Meghan Ory
She brought a sharp, modern edge to classic fairy tale characters, becoming a fan favorite on a globally popular fantasy series.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Canadian television and film actress·Birthday: August 20·Millennials
Biography
Meghan Ory grew up on Vancouver Island, Canada, and began acting as a child, landing her first major role in the teen series 'Big Wolf on Campus.' Her career trajectory shifted dramatically when she was cast as Ruby, a diner waitress with a secret identity as Little Red Riding Hood, on ABC's 'Once Upon a Time.' Ory's portrayal, blending vulnerability with a tough exterior, resonated deeply with audiences and anchored her in the show's sprawling mythology for multiple seasons. This role opened doors to leading parts in series like the tech-thriller 'Intelligence' opposite Josh Holloway and, later, as the central figure Abby O'Brien in Hallmark's long-running family drama 'Chesapeake Shores.' Ory has built a consistent career by choosing characters with emotional depth, seamlessly moving between network genre hits and heartfelt cable dramas, and establishing a lasting connection with a dedicated viewership.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Meghan was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Meghan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Meghan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the series regular role of Ruby/Red Riding Hood on ABC's hit fantasy drama 'Once Upon a Time' for three seasons.
- Starred as lead character Abby O'Brien for all six seasons of the Hallmark Channel series 'Chesapeake Shores.'
- Landed a co-leading role in the CBS sci-fi drama 'Intelligence' alongside 'Lost' star Josh Holloway.
Did You Know?
She is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
She performed many of her own stunts on 'Once Upon a Time,' including wire work.
Her first acting credit was in a 1999 episode of the Canadian series 'The Famous Jett Jackson.'
She is married to actor John Reardon, with whom she has two children.
“I'm drawn to characters who have a secret they're trying to keep.”
