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Ryan Merriman
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Ryan Earl Merriman (born April 10, 1983)[1] is an American actor. He began his career at the age of ten and has appeared in several feature films and television shows. He is best known for a handful of Disney Channel original movies and for portraying Jake Pierce in The Ring Two, Kevin Fischer in Final Destination 3, and Ian Thomas in Pretty Little Liars.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Merriman was born in Choctaw, Oklahoma, the son of Earl and Nonalyn Merriman.[2] He has a sister named Monica. At a young age, he began acting in commercials, print work, vocal performances, and local theater (Stage Struck Studios) in Oklahoma.
Career
[edit]Merriman's first major role was on the television series The Mommies, which ran from 1993 to 1995. He stated in a 1999 interview alongside Bobbie Wygant that he auditioned for the lead role in North (1994) before Elijah Wood was cast in 1993.[3] During the 1990s, he appeared in most episodes of The Pretender as a younger version of Jarod, the series' main character. He has starred in several television films, including Smart House, The Luck of the Irish, and as a young Meyer Lansky in Lansky. He appeared in the 1999 feature film The Deep End of the Ocean, playing the lost son of Michelle Pfeiffer's character, and subsequently starred as the main character, a Jewish boy from the Bronx, in the 2000 film Just Looking. In 2002, he played Adam Eddington in another Disney Channel original movie, A Ring of Endless Light. He then returned to television roles, appearing in Dangerous Child, Taken, and Smallville.
Merriman's other roles include the horror films Halloween: Resurrection (2002), The Ring Two (2005), and Final Destination 3 (2006). He starred in Home of the Giants, a high school drama. He appeared in the CBS miniseries Comanche Moon in January 2008. He played Henry Dunn in the original pilot presentation for Harper's Island, but was replaced by Christopher Gorham when the series was picked up by CBS. From 2010 to 2014, Merriman portrayed Ian Thomas on ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars. In 2012, he starred as Dennis Mack in the 16th episode of Season 2 in Hawaii Five-0.
Dwight Little wanted Merriman to play Jin Kazama in his film Tekken, but Merriman turned it down. He starred in the Hallmark Channel original movie Elevator Girl as Jonathan, a successful young lawyer who finds himself falling for a free-spirited young woman who is way below his pay grade. In 2011, he appeared as linebacker Jon Abbate in The 5th Quarter, a film about the 2006 football season of Wake Forest University.
Personal life
[edit]Merriman was married to Micol Duncan from 2004 to 2011. On January 1, 2012, he became engaged to Kristen McMullen.[4] They were married in September 2014.[5] Their daughter Chloe was born in July 2018 and their son Jack was born in 2023.
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Deep End of the Ocean | Benjamin "Ben" Cappadora / Sam Karras - Age 12 | Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actor |
| Just Looking | Lenny Levine | Nominated — Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actor | |
| 2002 | Halloween: Resurrection | Myles "Deckard" Barton | |
| 2003 | Spin | Eddie Haley | |
| 2005 | Rings | Jake Pierce | Short film |
| The Ring Two | |||
| 2006 | Final Destination 3 | Kevin Fischer | |
| 2007 | Home of the Giants | Matt Morrison | |
| 2009 | Wild Cherry | Stanford | |
| 2011 | The 5th Quarter | Jon Abbate | |
| 2012 | Cheesecake Casserole | Andy | |
| Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader | Kyle | ||
| My Hometown | Rick Dickson | ||
| 2013 | Dose of Reality | Matt | |
| 42 | Dixie Walker | ||
| 2015 | The Last Rescue | Paratrooper Griggs | |
| 2016 | The Congressman | Jared Barnes | |
| A Sunday Horse | Jonathan Collier | ||
| Domain | Denver | ||
| Fortune Cookie | Bryce | ||
| 2018 | The Jurassic Games | The Host | |
| 2019 | Portal | Steven | |
| 2020 | Robot Riot | Main Role | Amazon Prime |
| 2024 | Model House | The Neighbor |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1995 | The Mommies | Blake Kellogg | Main role, 30 episodes Nominated — Young Artist Award for Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series |
| 1995 | The Client | Jeff Dietrich | Episode: "The Way Things Were" |
| 1996–2000 | The Pretender | Young Jarod / Gemini | Main role, 50 episodes Nominated — Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Supporting Young Actor (1997) Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Drama Series – Supporting Young Actor (1998, 1999) |
| 1997 | What's Right With America | Todd Gordon | Television film |
| 1998 | Everything That Rises | Nathan Clay | Television film Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie/Pilot/Mini-Series or Series – Leading Young Actor |
| 1999 | Night Ride Home | Justin | Television film |
| Smart House | Ben Cooper | Disney Channel Original Movie | |
| Lansky | Meyer Lansky | Television film | |
| 2000 | Rocket's Red Glare | Todd Baker | |
| 2001 | The Luck of the Irish | Kyle Johnson | Disney Channel Original Movie |
| Touched by an Angel | Jason Harris | Episode: "Visions of thy Father" | |
| Dangerous Child | Jack Cambridge | Television film Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie or Special – Leading Young Actor | |
| 2002 | Taken | Sam Crawford | Episode: "Acid Tests" Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Special – Supporting Young Actor |
| A Ring of Endless Light | Adam Eddington | Disney Channel Original Movie | |
| 2003–2004 | Veritas: The Quest | Nikko Zond | Main role, 13 episodes |
| 2004 | Smallville | Jason Dante | Episode: "Velocity" |
| 2005 | The Colt | Jim Rabb | Television film (Hallmark) |
| 2008 | Comanche Moon | Jake Spoon | 3 episodes |
| Backwoods | Adam | Television film | |
| 2010 | Elevator Girl | Johnathan | |
| 2010–2014 | Pretty Little Liars | Ian Thomas | Recurring role, 16 episodes |
| 2012 | Hawaii Five-0 | Dennis Mack | Episode: "I Helu Pu" |
| 2013 | Independence Daysaster | Pete Garsette | Television film |
| 2015 | Ballers | Frat Boy | Episode: Pilot |
| How Not to Propose | Travis | Television film | |
| 2019 | A Christmas Movie Christmas | Dustin |
References
[edit]- ^ "Which Oklahoma celebrity shares your birthday?". Tulsa World. August 5, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
- ^ "'Elevator Girl' lifts Oklahoma actor's career- LexisNexis-Professional Journal archives from AllBusiness.com".
- ^ Ryan Merriman "Deep End Of The Ocean" 1999 - Bobbie Wygant Archive. September 23, 2024. Event occurs at 0:50. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
- ^ "Ryan Merriman of Pretty Little Liars Is Engaged to Kristen McMullen! - Us Weekly". April 10, 2013.
- ^ "Ryan Merriman formally announces engagement, plans September 2014 wedding | News OK". Archived from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
Ryan Merriman
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early years
Childhood and family background
Ryan Merriman was born Ryan Earl Merriman on April 10, 1983, in Choctaw, Oklahoma.[8][9] He is the son of Earl Merriman and Nona Merriman, who raised him in the rural outskirts of Choctaw, a small town near Oklahoma City.[8][10][9] The family resided on 13 acres of land, providing a spacious, close-knit environment typical of Oklahoma's suburban-rural communities during his early years.[10] Merriman has one sibling, an older sister named Monika (sometimes spelled Monica).[9][11] Merriman graduated from Choctaw High School in 2001. Little is documented about specific childhood activities or influences unrelated to his later career, though his upbringing in Choctaw emphasized family ties and the rhythms of small-town life before the family eventually relocated to California to support his professional pursuits.[10][9]Beginnings in acting
Ryan Merriman began his acting career in his hometown of Choctaw, Oklahoma, where he started performing at a young age, including modeling from around six years old and appearing in commercials, print advertisements, vocal performances, and local theater productions by age eight.[3][11][12] These early experiences, often through local venues like Stage Struck Studios, provided his initial training in acting and performance.[13] At age ten, Merriman auditioned for and landed a recurring role as Adam Larsen on the NBC sitcom The Mommies, which premiered in September 1993, marking his first major on-screen television appearance.[14][15] To accommodate the show's production, his family planned to relocate from Oklahoma to Los Angeles if it was renewed for a second season, a move supported by his parents to further his opportunities in the industry; the series was indeed picked up, leading to the family's relocation in 1994.[14] Following the move, Merriman continued building his early resume with guest appearances, including an episode of the action series Renegade in 1995, where he played young Reno Raines. He was represented by agent Kay Lynn Tipton out of Dallas during this period, which helped secure these initial television gigs alongside his ongoing work in commercials and print modeling.[16]Acting career
Early roles and breakthrough
Ryan Merriman's entry into prominent teenage roles began with his debut in the Disney Channel Original Movie Smart House in 1999, where he portrayed Ben Cooper, the skeptical teenage son who wins a high-tech smart home that spirals into chaos. This role, at age 16, marked his breakthrough in family-oriented fantasy programming and solidified his status as a rising child actor within the Disney ecosystem, exposing him to a wide young audience through the network's popular format. That same year, Merriman took on his first leading role in a feature film with Just Looking, a coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Jason Alexander, playing Lenny Levine, a 14-year-old boy in 1955 Bronx navigating puberty and family tensions through voyeuristic escapades. The film provided an early opportunity for dramatic depth, showcasing Merriman's ability to handle nuanced emotional and humorous elements in a period setting, distinct from his lighter Disney fare.[17] Merriman's shift toward more serious roles was evident in his portrayal of young Meyer Lansky in the HBO biographical drama Lansky (1999), a character based on the real-life Jewish mobster's early years, spanning ages 12 to 14 amid rising antisemitism and street crime in New York. This performance, opposite Richard Dreyfuss as the adult Lansky, highlighted his capacity for historical authenticity and intensity, transitioning him from whimsical teen parts to grounded, character-driven narratives inspired by true events.[18][19] As a young actor moving from child to teen roles during this period, Merriman faced typical industry hurdles, including the pressure to prove versatility beyond initial typecasting in family entertainment. In a 2010 interview, he reflected on the transition, stating, "When you transition from being a child actor to an adult actor, it's rife with a lot of challenges. Most of it stems from trying to convince people you can do more mature roles." These experiences, built on a foundation of early commercial work starting at age eight, underscored his determination to evolve amid the competitive landscape of adolescent Hollywood.[20]Major film appearances
Merriman's transition to major film roles in young adulthood began with his portrayal of Jake, a troubled teenager affected by the supernatural events in The Ring Two (2005), the sequel to the successful horror remake that further established the franchise's prominence in the genre through its exploration of psychological terror and viral curses.[21] The film earned mixed critical reception, with a Metacritic score of 44 indicating divided opinions on its pacing and scares, but it achieved commercial success, grossing $161 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, contributing to the series' recognition as one of the highest-grossing horror remakes.[22][23] Building on this momentum, Merriman took on the lead role of Kevin Fischer in Final Destination 3 (2006), the third installment in the slasher franchise known for its elaborate death sequences and themes of inescapable fate, where his character teams up with a high school student to evade supernatural retribution following a roller coaster disaster. Critics gave the film a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising the inventive kills but critiquing the formulaic plot, while it performed strongly at the box office with $112 million worldwide on a $25 million budget, solidifying the series' cult status.[24][25] Merriman's performance was highlighted for its chemistry with co-star Mary Elizabeth Winstead, often cited as a high point in the franchise's ensemble dynamics.[26] In the years following, Merriman diversified his roles with supporting parts in varied genres, including his depiction of Dixie Walker, a Dodgers teammate initially resistant to Jackie Robinson's integration, in the biographical drama 42 (2013), which chronicled baseball's civil rights milestone and earned widespread acclaim for its inspirational narrative, achieving an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and grossing over $95 million domestically on a $40 million budget.[27] These appearances underscored Merriman's versatility across horror, sports biography, and drama, building on his foundational Disney work to establish a broader presence in mainstream cinema.Television and recent work
Merriman gained prominence for his recurring role as Ian Thomas, a manipulative antagonist and husband to Spencer Hastings' sister Melissa, on the ABC Family/Freeform series Pretty Little Liars from 2010 to 2014.[28] His portrayal contributed to the show's exploration of mystery and teen drama, with Ian's on-screen death marking one of the series' rare explicit killings, enhancing its reputation for shocking twists that captivated audiences during its peak popularity.[29] Following Pretty Little Liars, Merriman appeared in various episodic television roles, including a guest spot as Dennis Mack on Hawaii Five-0 in 2012, showcasing his versatility in procedural dramas.[30] He continued with supporting parts in shows, often playing authoritative figures that drew on his established screen presence. In recent years, Merriman has shifted toward independent films and streaming projects, reflecting a focus on character-driven narratives outside mainstream studio productions. This evolution is evident in his role as FBI Agent Brett Solomon in the 2022 crime thriller Out of Exile, directed by Kyle Kauwika Harris and filmed primarily in Oklahoma over 20 Screen Actors Guild union days.[31] The film, which premiered at the deadCenter Film Festival where it won Best Oklahoma Feature, received praise for its gritty ensemble performances, including Merriman's contribution to the tense cat-and-mouse plot involving a paroled ex-con.[32] In 2024, he starred in the horror-thriller Model House, directed by Derek Pike, where he portrayed a key figure in a story of models terrorized by intruders during a photoshoot retreat.[33] The low-budget production, released to select theaters and digital platforms in April 2024, garnered mixed reviews for its suspenseful setup but was critiqued for underdeveloped characters and predictable tropes.[34] Merriman also voiced Major Allen Hill in the animated short Walk in the Light (2024), which recounts a story related to the Oklahoma City Bombing.[35] As of November 2025, Merriman remains active in acting, with credits including the upcoming feature Diamond Rose (2025), where he plays Tyson.[36] His career trajectory underscores a deliberate move toward diverse, smaller-scale productions that leverage his experience from earlier high-profile roles.Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Merriman married his high school sweetheart, Micol Duncan, on June 25, 2004.[8] The couple remained together for seven years before divorcing in August 2011.[8] No public statements regarding the reasons for their separation have been made by either party. Shortly after the divorce, Merriman began dating Kristen McMullen. He proposed to her on January 1, 2013, during a vacation in New Zealand.[37] The pair wed on September 5, 2014, in an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends.[38] In announcing their engagement in 2013, Merriman shared his devotion, noting, "You know it's her day... I'd marry her on a beach. I don't care. We could go to Vegas. But she's a very classy one."[37] Merriman and McMullen have one child together, a daughter born in the years following their marriage.[39] The family has kept details of their home life private, with no public comments on co-parenting or daily routines disclosed as of 2025.[39]Interests and current residence
Merriman is an avid golfer who frequently participates in the sport as a leisure activity, often sharing updates about rounds and tournaments on social media. He has expressed enjoyment in outdoor pursuits, including boating, wakeboarding, camping, and fishing, which reflect his affinity for nature and active lifestyles. A dedicated dog lover, Merriman has owned multiple Rottweilers, including three as noted in a 2010 interview where he discussed spending time with his pets alongside family. His Instagram profile highlights this passion, describing himself as a "Dog lover" and featuring posts that celebrate canine companionship.[40][41] Born and raised in Choctaw, Oklahoma, Merriman maintains deep roots in the state, frequently returning for family visits and local events such as barbecues and fireworks celebrations in Oklahoma City. While pursuing his acting career, he has resided in the Los Angeles area since the mid-2000s, renting an apartment there as of 2008, though he continues to consider Oklahoma his home base for personal time. As of 2025, no public updates indicate a change in his primary residence, with his social media emphasizing a "country boy" lifestyle tied to Oklahoma traditions.[10][42][8][41] On social media platforms like Instagram, Merriman posts about his country lifestyle, including golf outings and pet moments, interspersed with occasional acting project updates, providing followers with glimpses into his off-screen pursuits.[41]Filmography
Film roles
Merriman's film roles span a variety of genres, from drama to horror and action.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Deep End of the Ocean | Sam Karras |
| 1999 | Just Looking | Lenny Levine |
| 2002 | Halloween: Resurrection | Myles Barton |
| 2005 | The Ring Two | Jake |
| 2006 | Final Destination 3 | Kevin Fischer |
| 2007 | 88 Minutes | Eric Kramer |
| 2008 | The Strangers | Jesse |
| 2009 | Home of the Giants | Matt Dunbar |
| 2009 | Wild Cherry | Stanford |
| 2010 | The 5th Quarter | Jon Abbate |
| 2012 | Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader | Kyle |
| 2013 | 42 | Dixie Walker[43] |
| 2015 | The Last Rescue | Paratrooper Griggs[44] |
| 2016 | A Sunday Horse | Jonathan Collier[45] |
| 2016 | Domain | Denver[46] |
| 2016 | The Congressman | Jared Barnes[47] |
| 2018 | The Jurassic Games | Jurassic Player |
| 2019 | Portal | Steven[48] |
| 2020 | Robot Riot | Shane |
| 2022 | Out of Exile | Agent Brett Solomon |
| 2023 | The Haunting of Dalva House | Daniel |
| 2023 | The Killing Ground | Lincoln[49] |
| 2024 | Walk in the Light | Major Allen Hill[50] |
| 2024 | Model House | Neighbor |
| 2025 | Diamond Rose | Tyson[51] |
Television roles
Merriman's television appearances span series, miniseries, and made-for-TV films, beginning in his childhood and continuing through recurring and guest roles in major network and cable productions.- 1993–1995: The Mommies (TV series) as Blake Kellogg, series regular (30 episodes).[52]
- 1996–2000: The Pretender (TV series) as Young Jarod, recurring role (50 episodes).[53]
- 1998: Everything That Rises (TV movie) as Nathan Clay.
- 1999: Night Ride Home (TV movie) as Jeff Taylor.
- 1999: Lansky (TV movie) as Young Meyer Lansky.[54]
- 1999: Smart House (TV movie) as Ben Cooper.
- 2001: Dangerous Child (TV movie) as Jack Cambridge.[55]
- 2001: The Luck of the Irish (TV movie) as Kyle Johnson.
- 2001: Rocket's Redglare (TV movie) as Todd Baker.
- 2002: Ring of Endless Light (TV movie) as Adam Eddington.
- 2002: Taken (TV miniseries) as Adult Sam Crawford, recurring role (5 episodes).[56]
- 2003–2004: Veritas: The Quest (TV series) as Nikko Zond, main role (13 episodes).[57]
- 2004: Smallville (TV series) as Jason Dante, guest role (1 episode: "Velocity").
- 2008: Comanche Moon (TV miniseries) as Jake Spoon, recurring role (3 episodes).[58]
- 2008: Backwoods (TV movie) as Matt.[59]
- 2010: Elevator Girl (TV movie) as Jonathan MacIntyre.
- 2010–2014: Pretty Little Liars (TV series) as Ian Thomas, recurring role (16 episodes).
- 2012: Hawaii Five-0 (TV series) as Dennis Mack, guest role (1 episode: "I Helu Pu").[60]
- 2019: A Christmas Movie Christmas (TV movie) as Dustin.