ullman is an environmentalist and has called himself "a fourth generation activist". Raviv Ullman, AKA Ricky Ullman, is an Israeli-American who is active as an actor, musician, and director. : We'll just start it to get it going. : You were also inPixel Perfectand appeared onThat's So Raven. Raviv Ullman (born January 24, 1986), also known by his stage name Ricky Ullman, is an Israeli-American actor and musician. Ullman taught himself how to play the trombone. : How about now? Hes leant his drum and guitar talents to several bands, even helping form the band Lolawolf with actress. I'm such a huge fan, I try to go see them whenever I'm in the town that they're touring in. E! What are you up to now? Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Porsche Design. You know, the bits youre afraid to get as your Torah portion for a bar mitzvah, that say exactly how long the Temple should be or what kind of wood to use. But if you know me well you know that I love to wear a gorgeous 'ladies' coat. He left Lolawolf before the release of their first full-length record, Calm Down, in October 2014. Rachel Levin (she/her) is a writer from Atlanta, Georgia currently living in New York City. Drums. Official Sites. Well start off easy. From January 2012 to 24 March 2012, Ullman starred as the character Alex in the New Group's production of Russian Transport Off-Broadway in New York. I don't sing opera, but I was acting in it. Of course Ive done some Instagram stalking, and Ive noticed you photograph some really beautiful places. I don't think I knew how to be strategic or what that actually meant in terms of a career. Any of my friends know that if Im at a party, I will look for the most wild womens coat and put it on and dance around in that. Ullman also admitted that he didn't know why Disney decided to end the show, especially because it ended on a cliffhanger. He has guest-starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and That's So Raven (2003). During this period, he guest-starred in TV shows like Big Love and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Currently, hes directing a first-of-its-kind opera miniseries. How do you approach all of the boring parts of Torah? News exclusively caught up with the OG Disney Channel heartthrob himself, Raviv Ullman.