Ryan Earl Merriman was born in Choctaw, Oklahoma, to Nonalyn and Earl Merriman. He started his acting career at the age of 8, doing commercials, print work, vocal performances, and local theater in Oklahoma.
Most recently, Ryan wrapped production on the film "42" alongside Harrison Ford and Lucas Black, with a theatrical release date set for April 12, 2013.
Ryan also had the chance to portray a firefighter called on by the President to save the world from alien invasion in an original film for the Sci-Fi Network, entitled Independence Day.
He is known for his role as Ian Thomas, the charming but sinister character that everyone loves to hate, in the hit ABC Family Channel drama, Pretty Little Liars.
Ryan recently starred in a film that was a wild and fun ride as he portrayed the role of Kyle, the college science nerd with a few formulas for fun in his bag of tricks, in Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader, a film by legendary producer Roger Corman.
He also completed work on a new project that is sure to catch the interest of fans of his work, a psychological thriller entitled Dose of Reality, in which Ryan plays the role of Matt.
Ryan's other projects include an independent feature, Cheesecake Casserole, in which he stars opposite Torrey DeVitto, Brit Morgan, and Paige Howard.
He also starred in the Hallmark original movie 'Elevator Girl' alongside Lacey Chabert, a romantic comedy that is a new genre for Ryan.
Among his other work is an independent film called "The 5th quarter", as well as "Home of the Giants", an independent drama/thriller that co-stars Haley Joel Osment and Danielle Panabaker.
Before "The 5th quarter", Ryan filmed the independent teen comedy "Wild Cherry" with Tania Raymonde, Kristin Cavallari, Rumer Willis, and Rob Schneider.
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.
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.
Ryan has also 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 has received several awards and nominations for his work, including a "One to Watch" award at Movieline's Hollywood Life 7th Annual Young Hollywood Awards, eight nominations for a Young Artist Award of Hollywood, and five nominations for a Hollywood Reporter YoungStar Award.
Ryan is a supporter of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and is active in numerous other national and local charity organizations.
