Ryan Guzman
A dancer turned actor who found his breakout role as a first responder in a hit television drama after leading a film dance franchise.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American actor·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Guzman landed the lead role in 'Step Up Revolution' in 2012, finding his first major break through dance. The former mixed martial arts athlete, born in 1987, brought athletic power to the franchise's style. He reprised his role in the next sequel, then pivoted to broader range, starring opposite Jennifer Lopez in the thriller 'The Boy Next Door.' In 2018, he joined the cast of '9-1-1' as firefighter Eddie Diaz. This role blended physicality with emotional depth, exploring a character dealing with PTSD and single fatherhood. Guzman's path from MMA to dance to television demonstrates a strategic shift toward dramatic work.
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.
Ryan was born in 1987, 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 Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Stars as firefighter Edmundo 'Eddie' Diaz on the Fox/ABC television series '9-1-1', a role he began playing in 2018.
- Played the lead male role of Sean Asa in the dance films 'Step Up Revolution' (2012) and 'Step Up: All In' (2014).
- Starred as the male lead opposite Jennifer Lopez in the 2015 psychological thriller 'The Boy Next Door'.
- Portrayed a series regular role in the second season of the anthology series 'The Night Shift' on NBC.
Did You Know?
He is a trained mixed martial artist and initially aspired to fight professionally before pursuing acting.
He is of Mexican descent on his father's side.
He was a competitive baseball player in his youth and also practiced Taekwondo.
He guest-starred on the television series 'Pretty Little Liars' in 2013.
“I traded the octagon for the dance floor, and both require the same discipline.”
