About Ryan
As I’ve discovered, these things aren’t all that easy to do. Especially when you’ve never actually met the person in question. I could’ve scoured the internet for so-called facts sprinkled here and there. I could’ve tried to pound out a few paragraphs from information years old, or not even entirely accurate. I didn’t. Because honestly, I couldn’t put it into words.
Who better to tell the story than Ryan himself? I managed to pin him down for a few questions to give everyone an idea of just who he is and where he’s from. I should mention that there really wasn’t much pinning involved as Ryan has been really awesome about all this.
Below is a brief Q&A, my input in bold, and Ryan’s responses in red. None of his answers have been edited, so typos and quirks in red are from Ryan. As for me, I tried to make myself look really smart by spellchecking the stuff in bold.
Home for you is in Glen Ellyn, IL, correct? What was it like growing up there? When talking about your hometown, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Yes, Glen Ellyn, IL. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to live. I grew up being able to ride my bike all day without ever running into a major street. It just had that safe secure feeling. What comes to my mind when thinking of Glen Ellyn is how genuinely nice people are in the Midwest. I miss it.
Have to ask about the siblings too. You guys pretty much have your own soccer team going there. But I have to commend your folks, they must be really caring people. What has that been like? I’d assume that holidays can get pretty crazy.
I love my parents to death and couldn’t imagine growing up in a small family.(there are 15 kids total) People always ask what it was like growing up with that many siblings, and all I can say is I never knew anything different. I will say our Christmas is unlike any other family’s that I’ve ever witnessed.
Ryan as Mo in his first movie role: Roommates.
You got into acting at a young age. A question that was suggested a lot was how did you get your start? I’d guess by the time you were old enough to remember, your parents had that well in hand?
Growing up in a large family, my parents wanted to give us a head start on affording college. When I was two my Mom took all of us (there were 6 kids at the time) down to meet with an agent in Chicago. We started booking things shortly after that. It started with print and non union commercials and then I got lucky and booked my first film when I was in first grade … it progressed slowly and when I turned 18 I moved to Los Angeles. I wish I had an amazing story of being discovered at the grocery store but I’ve worked long and hard to get where I am.
Has acting always been something you enjoyed? Is there anything else you would rather be doing?
I can honestly say nothing even comes close to bringing me the joy that acting does. There have been a few things with my career path that have been difficult to deal with, but I still feel very blessed. I would be lost and have no idea what I waned if I had to choose something else. I have friends finishing up college right now that are still unsure about what they want to work toward, so I feel fortunate to know exactly what I’ve wanted for so long now.
Has your career ever gotten in the way? What kind of sacrifices have you had to make to pursue it?
There are always sacrifices in any career, and acting is no different. I think the big difference is that acting is one of the few careers that a child can participate in. I missed a lot of school growing up as well as after school activities … such as soccer, dances, etc. I’m proud of the fact that I grew up in the public school system and wouldn’t have changed that for anything. I think it has helped to keep me grounded. During my sophomore year of high school the school informed me that I couldn’t miss any more days. They said that I either had to decide to stay in school and focus on my classes or find another alternative way to finish my education. Even though I kept great grades, the school district wasn’t really very supportive. I ended up being home schooled for my remaining two years of high school which was something I wasn’t too excited about.
You’ve played a good number of roles so far. Would you say that you have a favorite? If so, which one?
I really have enjoyed all of my roles, but Ben in “Ben:10 Alien Swarm” was more fun than any other part that I’ve played. Everyday I felt like I was a kid going out to play on the playground. We had large, elaborate, sets to work on and amazing cars and motorcycles to play with … as well as pretending to fight aliens. If that doesn’t sound like fun I don’t know what does!
Prayers for Bobby
Which role has been the most challenging, the most demanding?
Bobby in “Prayers for Bobby” was by far the hardest role I’ve ever taken on. The role itself was very dramatic and intense, and added to that was the fact that I was portraying someone that had lived and out of desperation had taken his own life. I felt a lot of pressure (self imposed) to make sure that I portrayed Bobby accurately. And of course the idea of having to go toe to toe with Sigourney Weaver was a little daunting! I would love to say I had a blast working on that film but that’s far from the truth. I had to stay in such a dark and depressed state of mind that I was stressed out during the entire shoot. Looking back now that it’s all said and done, “Prayers” is definitely one of my pieces of work that I am most proud of. I feel that going forward I will always be able to draw from that experience.
Have you ever turned down a role? Is there something you absolutely refuse to do? What would be the deal breaker?
I have turned down a few auditions where I really didn’t like the script. However it is rare and unless the project is horrible or offensive, I truly enjoy trying to portray the different characters. At this point in my career I have not been offered a specific role that I turned down. I feel that for now my job as an actor is to audition, being able to work on a specific production is a bonus. Each year I audition for hundreds of projects and meet with people for a variety of roles … obviously you can’t be picked to work in everything.
Do you watch your own work? Has there ever been a time you’ve wanted to go back and change something?
I do watch everything that I am in, but I absolutely hate it. Have you ever recorded yourself on tape and played it back in front of people … and then cringed? Imagine that plus the visuals! In every role that I have played, I have seen numerous things that I would like to change. I doubt that I will ever be content with a performance that I’ve done. I’m always trying to improve myself and will continue to do so.
You’ve been on screen with some very recognizable people, and yet you’ve managed to hold your own and shine as well. On a random note, thanks to Still Green, you’re only two degrees from Kevin Bacon.
Well thank you. I have been fortunate enough to work with some really talented actors who were extremely supportive. They bring out the best in your performance.
And while that is neither here nor there, have you found yourself starstruck by any of your colleagues?
There have been certain individuals that I’ve been excited to meet, but I’ve never actually been starstruck. You see “stars” all the time on studio lots or at castings and it becomes the norm. The only time it is sort of weird is when you aren’t expecting it … like running into someone at the gas station. Being in the industry and having friends in the same position, I realized at a young age the we are all just the same.
Is there a television series or a movie that you would die to be in? (And I don’t mean character death, you’ve done that enough.) Is there anyone in particular you want to work with?
I would give my left arm to be a series regular on “Entourage”. I love that show and all the actors who are on it. As far as working with someone…. I would love to work with Ed Norton or Brad Pitt. Mos def I think is another phenomenal actor and having the chance to work with any of them would be amazing.
Do you have any acting role models? Anyone you look up to? Who would you say is your biggest influence?
I look up to a variety of actors, but there is no one in particular that specifically comes to mind. I’m influenced by everything that is out there and everything that will be coming out. I’m a huge fan of movies, I love watching as well as acting in them!
Ben 10 Alien Swarm
Have you had any embarrassing moments on set? Any favorite flubs? Anything fit (or unfit) for the gag reel?
Every movie I’ve ever done has awesome gag reels that only the director and cast really ever get to see. I make it a point to have fun on set and stir things up. As far as embarrassing moments, I do have one from my guest spot on “Boston Legal”. On the last day of filming, there was a scene that I just couldn’t get through without messing up my lines. I was getting so annoyed with myself that I actually got embarrassed, which doesn’t happen very often. Thankfully I was finally able to get the shot done. It happens to everyone, it’s just never fun when it’s you.
More specifically, talking about Alien Swarm here, how does one break six props anyway?
I see someone’s done their research … ha! All of the Omnitrix’s or Ben’s “watches” that I broke weren’t my fault. The producers wanted to make the watch look cooler this time, more sleek and seamless. In doing so, the part where both bands connected was extremely delicate. I ran and jumped around all day in the different scenes and inevitably the Omnitrix would break. It just so happens that I did it six times :)
You appear to be a person always on the go. I’m not sure how much free time you get outside of your career and everything that comes with it. But, let’s venture away from Ryan the actor, and talk about time spent the rest of the year.
Hobbies: What’s your biggest time killer? What do you do too much of, or what do you not get enough of?
To be honest, as an actor I have a lot of free time. The tricky part is that you never know when or where the next audition or project is going to happen. Especially with the economy the way it is now. In the winter I enjoy snowboarding. I live in Los Angeles, but the great thing is that you can drive 1-2 hours and be in the mountains. This past summer I’ve been learning to surf, which has been a blast. I could definitely use more of that! Otherwise you can usually find me near a barbecue relaxing with friends and enjoying the sun.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? At least, any that you’d like to admit.
I grew up with nine sisters and a mom, so I love to shop. I could spend all day at the mall without any problem. :) I use to be addicted to the game World of Warcraft, but I finally kicked that addiction to the curb after many years!
Favorites: Books? Movies? Music? Video games? Car? Foods? People doing this Q&A? (Kidding) Jonas Brother? (Not kidding)
Book: I still love the “Artemis Fowl” series from when I was a kid!
Music: I love rap, hip-hop, and house music.
Video Game: Call of Duty
Car: Cadillac Cts-V!
Food: Pretty much anything. You can’t be picky growing up with my family!
People doing this Q&A: So many people to choose from, I’d have to say my favorite questions are from Frank!
Jonas Brother: Peter?
Do you have any pets, or rather, do your pets have a human?
I have a white cockatiel named Aussie, and a brown Chihuahua named Magoo. Unfortunately, Magoo lives with my parents due to my crazy schedule.
What’s been the most memorable place you’ve visited? Where is somewhere you haven’t been that you’d like to go?
Vietnam was by far the most memorable place I have ever been to. I would love to visit Jamaica as well as Australia.
And now for a little this or that. Of course, neither is always an option, or both if you’re feeling greedy.
Yes, it's real.
Jay Leno or Conan O’Brien?
They’re so different and I like them both! If forced to choose I’d have to say Jay.
Pirates or Ninjas?
Ninjas without a doubt.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Wars
Mary Kate or Ashley?
Both
Caramel or Chocolate?
Both!
Beer or Mixed Drinks?
Beer
Cake or Pie? (Also cake or death?)
Pie, no death
Professional Wrestling or UFC?
UFC
Three Piece Suit or Birthday Suit? (Because Boxers or Briefs has been played out.)
Can’t go wrong with a Birthday suit!
Telepathy or Flight?
Flight…. I’ve already done telepathy.
