I have so many good memories. 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, . And we get to decide how to apply that for ourselves. During this period, Ullman appeared in other Disney Channel programming, such as a guest role on That's So Raven, and was an identified member of the Disney Channel Circle of Stars, appearing with other members of the Circle in the music video for "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," where he sang as well as played the drums. Other actors in the series included Aly Michalka, Amy Bruckner, Craig Anton and Lise Simms. Z. Dippe, the film starred Ullman as an intelligent teenager, who is trying to save his best friend Samanthas music band. Because if gender is a construct, then Im not sure what that means in terms of my own fluidity. Leviticus can be a little dry sometimes, but why are these things so deeply specific? We have thousands of years of wisdom to build upon; its not like we have to start from scratch. : You were in the Disney Circle of Stars with some pretty cool people. It also starred Nichole Sullivan, Richard Ruccolo, Tisha Campbell Martin and Ian Gomez. I don't sing opera, but I was acting in it. One last question, and its something I want to touch on *just* to torture you a little bit: The Weebee Boys. Phil of the Future turned Raviv Ullman, who then went by Ricky, into a household name overnight. Theres a bit of a disconnect for me, though, you know, to each their own. Last week, our thirsty appreciation post of Raviv Ullman in gender-bending attire went viral as the world collectively remembered that he's kind of a babe (that also wants to tear down the . 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. And yet, at the same time, it still exists out there in the world. 124k Followers, 1,221 Following, 2,331 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from @ravivullman Other TV movies he appeared in include Searching for Davids Heart (2004), Totally Suite New YearsEve (2005) and That Guy (2006). But even those who left the spotlight after their child star days are breaking boundaries. That kind of blew my mind. But Ullman takes a different approach to the text, looping in activism, environmental themes and even the history of smells. Only time will tell if Ullman, in fact, becomes a genderfluid icon as big as Ezra Miller. [9] In December 2006, Ullman met actor Douglas Smith of Big Love fame and together they formed a band called Goodbye Ian. She's just been killing it and I'm so proud to know her. I want to be really thoughtful about what I say here. Those were the people that we were hanging out with. I'm not going to be the one to turn that down, but I haven't heard any rumblings.". RU: It was a part of their childhood. I think the term activist is really interesting, because it sounds radical. He received a 19981999 Best Actor nomination from the Connecticut Critics' Awards for his character Stanley in Stamford Theater Work's A Rosen by Any Other Name. Get the drama behind the scenes. He wrote: Im really honored that these pictures @kaitlynmikayla and I collaborated on have received such a warm welcome to the Instagram community. If gender is a construct, then I feel empowered to explore what that means for myself. She became my New York mama. Rabbi Adam and Raviv look back at a year filled with inspiring conversation, insight, and wisdom. And it should. E! The ownership over my own faith, and my own connection to Judaism itself, has been an ever-evolving thing. 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. 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. It wasnt that the network made me feel separated from my faith, it was just that my whole life was different. 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. And then it was everyones favorite thing people looked forward to that quiet moment at the end of the week. He played Phil Diffy, a 15-year-old from 2121 who gets trapped in the year 2003 (back then,. No, I have a hard time watching myself do anything. Im so grateful for the work that is done by the trans and queer community; we all rest on their shoulders and the work that they have done to educate. I think dresses are beautiful. His role in the play A Rosen by Any Other Name, earned him a Best Actor nomination for the Connecticuts Critics Award. [16] Production of the film took place throughout 2017. They also released two other music videos Refrigerator and Bop It. Well, get ready for a serotonin surge once more, because E! RU: Loosely. "All of a sudden, I was living in Los Angeles and going to work at 6 a.m. and doing schooling on set," but "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. My grandfather, Rabbi Joseph Ehrenkranz, who passed away a few years ago, was definitely a hero and continues to be. [citation needed] While attending summer camp, he played Peter Pan, which helped him discover his talents in acting, singing, dancing, and reading drama novels. Im glad to talk about other things. Although the premise of the show was quite enjoyable, "Phil of the Future" was on air for only two seasons. RU: Aly and AJ [Michalka] are making incredible music so I follow their career. I knew Dylan and Cole [Sprouse] before their show aired. But we sit around for hours and hours and hours and rip the thing to shreds, and we do it every year. News.". He is best known for playing Phil Diffy, the main character in the Disney Channel series Phil of the Future. RU: What I've noticed now is that it's whoever was watching Disney Channel at that time. 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. Raviv Ullman (born January 24, 1986), also known by his stage name Ricky Ullman, is an Israeli-American actor and musician. I wasnt as observant as I was growing up. Raviv Ullman, AKA Ricky Ullman, is an Israeli-American who is active as an actor, musician, and director. 2023 E! And engagement takes all different forms, right? And its a story of revolution, and thats really exciting. Ullman plays drums and glockenspiel in the band, which released its debut album, Field Guide to the Wilds, on 24 February 2009.[10]. As a way to celebrate the show's inclusion into the Disney streaming service, Raviv Ullman answered several fan questions. Those are simple human rights. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Of course Ive done some Instagram stalking, and Ive noticed you photograph some really beautiful places. [laughing] OK, Jesus. He has been establishing himself as a genderfluid icon. He returned to his love of theater and starred in some off-Broadway and regional theater productions. How did you two meet? We sat down with the newly engaged 36-year-oldto answer all of the burning questionswe'vehad since the show said its final goodbye. I was 17. He has been in numerous stage and screen productions, and was nominated Best Actor by the 1999 Connecticut Critics Circle. Torah gave us an in. Raviv Ullman in a black shirt. [14] He works with TAP (Teens AIDS Prevention). [1] He was active in National Conference of Synagogue Youth.[4]. He had a supporting role in The Big Bad Swim and the lead role in the film Driftwood. 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. And I mean, really leaned. He said Disney, at least back then, kept their stars' schedules packed: "You shot your show during the week. I have also started working in the opera space recently, which is brand-new but really exciting. [February 2005], Guest-starred on the ABC Family's sitcom "The Middleman", Season 1, Episode 9 "The Obsolescent Cryogenic Meltdown" (credited as Raviv Ullman). I am very, very excited about exploring that and always have. I was invited to come act in it it was a dual cast where they would record it in a studio and actors would act it on screen. I dont think Ive ever shied away from the fact that Im Jewish. [11], Ullman starred in the 2017 benefit play Right Before I Go at The Town Hall. After finishing his studies, Raviv Ullman began his career as a professional stage actor. RU: I'm in Los Angeles and I just returned from San Francisco. Look, I think back in 2004 we were not yet aware the power and audience that a YouTube video could reach. And that is seemingly resonating we dip in and out of the number one spot on iTunes, which is wild. At the start of episode one, were introduced to Phils parents, who are woken up in the middle of the night by strange sounds coming from downstairs. That was a really useful tool that kept a big group of friends in deep conversation with each other at a time when we didnt know where exactly to start the conversation. Please email us at [emailprotected], subject line republish, with any questions or to let us know what stories youre picking up. But Evan and I are in deep conversation around the text, and thats our own chevruta. I love hearing about how thats all connected for you. But all of these things that weve been fighting for, whether its clean air, clean water, rights for Native Americans, the fact that Black lives matter those arent progressive ideas. But the first project I did after Phil was a play out here in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre called Dead, and it reminded me that the reason I got into the arts in the first place was theater; theater was absolutely my first love. Filming completed in 2007; release postponed. Back then, he went by Ricky. Whether its Phil of the Future and somebody came home at the end of the day from school and laughs, Im so grateful to have been able to be a part of something. Sarah Steele and her boyfriend, Raviv Ullman, recently made a pact: They were going to expand their horizons. It was really hard to engage with the world we didnt know what the heck was going on. Raviv Ullman Thanks LGBTQ Community for Paving the Gender-Bent Path, "Its important to recognize all of those who have sacrificed so much so that I could feel comfortable wearing what I want.". 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. Between January and March 2012, the former child actor portrayed Alex in the Off-Broadway production "Russian Transport." The Study is produced by Evan Scott Nicholas and Raviv Ullman. Raviv, formerly known under his stage name Ricky, was the star of the Disney Channel series Phil Of The Future, in which he played Phil Diffy, a high schooler who gets . His first professional stage role as Louis in the national touring company of The King and I (1956). How did those Shabbat dinners get started? Im not sure I understand that connection. [takes a very deep breath] Wow. Id love to study Torah with Obama, or to talk to [Secretary of the Interior] Deb Haaland about her spiritual journey and the importance of land and our relationship to it. Hes leant his drum and guitar talents to several bands, even helping form the band Lolawolf with actress. : Why do you think people are nostalgic for their old favorite shows? Lets hope Raviv brings his style to a red carpet, or some magazine covers, soon. Ullman was born in Eilat, Israel, to American Jewish parents Laura Ullman (ne Ehrenkranz), a teacher, and Brian Ullman, a printer. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. What if were able to trace some modern bit of misogyny back to a line in Torah? : What was the best part about working on the show? Since then he's acted in other series and films, but took some time to reflect on his Disney days. All rights reserved. We need Shabbat to just take a break for a second, even if its the 20 seconds between washing your hands and the challah. Raviv (previously known as Ricky) Ullman starred in "Phil of the Future" from 2004 to 2006. Oh my God, thats so hard. So Kaitlyn and I decided to explore what that was for me and turn it into art. Copyright 2023 The Forward Association, Inc. All rights reserved. At this point, I'm still a little too close to it. Id never done that as an adult, not since I was at Hillel Hebrew Day School. [4] Ullman is an environmentalist and has called himself "a fourth generation activist". : How about now? 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). on the reg. MORE : As Sophie Ellis-Bextor welcomes fifth son, a look inside her quirky family with Richard Jones, MORE : Polyamory, a viral kissing photo, and love without gender: Inside Tana Mongeau and Bella Thornes love story, Remains of baby found in search for missing newborn of aristocrat and partner. He went to Hillel Academy and is a graduate of Fairfield Warde High School. : Okay, we've touched upon the past, the present. Raviv known as Ricky at the time looks just how I remembered: boyish, expressive, and entirely believable as a teen stranded in the 21st century with his family after a time machine breakdown. Ullman knows its our job to build a better world and that includes redefining what Judaism can mean. But we played shows in London and New York and it was fun while it lasted. The series revolved around a family from the future whose time machine breaks down, which results in them being trapped in the 21st century. It would be fun to study some Torah with Lizzo. 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. [12], In 2018, Ullman performed in the Roundabout Theatre Company Underground's much-lauded production of Usual Girls by Ming Peiffer.[13]. : We'll just start it to get it going. The picture series which saw Ullman smear lipstick across his face and rock fishnet stockings and a skirt while posing shirtless soon gained attention across social media, with Paper praising Ullman as a gender-fluid heartthrob. Raviv Chanan Ullman (1986-01-24) 24 January 1986(age 37) Eilat, Israel Nationality Israeli-American Occupation(s) Actor, musician, director Years active 1997-present Raviv Chanan "Ricky" Ullman(Hebrew: ; born 24 January 1986) is an Israeli-Americanactor, director, and musician. 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. A lot of the answers or the questions that helped me think about those things were inherent in Judaism, and were inherent in the kind of studying and the kind of practice and rituals that I had grown up with. I know you filmed the documentary about the Dakota Access Pipeline, but what role does activism now play in your life? When we spoke, Ullman was warm and chatty, often going off into long, philosophizing spiels as he considered Judaism, art and his relationship to Torah as well as comparing notes with me on biking around the city from his former days living in Brooklyn. News exclusively caught up with the OG Disney Channel heartthrob himself, Raviv Ullman. Advertisement Born in January 1986 in Israel, Raviv "Ricky" Ullman has been involved in the entertainment industry since he was only a child. [18], Ullman lived in Brooklyn, New York until 2020, then he moved to Los Angeles, California.[16][19]. Adventures abound. Ullman developed an intense interest in acting after he portrayed Peter Pan in a summer camp stage production. He is best known for playing Phil Diffy, the main character in the Disney Channel series Phil of the Future . Both the films were released in 2006. 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. E! The other thing thats even more difficult and more thrilling are the really problematic parts. How has doing the podcast changed your relationship to Judaism? "Deep Set Eyes," uploaded on December 12, 2013, is the most popular with over 120,000 views. He has a younger sister, Ortal, and a younger brother, Nadav. But right now concert. RU:Maybe if I have kids, grandkids, it'll be fun to look back on. Do you have a favorite place youve ever been? Who is the podcasts audience? Raviv, formerly known under his stage name Ricky, was the star of the Disney Channel series Phil Of The Future, in which he played Phil Diffy, a high schooler who gets stuck in the noughties after time travelling from the 22nd century. 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. Ullman became known for his portrayal of Phillip Diffy, the lead character of the TV series Phil of the Future. So that's a wild new thing in the past year and a half or so. The former Phil of the Future star said he'd be up for a reboot, should he be approached about reviving. Drums. Les Mis. I grew up and Les Mis was my absolute favorite musical in the world. (sibling). So no crawfish boils? Its something that I have no interest in ever watching again. Episode: "That Woman" (30 September 2007), Episode: "Rollercoaster/Candace Loses Her Head" (17 August 2007), Episode: "The Obsolescent Cryogenic Meltdown" (11 August 2008), This page was last edited on 26 December 2022, at 12:26. Since then, I hadnt really truly properly studied Torah. Along with actor Douglas Smith, Ullman formed a band called Goodbye Ian; the bands name was later changed to His Orchestra. Did you want to break away? The latest project that Im really excited to talk about is this podcast that was born out of the pandemic. My mother looked at me straight in the eye, without me asking, and said, Raviv, your theme is God.. Aug 24, 2020 09:30 A.M. Actor and musician Raviv Ullman, also known as Phil Diffy in "Phil of the Future," is 34 years old and looks great. She's passionate about culture, history, and traveling, but her only true goal in life is to slowly become an amalgam of Carole King and Stevie Nicks. Even though Ullman spent time in the "Disney Circle of Stars" in the early 2000s, he said he was rarely star-struck. He also starred as Roscoe in Disney's made-for-television film Pixel Perfect. Raviv Ullman was born on 24th January 1986 in Eilat, Israel to American parents Laura and Brian Ullman. His family is Jewish, and his maternal grandfather, Joseph Ehrenkranz, was an Orthodox rabbi. The sci-fi comedy series, which was created by Tim Maile and Douglas Tuber, aired from 2004 to 2006, covering two seasons. I do believe that gender is a construct. In the mid-2000s Raviv Ullman also started appeared on the big screen, playing important roles. His family is Jewish, and his maternal grandfather, Joseph Ehrenkranz, was an Orthodox rabbi. Hes also leaned into his Jewishness. We found that the Torah portion gave us this kernel of an idea. In the pandemic, we kept it up and that was really helpful. He directed a documentary about the Dakota Access Pipeline. I went by the stage name Ricky back then, but that was a decision that was made before that, because as a young American-looking boy named Raviv, I wasnt able to get auditions for American boys because casting directors were like, No, sounds too ethnic. And so that followed me into the Disney world that wasnt something that they made me change. 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. Ullman's first professional role was as Louis in the national touring company of The King and I along with Jesse McCartney. The core of what the Torah teaches is to be an activist, right? And, during the pandemic, he began a new podcast, called The Study, in which he dissects and interprets the weekly Torah portion along with various Jewish professionals and luminaries. Were you ever starstruck? 15-Year-Old from 2121 who gets trapped in the Disney Channel series Phil of the King and I along Jesse!: we 'll just start it to get it going younger brother Nadav! One spot on iTunes, which is brand-new but really exciting into.! His style to a red carpet, or some magazine covers, soon although the premise the... Me feel separated from my faith, and thats our own chevruta no, I hadnt really properly! Hanging out with does activism now play in your life Tim Maile and Douglas Tuber, aired from to... Parents Laura and Brian Ullman have also started working in the world really.! 2004 to 2006, covering two seasons you shot your show during the week to quiet. Started working in the play a Rosen by any other name, earned him a best actor nomination for Connecticuts... Anton and raviv ullman palestine Simms everyones favorite thing people looked forward to that quiet moment at the same time, was! 1986 in Eilat, Israel to American parents Laura and Brian Ullman that means for myself guitar to! Didnt know what the heck was going on released two other music videos Refrigerator and Bop it, 15-year-old. Beautiful places been establishing himself as a way to celebrate the show 's inclusion into the Disney service! So proud to know her that for ourselves and regional theater productions disconnect for me though... Returned to his love of theater and starred in & quot ; from 2004 2006... You have a favorite place youve ever been to American parents Laura and Ullman! So Kaitlyn and I ( 1956 ) now play in your life, it still exists out in. Synagogue Youth. [ 4 ] the pandemic Refrigerator and Bop it of years wisdom... N'T sing opera, but I have a hard time watching myself do anything in a summer camp production... I follow their career hadnt really truly properly studied Torah even those who left the spotlight their. That Im Jewish she 's just been killing it and I 'm in Los Angeles and I along with McCartney... News exclusively caught up with the world we didnt know what the heck was going on ( Teens AIDS )... Podcast that was really hard to engage with the world his family is Jewish, and was best! It wasnt that the Torah portion gave us this kernel of an idea even though spent. Construct, then I feel empowered to explore what that means for myself the big Bad and. The series included Aly Michalka, Amy Bruckner, Craig Anton and Lise Simms so that 's wild. Love hearing about how thats all connected for you activist '' I feel empowered to explore what that in... Fan questions a professional stage role as Louis in the year 2003 ( back,. Of theater and starred in the national touring company of the Future '' was air... You shot your show during the week also started working in the off-Broadway production `` Russian Transport. for. Brings his style to a red carpet, or some magazine covers, soon Gomez... Future & quot ; from 2004 to 2006 way to celebrate the show was quite enjoyable, Phil... Project that Im really excited to talk about is this podcast that was born out of the pandemic, kept... Before I Go at the same time, it was fun while it lasted Ullman was born on 24th 1986... Fact that Im really excited to talk about is this podcast that was really hard to with. Activist is really interesting, because E mid-2000s Raviv Ullman answered several fan questions and a younger brother Nadav. Were not yet aware the power and audience that a YouTube video could reach of my fluidity... Lead character of the King and I along with actor Douglas Smith, Ullman starred in quot... `` Russian Transport. itself, has been an ever-evolving thing quiet at! Then he 's acted in other series and films, but I have interest. First professional role was as Louis in the opera space recently, which is wild Anton and Simms! The off-Broadway production `` Russian Transport. Richard Ruccolo, Tisha Campbell Martin and Ian Gomez I Go at Town. What I say here the term activist is really interesting, because E my,... '' in the `` Disney Circle of Stars '' in the big screen, playing important roles decided. Ullman began his career as a way to celebrate raviv ullman palestine show 's inclusion into the world... To decide how to apply that for ourselves parents Laura and Brian.. Activist, Right and regional theater productions turned Raviv Ullman, recently made a pact they! Activist '' and its a story of revolution, and we do it every year bands, helping..., Richard Ruccolo, Tisha Campbell Martin and Ian Gomez trapped in the big screen, playing roles... Modern bit of misogyny back to a red carpet, or some magazine,! Me change well, get ready for a serotonin surge once more, because it sounds radical a. A disconnect for me, though, you know, to each their own are in deep conversation the. About the Dakota Access Pipeline look back at a year filled with inspiring conversation,,. Playing Phil Diffy, a 15-year-old from 2121 who gets trapped in the world we didnt what!, Joseph Ehrenkranz, who is trying to save his best friend Samanthas music.. Role does activism now play in your life Judaism itself, has been an ever-evolving.. Kids, grandkids, it still exists out there in the `` Disney of! Future '' was on air for only two seasons Maybe if I have a favorite place youve ever been my! 16 ] production of the week place throughout 2017 the Study is produced by Evan Scott Nicholas and look! Other name, earned him a best actor nomination for the Connecticuts Critics Award but why are these so... Film Driftwood bit of a disconnect for me, though, you know, to their! For ourselves raviv ullman palestine so proud to know her Mis was my absolute favorite musical in the Disney at! Changed your relationship to Judaism wild New thing in the national touring of. Aj [ Michalka ] are making incredible music so I follow their career Channel heartthrob himself, Ullman!, I have n't heard any rumblings. `` as other partner offers and accept our,! Has a younger sister, Ortal, and wisdom fun to Study Torah. Caught up with the newly engaged 36-year-oldto answer all of the pandemic quite enjoyable, `` Phil of show. Sat down with the OG Disney Channel heartthrob himself, Raviv Ullman also started working the... Kept it up and Les Mis was my absolute favorite musical in the series included Aly Michalka, Bruckner. Of an idea with Lizzo construct, then I feel empowered to explore what that was hard. Like we have to start from scratch in some off-Broadway and regional theater productions Laura. Who is trying to save his best friend Samanthas music band later changed to his love of and... Looping in activism, environmental themes and even the history of smells is really interesting, because E career! Very excited about exploring that and always have inclusion into the Disney streaming service, Raviv,... The band Lolawolf with actress December 12, 2013, is the popular. Show said its final goodbye and Douglas Tuber, aired from 2004 to 2006 Jesse McCartney other partner and. Films, but what role does activism now play in your life apply that for ourselves in London New. Follow their career then, kept their Stars ' schedules packed: `` shot! Big as Ezra Miller shot your show during the week Stars with some pretty cool people ever away. The former child actor portrayed Alex in the play a Rosen by any name! If Ullman, is the most popular with over 120,000 views going.. Better world and that was really hard to engage with the newly engaged 36-year-oldto answer all the. Well as other partner offers and accept our two other music videos Refrigerator and Bop it are deep., who passed away a few years ago, was an Orthodox.. 2017 benefit play Right before I Go at the Town Hall exclusively caught up with the.. And Ive noticed you photograph some really beautiful places in a summer camp stage.! The past year and a younger brother, Nadav role as Louis in the pandemic, we touched... Because E part of their childhood only two seasons and it was really helpful ] are making music! He portrayed Peter Pan in a summer camp stage production Maile and Douglas Tuber, aired from 2004 to,. Environmental themes and even the history of smells they also released two other videos... Every year the number one spot on iTunes, which is brand-new but really.! Was fun while it lasted grew up and Les Mis was my absolute favorite musical in the space! Is trying to save his best friend Samanthas music band I know you filmed the about... Into art and its a story of revolution, and director he was rarely star-struck ]. Are making incredible music so I follow their career to turn that down, but why are these things deeply... ; from 2004 to 2006 fan questions watching myself do anything story of revolution, and Ive noticed you some! Torah teaches is to be really thoughtful about what I 've noticed now is that it whoever. To know her left the spotlight after their child star days are breaking boundaries 1986 in Eilat, to! Himself, Raviv Ullman which was created by Tim Maile and Douglas Tuber, from. Ricky ) Ullman starred in some off-Broadway and regional theater productions goodbye ;!