ryan merriman biography

At twenty-eight Ryan Merriman has eighteen years of television and film experience and has developed an extensive list of film and television credits, which have enabled him to work with some of Hollywood's most respected actors. Now with 25 films, four television series and several guest appearances to his credit, Ryan is well recognized in the industry. Merriman began his career doing commercials, print work, vocal performances, and local theater in Oklahoma when he was only 8 years old.

Ryan recently completed post production work on a new project that is sure to catch the interest of fans of his work. It places Ryan in a completely different role than he typically portrays. This psychological thriller, entitled, Dose of Reality, has Ryan in the role of Matt. When the film opens, it’s 2AM, closing time: A cocky bar manager with a shady past and a young handsome bartender discover a beautiful woman bloodied and unconscious in the bathroom of their late night lounge. When she awakens, Tony, Matt and the mysterious Rose are plunged into a stirring evening of dangerous role playing in an ever-escalating game of cat and mouse that forces them to face the dark shadows of themselves. As we begin to piece together the elaborate puzzle, nothing is what it seems. However, one thing is for certain: this Rose is full of thorns.

Ryan can still be seen occasionally as Ian Thomas, the charming but sinister character that everyone loves to hate, in the hit ABC Family Channel drama, Pretty Little Liars. He has also completed filming on an another independent feature opposite these beautiful ladies, Torrey DeVitto, Brit Morgan and Paige Howard, entitled, Cheesecake Casserole. This comedy is all about finding out what’s inside.

Ryan starred in the Hallmark original movie 'Elevator Girl' starring along side Lacey Chabert (Mean girls). Elevator girl is a romantic comedy about a workaholic attorney Jonathan MacIntyre who get trapped in a stalled elevator with Liberty Taylor (Chabert), a carefree and eccentric whose life consists of odd jobs and unfinished degrees. Their different lifestyles eventually crash and they must decide whether their love can survive their differences. Romantic comedy is a new genre (for Ryan) to be added to an already diverse resume, ranging from horror to western, from thrillers to sitcom.

Among his other recent work is an independent movie called "The 5th quarter". A movie based on a true story about Jon Abbate who driven by the tragic and fatal car crash that took the life of his fifteen year old brother Luke. By wearing Luke's number 5 jersey, Jon Abbate (played by Ryan Merriman) helps to lead the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the most successful football season in school history. This movie is in post-production and is set to release in theatres in 2011.

Also just released is "Home of the Giants" an independent drama/thriller which co-stars Haley Joel Osment and Danielle Panabaker which has gotten rave reviews from the critics. Before "The 5th quarter" Ryan filmed the independent teen comedy "Wild Cherry" with Tania Raymonde, Kristin Cavallari, Rumer Willis and Rob Schneider, available for viewing on cable and DVD.

Among his television credits is "Comanche moon" a 6-hour mini-series, with an all-star cast including Val Kilmer, Karl Urban, Steve Zahn, Rachel Griffiths, Linda Cardellini and Graham Greene, is written by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana.

Merriman has also starred in several television films including Lifetime's "Dangerous Child," "Backwoods" a psychological thriller co-starring with Haylie Duff, "Rocket's Red Glare," "Luck of the Irish," "Smart House," "Ring of Endless Light," Hallmark's "Night Ride Home," "Lansky," "Everything That Rises" and "Taken" on the Sci-Fi Channel produced by Steven Spielberg. In addition Ryan has starred in three feature films. "Deep End of the Ocean" with Michelle Pfeiffer, "Halloween: Resurrection" and "Just Looking," that was directed by Jason Alexander.

Merriman also starred in the ABC series "Veritas" and the recurring role of "Young Jarod" on the NBC hit series "The Pretender," which ran for four successful seasons on NBC. He was also a series regular on the NBC television sitcom, "The Mommies."

Merriman's talent has already been recognized by many organizations that award the talent of young performers. He recently won the 'Best actor award' at the Northern California Independent Film Festival for his role in The 5th Quarter. Ryan was awarded a "One to Watch" award at Movieline's Hollywood Life 7th Annual Young Hollywood Awards. He has also received eight nominations for a Young Artist Award of Hollywood and been a winner six times. In addition Ryan has been nominated five times for a Hollywood Reporter YoungStar Award.

Ryan’s charity of choice, which he supports actively, is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. He is also active in numerous other national and local charity organizations and actively supports state efforts to bring film production to Oklahoma. Merriman was honored during a session at the capitol and presented with a citation for his commitment to film, charity work and for being an Ambassador to Oklahoma in his travels.

Merriman enjoys all forms of outdoor sports. He is an avid golfer, enjoys dirt biking, mountain biking, water sports, snowboarding, horseback riding, all team sports and hanging out with his Rotweilers. In his free time Merriman enjoys being home in Oklahoma with his family and friends, boating, wake boarding, camping, fishing and hunting.

When not on location or pursuing work in LA, Merriman is still proud to call Oklahoma home.

Where to write Ryan:
Rock Steady, Inc.
C/O Ryan Merriman
P.O. Box 50299
Midwest City, OK 73140-5299

If you are writing to request an autographed photo, please include a self-addressed stamped (with 63 cents U.S. postage) 9x12 envelope. If you are writing from Canada and do not have access to U.S. Stamps, please put a single U.S. Dollar in with your request.

Ryan does not have an e-mail address that can be given out. Please do not e-mail the webmaster of his site asking for one.