Date of Birth

10 April 1983, Choctaw, Oklahoma, USA

Birth Name

Ryan Earl Merriman

Nickname

Ry Guy Hollywood

Height

6' 1" (1.85 m)

Mini Biography

At twenty-five, actor Ryan Merriman has already developed an extensive list of film and television credits, which have enabled him to work with some of Hollywood's most respected actors. With 14 years in the business he now has 21 films and three television series to his credit and is well recognized and respected in the industry. Merriman began his career at the age of eight doing commercials, print work, vocal performances, and local theater in his home state of Oklahoma. A call from Rob Riener took him to LA to audition for the film "North". Unable to decide between Merriman and Elijah Wood for the role, he ended up in LA for 10 days waiting on a decision. It was the height of pilot season, and although he did not book the film, Merriman landed his first series lead role in "The Mommies" for NBC in 1994 and has had a successful and steady career ever since. Merriman and his family elected to stay in Oklahoma and not make the move to LA, which served him well. To this day Merriman still maintains a home in Oklahoma, but keeps a small place in LA too. He is active in numerous state and local charity organizations and actively supports state efforts to bring film production to Oklahoma. Merriman was recently 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 rotweillers. In his free time Merriman enjoys being home in Oklahoma with his family and friends, boating, wake boarding, camping, fishing and hunting.

Born to Earl and Nonalyn Merriman, he has an older sister, Monika, who lives and works in New Zealand as a Marine Scientist and teaches genetics and marine biology at a university in Auckland. He was married on June 25, 2004 to Micol, who was his high school sweetheart. Merriman's talent has already been recognized by many organizations that award the talent of young performers. 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.

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

Spouse

Micol (25 June 2004 - present)

Trivia

Hobbies: in-line skating, four-wheel and dirt bikes, team sports, water sports, horseback riding, British accents, American regional accents, martial arts, tournament-level paint ball, skiing, and snowboarding.

Ryan actively supports the Infant Crisis Services of Oklahoma, an independent, non-profit support network for families with infants in need. Merriman is also involved with Eagle Mount, an organization that offers riding, skiing, camp programs, and other special activities for disabled children in Bozeman, Montana.

Has 5 dogs. Four rotweillers and a German Shepard mix.

Born to Earl and Nona Merriman, he has an older sister, Monika, who lives and works in New Zealand as a Marine Scientist. His father's family is originally from Germany, while his mother is of English and Scottish descent.

Where Are They Now

(October 2002) Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Filmed 13 initial episodes for "Veritas: The Quest" (2003), an mid-season replacement that aired January 2003 on ABC.

(February 2004) Appeared as Jason Dante in an episode of "Smallville" (2001).

(June 2005) Completed filming Final Destination 3 (2006), which was released in Febuary.

(August 2006) Just got done filming Pick-Up shots for his new movie Home Of The Giants (2006)

~ Updated: 2008-09-02 ~