Raymond “Ray” Gantt III, born April 29, 1996, is 29 years old in mid‑2025, standing around 5 ft 10–11 in (≈ 179 cm). A biology and sociology student at Montclair State University turned promoter, aspiring dentist, and sometimes musician, Ray first captured reality‑TV attention on Love Island USA Season 1. His journey—from entering late to finishing third—sparked public fascination, led to appearances on The Amazing Race and Ex on the Beach, and now continues with Perfect Match Season 3. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $1 M to $1.5 M, largely derived from reality TV success, brand deals, and music endeavors.
Early Life & Personality
Ray hails from Hillside, New Jersey, later based in Lakewood, NJ—a city he often references in interviews as foundational to his work‑hard ethos. A Taurus born on April 29, he describes himself as charismatic, adventure‑seeking (he even survived a near‑chin‑fracture cliff‑diving incident requiring 15 stitches), and driven by long‑term personal goals like dentistry or music.
Beyond reality TV, Ray dabbled in content creation and promotion, releasing a single titled “Do You Love Me?” in early 2020, and often sharing travels and behind‑the‑scenes moments via Instagram @raygantt, where he had over 99K followers by mid‑2025.
Love Island USA Season 1: Entering Late, Finishing Strong
Ray arrived on Day 12 of Love Island USA Season 1—one of the late “Love‑Liner” entrants alongside other bombshells. His first coupling was with Katrina Dimaranan, but his true connection developed with Caro Viehweg, a marketing student and fellow original Islander.
As their bond deepened through challenges and recouplings, Ray’s natural humor and Caro’s wit won over viewers—earning them fans under the hashtag #TeamRay. Their chemistry proved genuine and audience‑beloved even as other pairings fizzled.
By Day 27, Ray and Caro finished in third place, an accomplishment that felt earned for a late entry with undeniable screen presence.
Beyond the Villa: Amazing Race, Music & Ex on the Beach
After Love Island, Ray and Caro competed together on The Amazing Race Season 33—though the season was cut short by the COVID‑19 pandemic and did not continue their journey.
They later reunited on MTV’s Ex on the Beach in 2022, revisiting their split and relationship dynamics under a different reality lens.
Meanwhile, Ray continued pursuing music, promotion, and lifestyle branding. His single garnered attention and engagement; his public persona remained vibrant, reflective, and authentic.
Net Worth & Income Sources
Ray’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $1.5 million in 2025, based on multiple sources citing his brand deals and reality TV earnings. Key income drivers include:
- Love Island earnings and residuals (though reality shows often pay modest upfront)
- Sponsored partnerships and modeling—especially post‑show travel, fitness, and lifestyle content
- Appearance fees from reality‑TV spin‑offs and crossovers (Amazing Race, Ex on the Beach, Perfect Match)
- Minor revenue from his music release and possible clinics/events
While not in millionaire tier per se, his brand trajectory suggested comfort, growth, and audience loyalty.
Perfect Match Season 3 & Narrative Continuity
Ray returns to reality TV in Perfect Match Season 3, premiering August 1, 2025 on Netflix alongside other veterans like Amber “AD” Smith, Clayton Echard, Justine Joy Ndiba, and more. His role this time is as a U.S. Love Island alumnus seeking an authentic connection among complex dynamics.
Viewers anticipate nostalgia, emotional growth, and reflections on how his early villa experience shaped his expectations of love and communication.
Physical Presence & Viewer Appeal
Ray stands at around 5 ft 10–11 in (≈ 179 cm)—tall enough to command camera presence but not a towering standout like some castmates. He’s often described as approachable, adventurous, and fashionably casual rather than coached or performative.
His appeal derives from openness: discussing relationship missteps, acknowledging heartbreak with Caro, and maintaining warmth despite screen edits.
Final Thoughts: From Villa Latecomer to Reality Staple
Ray Gantt’s reality path—from entering Love Island late to finishing strongly and reappearing in multiple shows—reflects resilience, relatability, and emotional authenticity. Though not a winner, he left a mark as the underrated favorite.
His net worth, while modest compared to mega‑influencers, speaks to steady, earned visibility and cross‑franchise traction. Now, as he re‑enters a competitive dating environment with more self-awareness, his journey feels intentional—not accidental.
Ray’s story proves: in reality TV, sometimes persistence outlasts drama.
Ray Gantt at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raymond “Ray” Gantt III |
| Age (2025) | 29 (Born April 29, 1996) |
| Height | ~5 ft 10–11 in (≈ 179 cm) |
| Hometown | Hillside / Lakewood, New Jersey |
| Occupation | Biology/Sociology student; promoter; aspiring dentist |
| Reality Appearances | Love Island USA S1, Amazing Race S33, Ex on Beach, Perfect Match S3 |
| Known For | Making Top 3 in LIUSA; #TeamRay fanbase |
| Net Worth Estimate | $1M–$1.5M |
❓ FAQs About Ray Gantt
Q: What place did Ray Gantt finish on Love Island USA?
A: Ray entered on Day 12 and finished in 3rd place with Caro Viehweg on Day 27.
Q: How tall is Ray Gantt?
A: He appears to be about 5 ft 10–11 in, based on editing comparisons and crowd framing.
Q: What is his net worth in 2025?
A: Estimated between $1 million and $1.5 million, based on reality TV earnings, sponsorships, and personal branding.
Q: Has Ray appeared on other reality shows?
A: Yes—he and Caro competed on The Amazing Race S33 (which was suspended) and on MTV’s Ex on the Beach (2022).
Q: Is Ray returning to Perfect Match?
A: Yes! Ray is part of the Perfect Match Season 3 cast premiering August 1, 2025 on Netflix.
Ray Gantt may not be the loudest reality star, but his consistency, emotional transparency, and cross‑show presence make him resilient and memorable.
Read also: Who Is Justine Joy Ndiba? Age, Height, Reality Triumphs & estimated Net Worth