20 Most Famous Ryans of All Time: From Actors to Athletes

20 Most Famous Ryans of All Time: From Actors to Athletes

The name Ryan has an Irish origin and it means ‘Little king’. These most famous Ryans of all time are a testament to their name as they have dominated their professional empires.

Thus, from the glimmering Hollywood lights we get stars like actor Ryan Reynolds of the series X-Men, Ryan Gosling of The Notebook (2004), and Ryan Hurst of Remember the Titans (2000).

Advancing to the roaring arenas of sports, there are more acclaimed Ryans of all time who rule in the space of athletics. The likes of Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte, football (soccer) coach Ryan Giggs and half marathon record holder, Ryan Hall. There are more famous actors and athletes named Ryan. So check them out below.

Here are the 20 Most Famous Ryans of All Time: From Actors to Athletes.

1. Ryan Reynolds, Canadian-American actor

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most famous Ryan of all time who received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2017. Reynolds’s first appearance on screen was on the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside. The television series aired on Canada’s YTV as well as on Nickelodeon from 1991 to 1993.

Moreover, his recognition in the film space was propelled by his lead role in the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl which ran between 1998 and 2001. Yet his career climax was his starring in the films X-Men, Deadpool (2016), and Deadpool 2 (2018), all three by 20th Century Studios. His other significant film roles include:

• National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002)
• Waiting… (2005)
• The Proposal (2009)
• Buried (2010)
• Blade: Trinity (2004)
• 6 Underground (2019)
• Turbo (2013)

Besides acting, he is an entrepreneur and owns a stake in several companies. He also co-owns Wrexham A.F.C. which is a Welsh football (soccer) club. He sold his ownership stake in Mint Mobile to T-Mobile for about $300 million in 2023.

What’s more, his ownership stake in Aviation Gin was bought by Diageo for $610 million in 2020. His net worth as per 2023 reports is projected to be about $350 million. The star hails from Canada where he was born on 23 October 1976. But holds citizenship in both Canada and the United States.

Did you know he is a Green Bay Packers fan? Get more intimate details about the life of Ryan Reynolds, here.

2. Ryan Gosling, a Canadian actor

Aubrey Gemignani, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

He is one of the most famous Ryan’s of all time because of his international acclaim as an actor in different film genres. Gosling is best known for his role in the 2004 romantic drama, The Notebook.

Additionally, he is respected for starring in the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love in 2011. Also, in 2011’s political drama The Ides of March, and the action drama Drive. The romantic musical La La Land (2016) and his recent role in Barbie (2023) add to his film successes. His other film features include:

• The Mickey Mouse Club (1993–1995)
• Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1995)
• Goosebumps (1996)
• Half Nelson (2006),
• Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
• The Big Short (2015)
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Beyond acting, he also sings and is the co-founder of the Dead Man’s Bones rock duo with Zach Shields. He doubles as a businessman and co-owns a Moroccan restaurant known as Tagine, located in California’s Beverly Hills. He comes from Canada where he was born on November 12, 1980.

3. Ryan Hurst, American actor

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This actor is best known for his role in Remember the Titans in 2000, where he played Gerry Bertier. His other notable role includes the crime drama series, Sons of Anarchy broadcasted on FX from 2008 to 2012. His role in the TV series was Opie Winston.

To add on, he also portrayed Thor who is the Norse god in the video game God of War Ragnarök which was released in 2022. He was born in California’s Santa Monica on June 19, 1976.

4. Ryan Phillippe, American actor

His exceptional talent in acting earns him appreciation among the most famous Ryans of all time. One of his well-known roles is in the 1997 film, I Know What You Did Last Summer. He played Barry William and below is a brief conversation to best elaborate his role.

Barry William’s conversation in I Know What You Did Last Summer,

Barry: How do you know this is even related? You did a lot of things last summer.

Julie: Yeah, well, only one murder comes to mind.

Barry : You shut the hell up!

Moreover, he was born in Delaware on September 10, 1974, and he has been cast in different films such as:

• 54 (1998)
• Playing by Heart (1998)
• Cruel Intentions (1999)
• The Way of the Gun (2000)
• The I Inside (2003)
• The Bang Bang Club (2010)
• The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

5. Ryan Merriman, American actor

AXISPACIFIC FILMWORKS, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He is a prominent Ryan of all-time best acknowledged as Jake Pierce in the supernatural horror film, The Ring Two released in 2015. Merriman is also remembered as Kevin Fischer in another supernatural horror film, Final Destination 3 (2006).

Over and above that, he played the role of Ian Thomas in the mystery teen drama TV series, Pretty Little Liars. It was broadcast from 2010 to 2017. He was born in Oklahoma on April 10, 1983.

Merriman is only one of the many Popular American Actors worth your time.

6. Ryan O’Neal, American actor

He started as a boxer and switched to acting in 1960. In 1964, he secured the role of Rodney Harrington in the Peyton Place soap opera that aired on ABC. Ryan’s acting career reached its peak during the 1970s, especially in films like Love Story (1970). His other notable film appearances are:

• What’s Up, Doc? (1972)
• Paper Moon (1973)
• Barry Lyndon (1975)
• A Bridge Too Far (1977)
• The Driver (1978)

The actor is also praised for playing the role of Max in the Fox television series Bones from 2005 up to 2017. He grew up in Los Angeles where he was born on April 20, 1941.

7. Ryan Eggold, American actor

Kristin Dos Santos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He stands out as one of the most famous Ryans of all time because of his spectacular performances in acting. One of his famed roles is in The Blacklist crime drama series. He was tasked with the role of Tom Keen on this NBC television series. To experience his character in the film, check the conversation below.

Tom Keen’s conversation in The Blacklist,

Tom Keen: The only thing that matters is that I killed that man. The guy walked on the wrong ship at the wrong time.

Judge Renner: So you snapped his neck, just like that?

Tom Keen: No. It took a few seconds.

More to it, he was featured in the spin-off series The Blacklist: Redemption in 2017. From September 2018 up to January 2023, Eggold took on the lead role in the drama series New Amsterdam. He played the role of Dr. Max Goodwin and the series was aired on NBC.

The actor celebrates his birthdate as 10 August 1984. Though born in Lakewood, California he shares German roots from his father’s side. While his mother is of Croatian, Austrian-Jewish descent.

8. Ryan Potter, American actor

As one of the most famous Ryans of all time, Potter is an A-list film actor cum voice actor. He debuted acting in the Supah Ninjas comedy series that broadcast on Nickelodeon from 2011 to 2013. From 2018 to 2023, he was featured on the superhero television series Titans.

Better still, he has lent his voice to the animated superhero film Big Hero 6 released in 2014. He voiced the character Hiro Hamada. He also voiced the film’s sequel television series from 2017 to 2021. Further, he voiced Baymax! series in 2022, which is a Disney+ production.

Oregon is credited as Potter’s birth location where he was born on September 12, 1995. Though his father is of Japanese ancestry and his mother has Jewish and American roots.

9. Ryan Kwanten, Australian actor

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

His role as Jason Stackhouse in the fantasy television series True Blood cements his place among the most famous Ryans of all time. He was part of the cast from 2018 to 2019. He also starred in the premier season of the horror series Them as George Bell.

Furthermore, he was part of the Kindred cast in 2022. This series is an adaptation of a novel by the same name penned in 1979 by Octavia E. Butler. He doubles as a producer and one of his responsibilities was the crime drama series, The Oath. He produced and starred in the series as Steve Hammond from 2018 to 2019. He was born in Australia on 28 November 1976.

Australia is not short of acting talent, so check out more famous Australian actors.

10. Ryan Guzman, American actor

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He started as a model and later transitioned into acting. His dynamic character roles put him ahead to rank among the most famous Ryans of all time. He is headlined for playing Sean Asa in the dance films, Step Up Revolution (2012) and Step Up: All In (2014).

On top of that, he has played Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz in the procedural drama 9-1-1. He is also celebrated for the role of Noah Sandborn in the 2015 erotic thriller The Boy Next Door. He grew up in Texas where he was born on September 21, 1987. Below is a sneak peek into his conversations on The Boy Next Door.

Noah Sandborn’s conversation in The Boy Next Door,

Noah Sandborn: I love your mother’s cookies.

Claire Peterson: Stop following me.

Noah Sandborn: I’m not following you, Claire… I live next door…

11. Ryan Lochte, American swimmer

Ubcwwong, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lochte ranks among the most famous Ryans of all time because he is one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history. He prides himself in at least 12 medals from the Olympic competitions which includes about 6 gold medals.

Additionally, he has received many accolades such as the World Swimmer of the Year Award, the Swammy Award, and the American Swimmer of the Year Award. His specialty is in backstroke, individual medley, freestyle, and butterfly techniques. In July 2018, he was issued a 14-month suspension from competition by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Subsequently, his most recent engagements include endorsements by different brands. He was born in New York on August 3, 1984.

12. Ryan Giggs, Welsh soccer coach

Giggs is one of the most prominent Ryans of all time in the athletic arena. He receives the honor because of his exemplary performance as a football (soccer) coach and former player. His entire professional career was spent in Manchester United which he joined when he was 14 years.

Moreover, he retired as a player at 40 years in 2014. Thus went on to serve as United’s interim manager. His achievements consist of 13 Premier League winner’s medals, two UEFA Champions League winner’s medals, a FIFA Club World Cup winners medal, and more.

The soccer champion was born in Wales on 29 November 1973 but his family moved to Manchester when he was a child. He is currently a director and co-owner of League Two Salford City F.C. His net worth as per 2023 reports is $60 million.

13. Ryan Hall, American runner

Peter Mooney, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

His half marathon record time (59:43) places him among the renowned Ryans of all time in athletics. He set the record in 2007 in a half marathon event in Houston, Texas. Hence this record made him the first US runner to break the one-hour barrier in half marathons. He was born in Kirkland, Washington on October 14, 1982.

14. Ryan Miller, American ice hockey player

This former ice hockey goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL) is a celebrated Ryan of all time. This is because of his achievements including the rare ranking of winning over 300 games as a goaltender throughout his career.

To add on, Miller played 18 seasons during his NHL career. He also had the opportunity to represent the US in the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver.

Subsequently, he took home a silver medal from the 2010 Olympics as the most valuable player leading to his selection in the team to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. He was born in Michigan on July 17, 1980.

If you wish to meet the greatest hockey players of all time, we got you covered.

15. Ryan Clark, American football player

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Cloys, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This former National Football League (NFL) safety is honored for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins. It’s with the Steelers he received a Super Bowl ring after the team won Super Bowl XLIII. His talent also earned him an entry into 2011’s Pro Bowl. He retired from the NFL in 2015.

On top of that, the athlete has the sickle cell trait condition which caused him a splenic infarction (compromised blood flow to the spleen) in 2007.

Since 2022, he has hosted The Pivot Podcast alongside his buddies Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. They started the podcast in partnership with Shots Podcast Network. His roots trace back to Louisiana where he was born on October 12, 1979.

16. Ryan Dungey, American motorcycle racer

This professional motocross and supercross racer cements his ranking among the most famous Ryans of all time with his national champion records in the sport.  He took part in racing competitions from 2006 to 2017. He then made a return in 2022.

What’s more, he prides himself in at least 8-time championship wins in both motocross and supercross. He was born in Minnesota on December 4, 1989.

17. Ryan Kesler, American ice hockey player

Loxy!! from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

He is a highly regarded former ice hockey center in the National Hockey League (NHL). Hence making him one of the most notable Ryans of all time as an athlete.

Better yet, his position as a two-way forward and aggressive style of play saw him receive the Selke Trophy in 2011. The prize is awarded to the best NHL forward each year.

Kesler started professional play at the junior hockey level. Thus winning titles such as a World U18 Championship gold medal, and a World Junior Championships gold medal.

For most of his career, he played for the Vancouver Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks. In 2010, he won a silver medal at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He was born in Michigan on August 31, 1984.

18. Ryan Sheckler, an American skateboarder

Sheckler is one of the all-time best skateboarders, making him earn a mention in our guide of the most famous Ryans of all time. He became a professional skateboarder at 13 years of age.

While still a teenager, he won a gold medal in the X Games becoming the youngest at the time to win the title. He was listed among the “15 Most Influential Skateboarders of All-Time by Fox. He was born in California on December 30, 1989.

19. Ryan Crouser, American shot putter

Erik van Leeuwen, GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

This athlete is an Olympic gold medalist in shot put and he doubles as a discus thrower. Having set and broken world records in indoor and outdoor shot put, he earns a slot as one of the famed Ryans of all time.

One of his world records is the 2023 outdoor throw of 23.56m or about 77 feet 3 inches. His accolades include the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics gold medal, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal, and many more. He was born in Oregon on December 18, 1992.

20. Ryan Callahan, American ice hockey player

The former ice hockey right winger played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for about 13 seasons. He joined the New York Rangers in 2006 and remained in the team until 2014. From 2011 to 2014, he was captain of his team. In 2014, he shifted camp to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Furthermore, he stands tall as an athlete among the most famous Ryans of all time for representing the United States in several Olympic Games as well as many international plays.

He was diagnosed with degenerative back disease in 2019 which ended his active play. Following his illness, he proceeded to serve as a studio and game analyst on ESPN for the National Hockey League. He was born in New York on March 21, 1985.

Who Invented Hockey? Take a trip through the game’s history.

These most famous Ryans of all time make the name Ryan a symbol of excellence and impact. From our screens to the sports arena each of these Ryans displays their unique skill as an actor or athlete establishing them as powerhouses in their professions.