Ryan Merriman
A familiar face from childhood, he grew up on screen, starring in a string of popular Disney Channel movies before tackling darker roles in horror franchises.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American actor·Birthday: April 10·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Merriman began working as an actor at age ten, quickly becoming a staple for young audiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was the charming lead in a series of Disney Channel Original Movies like 'The Luck of the Irish' and 'Smart House,' projects that cemented his status as a teen star. As he aged, Merriman deliberately pivoted toward genre work, landing memorable parts in horror sequels such as 'The Ring Two' and 'Final Destination 3.' This shift demonstrated his willingness to explore darker material and connect with an older fanbase. While often working in television guest spots and independent films, he maintained a steady presence, known for his reliability and the grounded quality he brought to both heroic and troubled characters.
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 1983, 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 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred in multiple popular Disney Channel Original Movies, including 'The Luck of the Irish' and 'Smart House'.
- Played key roles in major horror film sequels 'The Ring Two' and 'Final Destination 3'.
- Appeared in over 20 television series, including a recurring role on 'Pretty Little Liars' as Ian Thomas.
- Began his professional acting career as a child, appearing in commercials and the series 'The Pretender'.
Did You Know?
He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing.
He was a competitive rodeo rider in his youth.
He is a licensed pilot.
He married his longtime girlfriend, hairstylist Mindy Merriman, in 2013.
“I grew up on set, learning that the work is more real than the fame.”
