Born in Rome as Ubaldo Bussa, after graduating in law, Lay was admitted to the Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1939, from which he graduated with honors.

[1] Back in Italy, he resumed his radio and stage activities and debuted in television in 1956.

[1][2] Lay's breakout role was Lieutenant Sheridan, that he played in five RAI crime series and in several television films.

[1][2][3] He also starred in several other successful television series, often directed by Anton Giulio Majano, while his cinema activity was less significant, consisting mainly of supporting roles.

[1][2] Lay died of a cerebral hemorrhage aged 67.