Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ryan's early life was shaped by his diverse cultural heritage, as his parents were of Puerto Rican and Polish descent. This unique blend of influences would later inform his artistic pursuits. Growing up, Ryan divided his time between New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas, where he developed a passion for singing, playing guitar, and composing music.
After completing high school, Ryan made the decision to join the Army National Guard, where he served for six years as a Combat Infantryman and 240 Gunner. During his time in the military, Ryan honed his skills in marksmanship and leadership, earning a reputation for his exceptional abilities in these areas.
Upon his return to civilian life, Ryan utilized the GI Bill to pursue his interest in acting, as well as set construction, and he quickly discovered a talent for carpentry. His acting career gained momentum with his first-year booking on the television show Blue Bloods, and he went on to appear in a variety of television shows and action films.
Ryan's breakthrough role came with the film Blowback, in which he starred alongside Randy Couture and Cam Gigandet. This success led to his collaboration with Hedley Harlan as a director for the film trailer Mincemeat Manor, which showcased Ryan's ability to utilize his tenacity and organizational skills, honed during his time in the Army, to co-create the score. The Mincemeat Manor Trailer has garnered acclaim at numerous film festivals, including Oxford, Lighthouse International, Edmonton, Niagara, and The International Independent Film Awards.
As an actor, Ryan has appeared in a range of productions, including Law & Order, FBI, Blue Bloods, and The Blacklist, as well as a string of action and horror films. Drawing upon his combat training from the Army, Ryan is known for performing many of his own stunts, stunt driving, and weapons handling. He is particularly notable for his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters, often playing heroes, rockers, psychos, and individuals with a strong sense of soul and a precarious grip on reality.
