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Ryan Phillippe
Ryan Phillippe
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Matthew Ryan Phillippe (/ˈfɪlɪpi/ FIL-ip-ee;[citation needed] born September 10, 1974)[1] is an American actor. After appearing as Billy Douglas on the soap opera One Life to Live (1992–1993) and making his feature film debut in Crimson Tide (1995), he came to prominence in the late 1990s with starring roles in I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), 54 (1998), Playing by Heart (1998), and Cruel Intentions (1999).

Key Information

Throughout the 2000s and beyond, Phillippe took on a range of parts in films such as The Way of the Gun (2000), Antitrust (2001), Gosford Park (2001), Igby Goes Down (2002), The I Inside (2003), Crash (2004), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Breach (2007), Stop-Loss (2008), MacGruber (2010), The Bang Bang Club (2010), and The Lincoln Lawyer (2011).

Outside of film, Phillippe appeared in the lead role of Bob Lee Swagger on USA Network's Shooter (2016–2018) and reprised his portrayal of Dixon Piper in the Peacock adaptation of MacGruber (2021).

Early life

[edit]

Phillippe was born in New Castle, Delaware.[2] His mother, Susan, ran a day care center in the family's house; his father, Richard Phillippe, was a chemist. Phillippe has three sisters,[3] and is of part French descent.[4] He graduated from Barbizon in Wilmington, Delaware.[5][6]

Phillippe earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do in his youth.[7]

Career

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Early career (1990–1996)

[edit]

Phillippe's acting career began after being signed to Cathy Parker Management in Voorhees, New Jersey. Shortly after, he made an appearance in the ABC daytime drama One Life to Live. His character, Billy Douglas, whom he played from 1992 to 1993, was the first gay teenager on a daytime soap opera.[8] After leaving the show, Phillippe moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared in a number of small parts in various television series including Matlock, Due South, the TV miniseries The Secrets of Lake Success, and movies, including the 1995 film Crimson Tide and the 1996 film White Squall.

Rise to prominence (1997–2001)

[edit]

He was cast in the 1997 horror film, I Know What You Did Last Summer. The film was a success and led to Phillippe gaining wider renown and being cast in a few more high-profile films, including 54 and Playing by Heart in 1998. In 1999, he starred in Cruel Intentions, a modern retelling of the Choderlos de Laclos novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, which also starred Phillippe's future wife, Reese Witherspoon. It was a success among its intended teenage audience, cementing Phillippe's ability to play characters that require sex appeal. Phillippe can also be seen in the Marcy Playground music video "Comin' Up From Behind", which appears on the film's soundtrack. In the years following, he appeared in the crime drama The Way of the Gun, starred as a famed software engineer in the thriller Antitrust, and co-starred in Robert Altman's Gosford Park, which was nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture.

Critical success and later work (2002–2011)

[edit]
A blonde man in a suit looks away from the camera
Phillippe at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival

Phillippe had supporting parts in the films Igby Goes Down (2002) and Crash (2005), which won the Best Picture Oscar. His 2003 film The I Inside premiered on cable. In 2006, Phillippe played real-life Navy corpsman John Bradley in the war film Flags of Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood and following the journey of the United States Marines who lifted the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Phillippe has said that the film was the "best experience" of his career because of its "personal meaning" to him[9] and that he would have "given [his] life" to fight in World War II, noting that both of his grandfathers fought in the war.[10] His performance was positively received by film critic Richard Roeper, who thought it was Phillippe's best to date.[11] Phillippe's next role was in the thriller Breach, in which he played FBI investigator Eric O'Neill opposite Chris Cooper. He has since commented that he believes Cooper to be "the best actor America has to offer".[12] He then starred in Chaos, in which he plays a police officer; Five Fingers, a drama set in Morocco; Kimberly Peirce's Iraq war film Stop-Loss; and the futuristic Franklyn.

Next up for Phillippe was a rare comedic role as Lt. Dixon Piper in MacGruber, a film based on the Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit of the same name. It was released in the U.S. and Canada on May 21, 2010.[13][14] As part of the film's promotion, Phillippe made his SNL hosting debut on April 17, 2010.[15] Two days later, on April 19, 2010, Phillippe co-hosted WWE Raw, also in support of MacGruber.[16] That same year, Phillippe starred in the Canadian and South African production The Bang-Bang Club, which tells the real-life story of the Bang-Bang Club, four South African photographers whose images documented the bloody end of apartheid.[17] Phillippe stars as Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Greg Marinovich. Filming for the movie took place in South Africa beginning in March 2009. Phillippe described the filming process as "really run-and-gun. There were no comforts, and I actually appreciate that." He noted that the experience affected him, explaining that "we were shooting during the day in Soweto, and it was an endless procession of funerals — death is so common. Kids there have no quality of life. It has made me want to get more involved in Africa-based charities."[7] An early cut of the film was shown at Cannes Film Festival in May 2009,[18] with the final version shown at Cannes in May 2010.[19] The film officially premiered in September 2010 at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. The U.S. rights to the movie were picked up by Tribeca Film,[20] which premiered the movie at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival and opened it in limited release on April 22, 2011.[21]

In mid-2010, Phillippe began filming the adaptation of popular crime novel The Lincoln Lawyer, taking on the role of Louis Roulet, a wealthy Los Angeles playboy accused of a crime for which his culpability is unclear. The movie opened on March 18, 2011,[22] and was generally well received by critics, scoring 82% on Rotten Tomatoes as of late March 2011.[23] Phillippe filmed his next project, the heist action film Setup, in December 2010 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.[24] The movie focuses on a group of young men from Detroit whose attempt at a diamond heist goes awry and brings them into conflict with a mob boss.[25] The movie had a straight-to-DVD release on September 20, 2011.[26] Phillippe next filmed the dramatic dark comedy Revenge for Jolly! in mid-2011. The movie, which tells the story of a man set on finding his dog's murderer, premiered at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.[27][28] Phillippe subsequently began work on another movie, Straight A's, in August 2011.[29] Filmed in Shreveport, Louisiana, it stars Phillippe as a man who has been in and out of rehab for years and is now haunted by his mother's ghost.[30]

Return to television and focus on directing and producing (2012–present)

[edit]

Starting in November 2011, Phillippe spent several months filming a 10-episode arc on the fifth and final season of the critically acclaimed TV show Damages.[31][32][33] Playing Channing McClaren, a Julian Assange–like character,[34] it was his first regular TV role since his breakout part on One Life to Live.[35] The season aired from July to September 2012.[36][37][38] In 2012, Phillippe focused on his directorial debut, Catch Hell, an indie thriller in which Phillippe stars as a fading film actor who must devise a creative escape after he is kidnapped and tortured while making a movie in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to directing, co-producing, and starring in the film, Phillippe co-wrote the script with Joe Gossett.[39][40] Phillippe has said that the film is based partly on his and his friends's life experiences (including the filming of Straight A's in Shreveport in 2011) but is partly meant to be "a fun scary movie in the vein of Misery". Filming took place on location in Shreveport in the fourth quarter of 2012.[41] The movie was released on October 10, 2014.[42][43]

In October 2013, Phillippe began filming the action thriller Reclaim in Puerto Rico. The movie features Phillippe as an American man who travels to Puerto Rico with his wife to adopt an orphan from Haiti. After a confrontation with a local, the child vanishes.[44][45] Reclaim was released on September 19, 2014.[46] In May 2014, ABC picked up the pilot for Secrets and Lies, which was shot in Charlotte, North Carolina, in early 2014.[47] The 10-episode mystery series debuted on March 1, 2015, as a midseason entry during the 2014–15 U.S. television season. It is based on the Australian series of the same name, with Phillippe playing a family man who becomes a prime murder suspect after he discovers the body of a child.[48] Phillippe was also attached to a number of possible future film roles, including Chronicle, a film that was to have been directed by Jay Alaimo that would have seen him in a story "about two childhood friends who reunite to launch the biggest marijuana dealership in New York City".[49]

Phillippe, Breckin Meyer, Seth Green, and David E. Siegal run a production company called Lucid Films.[10] In 2010, Phillippe and Meyer began "getting a show going for Showtime", serving as executive producers.[7] The comedy, Heavy and Rolling, tells the story of a Manhattan towncar driver who assumes different identities as he moves towards madness.[50] Phillippe also served as executive producer and narrator on Isolated, a documentary that follows five surfers as they travel to remote New Guinea in search of untouched waves.[51][52] The documentary premiered in January 2013 at the 2013 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.[53][54]

In 2015, Phillippe was cast in the lead role of Bob Lee Swagger on the USA Network thriller drama series Shooter, which premiered in November 2016.[55] In February 2020, Phillippe was announced in the role of Cody Hoyt in the ABC crime drama series Big Sky, which was created by David E. Kelley.[56] In 2021, Phillipe starred in One Shot, a British action thriller film directed by James Nunn.[57]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1997, Phillippe met actress Reese Witherspoon at a party for her 21st birthday.[58] The following year, the pair starred together in Cruel Intentions. Phillippe and Witherspoon, who was six months pregnant, married on June 5, 1999, in a small ceremony at the Old Wide Awake Plantation near Charleston, South Carolina.[59] Their daughter was born in 1999[60][59][61] and their son was born in 2003.[62] On October 30, 2006, Phillippe and Witherspoon released a statement announcing that they were formally separating.[63] Witherspoon filed for divorce on November 8, 2006, citing irreconcilable differences as the cause.[64] In light of the couple's lack of a prenuptial agreement, she requested that the court refuse to grant spousal support to Phillippe and asked for joint legal custody and sole physical custody of the pair's two children. Phillippe filed for joint physical custody of the children on May 15, 2007, and did not seek any spousal support.[65] The couple's marriage officially ended on October 5, 2007, with final divorce arrangements settled on June 13, 2008, according to court documents. Phillippe and Witherspoon shared joint custody of their children.[66]

Phillippe began dating model and actress Alexis Knapp in May 2010;[67] they ended their relationship in September that same year.[68] After their breakup, Knapp discovered that she was pregnant by Phillippe and gave birth to a daughter in 2011.[69][70] Phillippe began dating law student Paulina Slagter in 2011.[71] They became engaged in 2015 but ended their relationship in 2016.[72] In March 2017, Slagter filed a harassment report with the LAPD after Phillippe had been harassing her via text messages.[73] In September 2017, Elsie Hewitt, an ex-girlfriend of Phillippe, filed a lawsuit against him for allegedly punching her, kicking her, and throwing her down stairs.[74] Hewitt was granted an Emergency Protective Order by the LAPD stating Phillippe could not come within 100 yards (91 m) of her.[75] In October 2019, the case was settled.[76]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1995 Crimson Tide Seaman Grattam
1996 Lifeform Private Ryan
White Squall Gil Martin
1997 I Know What You Did Last Summer Barry William Cox
Little Boy Blue Jimmy West
Nowhere Shad
1998 54 Shane O'Shea
Homegrown Harlan Dykstra
Playing by Heart Keenan
1999 Cruel Intentions Sebastian Valmont
2000 Company Man Rudolph Petrov
The Way of the Gun Parker
2001 Antitrust Milo Hoffman
Gosford Park Henry Denton
2002 Igby Goes Down Ollie Slocumb
2004 Crash Tommy Hansen
2005 Chaos Shane Dekker
2006 Five Fingers Martijn
Flags of Our Fathers John "Doc" Bradley
2007 Breach Eric O'Neill
2008 Stop-Loss Brandon Leonard King
2009 Franklyn Jonathan Preest / David Esser
2010 MacGruber Dixon Piper
2011 The Bang Bang Club Greg Marinovich
The Lincoln Lawyer Louis Roulet
Revenge for Jolly! Everett Bachmeier
Setup Vincent
2013 Straight A's Scott
2014 Catch Hell Reagan Pearce Also writer, director and producer
Reclaim Steven Mayer
2015 Return to Sender UPS delivery guy Cameo
2017 Wish Upon Jonathan Shannon
2020 Brothers by Blood Charley Flood
The 2nd Vic Davis Also producer
2021 Lady of the Manor Tanner Wadsworth
One Shot Jack Yorke
2022 American Murderer Lance Leising
Collide Hunter
Summit Fever Leo
2023 The Locksmith Miller Graham
Miranda's Victim John J. Flynn
2024 Prey Andrew
Saint Clare Timmons

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992–1993 One Life to Live Billy Douglas
1993 The Secrets of Lake Success Stew Atkins Miniseries
1994 The Case of the Grimacing Governor Robert Fowler Television film
Due South Del Porter Episode: "The Gift of the Wheelman"
Matlock Michael Episode: "The Scandal"
1995 Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare Tom Redman Television film
1996 Chicago Hope David Holgren Episode: "Women on the Verge"
The Outer Limits Rusty Dobson Episode: "Straight and Narrow"
2000 King of the Hill Wally Voice role; episode: "Twas the Nut Before Christmas"
2003 The I Inside Simon Cable Television film
2010 Nick Swardson's Pretend Time Handsome guy Episode: "Powdered Doughnuts Make Me Go Nuts"
Saturday Night Live Host / Various Episode: "Ryan Phillippe / Ke$ha"
WWE Raw Dixon Piper 1 episode
2012 Damages Channing McClaren Main role (season 5)
2012, 2014 The Eric Andre Show Himself Episodes: "Ryan Phillippe", "Naturi Naughton; Ryan Philippe"
2014 Men at Work Himself Episode: "I Take Thee, Gibbs"
2015 Drunk History Benjamin Hayes Episode: "Los Angeles"
Robot Chicken George Taylor / Reggie Mantle / Trevor's Dad Episode: "Cake Pillow"
Secrets and Lies Ben Crawford Main role (season 1)
2016–2018 Shooter Bob Lee Swagger Lead role and producer
2016 SmackDown Live Himself 1 episode
2017 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Milton Boyle Episode: "The Bank Job"
Famous in Love Himself Episode: "Fifty Shades of Red"[77]
2019 Historical Roasts Julius Caesar Episode: "Cleopatra"
2020 Big Sky Cody Hoyt Main role
Will & Grace Himself Episode: "Bi-Plane"
2021 MacGruber Dixon Piper Main role
2022 I Love That for You Himself Episodes: "Point of No Returns", "Shop Cancer's Ass"
2025 Motorheads Logan Main role[78]

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist Role
1999 "Comin' Up from Behind" Marcy Playground
"Every You Every Me" Placebo
2004 "Hey Ya!" Outkast TV Host
2023 "The Most Wanted Person in the United States" 100 gecs Store Employee

Accolades

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Year Group Award Work Result
1998 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards Favorite Supporting Actor: Horror I Know What You Did Last Summer Nominated
1999 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Actor 54 Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Film – Choice Actor Cruel Intentions Nominated
Film – Sexiest Love Scene (Shared with Reese Witherspoon) Cruel Intentions Nominated
2000 MTV Movie Awards Best Male Performance Cruel Intentions Nominated
Golden Slate (Hungary) Best Actor in a Leading Role 54 Nominated
2001 Teen Choice Awards Film – Choice Actor Antitrust Nominated
2002 Critics Choice Awards Best Acting Ensemble Gosford Park Won
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards Best Ensemble Cast Gosford Park Won
Online Film Critics Society Awards Best Ensemble Gosford Park Won
Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards Best Acting Ensemble Gosford Park Nominated
Satellite Awards Outstanding Motion Picture Ensemble Gosford Park Won
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture Gosford Park Won
2005 Gotham Awards Best Ensemble Cast Crash Nominated
2006 Black Reel Awards Best Ensemble Crash Won
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Crash Won
2008 Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie Actor: Drama Stop-Loss Nominated
2009 Prism Awards Performance in a Feature Film Stop-Loss Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Ryan Phillippe (born September 10, 1974) is an American actor best known for his breakout roles in the teen I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and the drama (1999), as well as his performances in ensemble films like Crash (2004) and television series such as Shooter (2016–2018). Born in , to a nurse mother and a chemical technician father, Phillippe grew up with three sisters and began his career in modeling before transitioning to . Phillippe's early career included his debut as the groundbreaking gay teenager Billy Douglas on the soap opera One Life to Live from 1992 to 1993, marking the first such character on a U.S. daytime television series. He gained wider recognition with I Know What You Did Last Summer, co-starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr., which grossed over $125 million worldwide and launched his path to leading man status. His collaboration with then-girlfriend Reese Witherspoon in Cruel Intentions, a modern adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, further solidified his presence in 1990s teen cinema. Throughout the 2000s, he diversified into dramatic roles, including the ensemble period piece Gosford Park (2001), the Oscar-winning Crash (2004), and war films like Flags of Our Fathers (2006). In his personal life, Phillippe married actress in 1999 after meeting at her 21st birthday party in 1997; the couple had daughter Ava Elizabeth in 1999 and son Deacon Reese in 2003 before divorcing in 2007. He later welcomed daughter Kai with actress in 2011 and has maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship with his exes, often sharing family milestones publicly. Phillippe has also been open about his sobriety journey and commitment to his children's well-being. More recently, Phillippe has balanced film and television work, starring in the ABC series Big Sky (2020–2023). In 2025, he joined the cast of the Prime Video series Motorheads, where he noted feeling like an elder figure among the younger ensemble. His career continues to emphasize versatile roles across genres, from action thrillers like The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) to independent projects.

Early life

Family background

Matthew Ryan Phillippe was born on September 10, 1974, in . His mother, Susan Thomas Phillippe, operated a day care center from the family home, where young Ryan often assisted with the children during summers. His father, Richard Phillippe, worked as a chemist for . The family led a lower-middle-class lifestyle in the area, with blue-collar roots that emphasized hard work and community ties. Phillippe grew up as the youngest of four siblings, with three older sisters: Kirsten, Lindsay, and Katelyn. The family's close-knit dynamic in New Castle provided a stable, suburban upbringing typical of the region's working families during the 1970s and 1980s.

Education and early interests

Ryan Phillippe grew up in New Castle, Delaware, and attended local schools before enrolling at New Castle Baptist Academy, a private Christian high school in the area, from which he graduated in 1992. During his high school years, Phillippe developed a strong interest in , ultimately earning a black belt in , which he began training in at age 11. He also participated in extracurricular activities such as soccer and served as editor, reflecting his engagement with school life despite average academic performance. At around age 16, Phillippe enrolled in the of Modeling and Acting in nearby , where he completed training that introduced him to performance arts. This experience ignited his early interest in acting, leading him to pursue modeling opportunities that eventually transitioned into on-camera work. Upon graduating high school, Phillippe opted to forgo and immediately focus on building a career in , supported by his family's encouragement of his creative pursuits.

Career

Early television roles (1990–1996)

Phillippe's entry into the entertainment industry began through modeling, as he enrolled in the Barbizon Modeling School in , during his teenage years, which opened doors to acting opportunities. His early representation came via New Jersey's Cathy Parker Management, leading to his professional debut. Following high school graduation, he secured his first significant role as Billy Douglas on the ABC soap opera from 1992 to 1993, portraying a teenager navigating his as gay. This character marked a milestone as the first openly gay teenager depicted on a major U.S. daytime , sparking national discussions on LGBTQ+ representation in television at a time when such storylines were rare and often controversial. Phillippe has reflected on the role as a "profound experience," noting initial fears about public backlash but acknowledging its lasting impact in advancing visibility for youth on screen. The storyline, which included themes of homophobia and self-acceptance, elevated his profile, drawing attention from industry scouts and contributing to broader conversations about inclusivity in broadcast media. During this period, Phillippe took on several minor television roles to build his resume, including Stew Atkins in the NBC miniseries The Secrets of Lake Success (1993), a drama about family intrigue and corporate greed. He also appeared as Del Porter in the Due South episode "Gift of the Wheelman" (1994), playing a teenager entangled in a holiday heist plot, and as Michael in the Matlock episode "The Scandal" (1994), a guest spot involving a political cover-up. These parts, often in pilots and episodic formats, provided steady work while he honed his craft. In 1995, Phillippe made his feature film debut as Seaman Grattam, a junior crew member, in Tony Scott's submarine thriller Crimson Tide, a high-stakes drama starring and that highlighted his ability to hold scenes amid ensemble casts. By the mid-1990s, he relocated from the East Coast to to pursue more opportunities, signing with new representation to facilitate auditions for larger projects. This move solidified his transition from soap opera roots to Hollywood, setting the stage for subsequent breakthroughs.

Breakthrough in film (1997–2001)

Phillippe achieved his breakthrough in film with the lead role of Barry Cox, an arrogant high school athlete entangled in a deadly cover-up, in the 1997 slasher horror I Know What You Did Last Summer, directed by Jim Gillespie. The film, building on his early television work, became a box-office success by grossing $125.3 million worldwide against a $17 million budget, opening at number one with $15.8 million domestically and capitalizing on the late-1990s teen slasher wave sparked by Scream. It received mixed critical reception, with a 47% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but its cultural impact as a genre staple helped propel Phillippe from soap opera supporting roles to film stardom. In 1998, Phillippe portrayed aspiring bartender Shane O'Shea in 54, Mark Christopher's drama chronicling the hedonistic 1970s New York nightclub scene at Studio 54. The film depicted the era's excess through Shane's rise from outsider to club insider, blending culture with themes of ambition and sexuality. Despite earning $16.8 million domestically, it faced harsh critical backlash, holding a 15% score and even a Razzie nomination for Phillippe as Worst , though later director's cuts highlighted stronger dramatic elements in his performance. Phillippe further solidified his leading man status as the charming yet manipulative Sebastian Valmont in the 1999 teen drama , Roger Kumble's modern adaptation of the Pierre Choderlos de Laclos novel , set in Manhattan's elite prep school world. Co-starring as Kathryn Merteuil and marking an early on-screen collaboration with as Annette Hargrove, the film grossed $76.2 million worldwide on a modest budget, achieving a 54% rating for its witty, profane take on seduction and betrayal. Critics praised the ensemble's chemistry, with Variety noting the movie's "wickedly entertaining" edge and Phillippe's effective portrayal of Sebastian's seductive charisma. By 2001, Phillippe joined an all-star ensemble as Henry Denton, an American movie star posing as a valet, in Robert Altman's period mystery , a satirical set in 1930s exploring class divides among and servants. His late casting helped secure financing for the $20 million production, adding a fresh Hollywood perspective to the narrative. The earned widespread acclaim, with a 7.2 rating and seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, while grossing $87.8 million worldwide and demonstrating Phillippe's range in prestige ensemble cinema. These roles across horror, , and mystery from 1997 to 2001 diversified his image and cemented his transition to a prominent actor.

Established film work and critical acclaim (2002–2011)

Following the success of his early film roles, Ryan Phillippe transitioned into more mature, character-driven performances that showcased his range beyond teen-oriented projects. In 2004, he portrayed idealistic LAPD Officer Tom Hansen in Paul Haggis's ensemble drama Crash, a role that highlighted the character's internal conflict with racial bias and moral ambiguity. Phillippe's depiction of Hansen, who evolves from a seemingly progressive cop to one grappling with his own prejudices, contributed to the film's critical recognition as a powerful exploration of urban tensions, with the earning praise for its raw authenticity. Crash received widespread acclaim, holding an 83% approval rating on from 239 reviews, and grossed $98.4 million worldwide against a $6.5 million budget, underscoring its cultural impact. Phillippe continued this shift with supporting roles in prestige projects, including his portrayal of Navy corpsman John "Doc" Bradley in Clint Eastwood's 2006 World War II epic . As one of the flag-raisers on , Bradley's quiet resilience and post-war disillusionment allowed Phillippe to deliver a restrained performance that emphasized emotional depth over action-hero tropes, earning positive notes for its authenticity amid the ensemble. Critics lauded the film for its unflinching depiction of heroism's cost, with a 76% score from 239 reviews, though it underperformed commercially, earning $65.9 million globally on a $90 million budget. In 2007, Phillippe took the lead as FBI agent in the spy thriller Breach, based on the real-life takedown of traitor . His nuanced portrayal of O'Neill's ethical dilemmas and personal toll in surveilling his mentor () was highlighted for adding tension to the cat-and-mouse dynamic, helping the film achieve an 83% rating from 175 reviews and $40.9 million in worldwide earnings. This period also saw Phillippe experiment with comedy in 2010's MacGruber, where he played Lt. Dixon Piper, the straight-laced partner to Will Forte's bumbling in the action-parody. His delivery provided contrast to the film's over-the-top absurdity, though the movie received mixed reviews at 47% on from 152 critics and bombed with just $9.3 million against a $10 million . Phillippe closed the decade with a villainous supporting turn as wealthy client Louis Roulet in 2011's , opposite ; his chilling embodiment of entitlement and menace was noted for subverting his earlier wholesome image, bolstering the thriller's 83% score from 172 reviews and $86.7 million global on a $40 million . Overall, from to , Phillippe's reflected a deliberate move toward complex, dramatic parts in ensemble and lead roles across genres, earning steady critical respect despite occasional commercial setbacks. Reviews often commended his ability to convey vulnerability and intensity, helping him navigate from his 1990s heartthrob phase by prioritizing substantive narratives over superficial appeal. This era solidified his reputation as a versatile supporting player in acclaimed projects, even as he faced challenges in securing consistent leading-man status amid Hollywood's evolving landscape.

Television return, directing, and producing (2012–present)

Following a decade of prominent film roles, Ryan Phillippe returned to television in lead capacities starting in the mid-2010s, marking a strategic pivot toward serialized drama amid the rise of cable and streaming platforms. His most notable comeback came with the series Shooter (2016–2018), where he starred as , a retired Marine and expert drawn back into action to thwart an assassination plot against the president, only to be framed for the crime. Adapted from Stephen Hunter's 1993 novel Point of Impact and the 2007 film starring , the series spanned three seasons and 31 episodes, with Phillippe's portrayal earning acclaim for its physical demands and emotional depth in depicting a man haunted by his past. Phillippe continued his television resurgence with a key role in ABC's Big Sky (2020–2021), created by David E. Kelley and adapted from C.J. Box's Joe Pickett novels. He played Cody Hoyt, a rugged private investigator and ex-cop who teams up with his estranged wife and former partner to search for two missing sisters kidnapped by a trucker in Montana; his character appeared in five episodes of the first season, contributing to the show's tense procedural elements before a dramatic exit. The series highlighted Phillippe's ability to anchor ensemble crime thrillers, blending action with personal stakes in a narrative inspired by real-world mysteries. Alongside acting, Phillippe expanded into directing and producing with his 2014 indie thriller Catch Hell, serving as writer, director, producer, and lead actor in a story about a washed-up Hollywood star (played by himself) kidnapped and tortured in rural Louisiana while filming a movie. The low-budget project, influenced by survival tales like Deliverance, allowed Phillippe to explore themes of fame's fragility and drew from his own career reflections, with production challenges including guerrilla-style shooting that tested his multitasking skills. He described the experience as liberating yet grueling, emphasizing the autonomy of helming a personal vision without studio interference. In the 2020s, Phillippe's career evolved further into multi-hyphenate work, balancing television leads with action-oriented films and behind-the-scenes involvement in the streaming landscape. He took on roles in thrillers like One Shot (2021), as a CIA site manager during a real-time insurgent attack on a black-site prison; American Murderer (2022), portraying FBI agent Lance Leising hunting a charismatic con man in a true-crime adaptation; The Locksmith (2023), as an ex-con using his skills to reconnect with family amid criminal pulls; Miranda's Victim (2023), as attorney John Flynn in a period drama recounting the true events leading to the Miranda rights Supreme Court case; Prey (2024), a missionary fleeing militants in the after a plane crash; and Saint Clare (2025), as Detective Timmons investigating a woman haunted by voices that compel her to assassinate wrongdoers. These projects underscored his affinity for high-stakes genres in independent and VOD releases. This trajectory culminated in 2025 with Motorheads, an coming-of-age drama where Phillippe starred as Logan, a former mechanic mentoring teens in a town's underground street-racing scene, while also serving as a to shape the project's family-oriented authenticity—his son appeared in flashbacks as Logan's brother. Premiering on May 20, 2025, the series was canceled after one season but allowed Phillippe to reflect on aging in Hollywood, joking that the young cast made him feel like "" and acutely aware of his 50 years, especially as he shared industry wisdom amid AI concerns. Through such endeavors, Phillippe has embraced producing for greater creative control, transitioning from stardom to versatile roles in and indie production during the streaming boom.

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Ryan Phillippe met actress on the set of the 1999 film , where their on-screen chemistry sparked a real-life romance. The couple married in a private ceremony in , on June 26, 1999, shortly after the film's release. Their union lasted eight years, marked by collaborative professional moments and public admiration as a Hollywood power couple. Phillippe and Witherspoon separated in October 2006, announcing the split amicably while emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting. The divorce was finalized on October 5, 2007, with both citing in court filings. The high-profile dissolution drew intense media scrutiny, with tabloids speculating on factors like career pressures and infidelity rumors, though the pair maintained a publicly. Following the , Phillippe began a brief relationship with actress in 2010. The romance, which started around May and ended by October of that year, garnered attention when Knapp announced her later, leading to another wave of tabloid coverage on Phillippe's personal life. He has a from this relationship. In 2011, Phillippe started dating model and law student Paulina Slagter, a relationship that lasted nearly five years. The couple became engaged over the Christmas holidays in 2015, with Phillippe proposing after four years together. However, they called off the engagement and parted ways in November 2016, with sources citing growing apart amid their busy schedules. The breakup, like his previous splits, fueled media speculation and paparazzi interest due to the couple's visibility. Nearly two decades after his from Witherspoon, Phillippe spoke positively about her in a September 2025 People interview, praising her influence on their son by noting, "He's got his mama's work ethic. He absolutely does." This rare comment highlighted a continued respectful dynamic, contrasting the earlier media frenzy surrounding their separations.

Children and family dynamics

Ryan Phillippe has three children from two previous relationships: two with ex-wife and one with ex-girlfriend . His eldest daughter, Ava Elizabeth Phillippe, was born on September 9, 1999, in . Now 26 years old as of 2025, Ava has pursued a career in modeling, attending high-profile events such as the Spring/Summer 2025 Couture show during and collaborating on fashion projects. She maintains a relatively low public profile compared to her parents but has occasionally shared insights into her personal growth and style through . Phillippe's son, Deacon Reese Phillippe, was born on October 23, 2003. At 22 years old in 2025, Deacon is attending , where he is focusing on music as his primary interest while also exploring acting. He made his acting debut in the Netflix series in 2022 and has since appeared in projects including the 2025 Prime Video series Motorheads, where he co-starred alongside his father, and the upcoming film 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank. His upbringing has included exposure to the entertainment industry, fostering his creative pursuits without pressure to follow his parents' exact paths. The actor's youngest child, daughter Kailani Merizalde Phillippe Knapp—known as Kai—was born on , 2011. Now 14 years old in 2025, Kai has been kept out of the public eye by her parents, with Phillippe sharing only rare glimpses of family moments, such as holiday photos, to respect her during her teenage years. Her upbringing emphasizes a protected environment away from media scrutiny, differing from the more visible paths of her older siblings. Following his divorces, Phillippe has maintained amicable co-parenting arrangements with both Witherspoon and Knapp, prioritizing shared custody and collaborative decision-making for his children's well-being. He has described the dynamic with Witherspoon as particularly smooth, allowing the family to navigate holidays and milestones together without conflict. This approach extends to Knapp, ensuring Kai's needs are met through ongoing cooperation. In 2025, Phillippe has shared updates highlighting evolving family bonds as his children enter new life stages, including visits to at college where he humorously recounted covering meals for his son and friends, reflecting the transitions of young adulthood. These moments underscore his role in supporting their independence, such as collaborating professionally with on Motorheads, which he called a "special experience." In November 2025, co-star described their on-set dynamic as "super sweet," further illustrating positive family ties. Phillippe has publicly expressed immense pride in all three children for their achievements and character, stating they are his "biggest source of pride" as they forge their own paths. In March 2017, ex-fiancée Paulina Slagter filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department alleging that Phillippe sent her harassing text messages following their 2016 breakup. The case was dropped due to insufficient evidence for criminal prosecution, and no charges were filed. In September 2017, Phillippe's then-girlfriend, model Elsie Hewitt, filed a lawsuit against him in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing him of domestic battery, assault, and emotional distress stemming from an alleged incident on July 10, 2017, at his home during a heated argument. Hewitt alleged that Phillippe, who she claimed was intoxicated, threw her down stairs and punched her repeatedly, resulting in injuries that required medical attention; she sought damages exceeding $1 million. Phillippe vehemently denied the accusations, describing them as a "desperate attempt to exploit" their relationship for financial gain, and countersued Hewitt for extortion and defamation. The lawsuit drew intense media scrutiny amid Hollywood's #MeToo movement, which heightened public and industry focus on allegations of misconduct by prominent male figures, amplifying concerns about power dynamics in relationships involving celebrities. Phillippe maintained his innocence publicly, stating in interviews that the claims were fabricated and expressing frustration over the damage to his reputation. The case was settled out of court in January 2019, with both parties agreeing to undisclosed terms and Phillippe making no admission of liability; no criminal charges were ever filed against him in connection with the incident. These events unfolded during a period when Phillippe was actively returning to television work, but they contributed to a temporary strain on his public image without resulting in any criminal convictions. Overall, the resolutions underscored the challenges of navigating personal disputes in the public eye, particularly in an era of increased accountability for alleged abuses.

Health, sobriety, and recent personal reflections

Phillippe has been candid about his long-standing struggles with substance use, particularly alcohol, which intertwined with periods of depression and emotional challenges throughout his adult life. In a 2017 interview with , he described grappling with depression and issues of patience, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about to reduce stigma. These difficulties were further highlighted during a 2017 legal dispute with an ex-girlfriend, where allegations of alcohol and drug abuse surfaced, though Phillippe denied the claims and the case was settled without admission of wrongdoing. He has since framed these experiences as pivotal in recognizing patterns of dependency that affected his well-being. A significant turning point came in September 2023, when Phillippe shared on that he had achieved the longest period of sobriety since his teenage years, free from and marijuana, and expressed gratitude for "the freedom that comes with breaking addictions and dependency on substance." This milestone marked a deliberate commitment to recovery, with Phillippe noting his remaining "addictions" as toothpicks and self-improvement in a lighthearted reflection on ongoing personal development. By September 2025, Phillippe continued to affirm his sobriety journey via , contrasting a past marked by , depression, , , and spiritual disconnection with his present focus on mental and physical through rigorous workouts and wellness practices. He expressed deep for this evolution, underscoring a renewed sense of purpose and stability. In a 2025 People interview, he confirmed his commitment, stating, "I'm sticking this one out all the way". In a May 2025 interview promoting the series Motorheads, Phillippe reflected on aging at 50, humorously comparing himself to amid a younger cast, stating, "I felt a little bit like sometimes on set... That makes me very aware of my age!" He highlighted his role as a mentor, sharing career experiences—the good and the bad—to guide the up-and-coming actors. Following his in 2007 and subsequent relationship challenges, as well as prior legal issues, Phillippe has emphasized broader personal growth, prioritizing family and work-life balance in recent years to foster stability and fulfillment.

Filmography

Feature films

Ryan Phillippe's feature film career spans from supporting roles in major blockbusters to leading parts in independent thrillers and dramas, with over 35 credits as of 2025. The following table lists his feature films chronologically, including release year, title, role, and notes on lead/supporting status, director, and genre where notable.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1995Crimson TideSeaman GrattamSupporting; action thriller directed by Tony Scott.
1996White SquallFrank BeaumontSupporting; adventure drama directed by Ridley Scott.
1997I Know What You Did Last SummerBarry CoxLead; slasher horror.
1997NowhereMontgomerySupporting; independent comedy-drama.
199854Shane O'SheaLead; drama about Studio 54, directed by Mark Christopher.
1998HomegrownHarlan DykstraSupporting; crime thriller.
1998Playing by HeartKeenanSupporting; romantic comedy-drama ensemble.
1999Cruel IntentionsSebastian ValmontLead; romantic drama based on Les Liaisons Dangereuses, directed by Roger Kumble.
2000The Way of the GunMr. Parker / LongbaughLead; crime thriller directed by Christopher McQuarrie.
2001AntitrustMiloLead; techno-thriller.
2001Gosford ParkHenry DentonSupporting; period mystery ensemble directed by Robert Altman.
2002Igby Goes DownTommySupporting; coming-of-age drama directed by Burr Steers.
2004CrashOfficer Tom HansenSupporting; ensemble drama on race relations, directed by Paul Haggis.
2005ChaosQuentin ConnersLead; action thriller.
2006Flags of Our FathersJohn 'Doc' BradleySupporting; war drama directed by Clint Eastwood.
2006Five FingersAndyLead; political thriller.
2007ShooterBob Lee SwaggerLead; action thriller based on novel, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
2008Stop-LossStaff Sgt. Brandon KingLead; war drama.
2009SpreadNikkiLead; romantic comedy.
2010The Bang-Bang ClubKevin CarterSupporting; biographical drama.
2011The Lincoln LawyerRickSupporting; legal thriller directed by Brad Furman.
2011SetupVincentLead; action thriller.
2012Revenge for Jolly!CodyLead; dark comedy.
2013Straight A'sScottLead; romantic comedy.
2014ReclaimStevenLead; thriller.
2014Catch HellOwen KoingLead; also directed; comedy-drama.
2015Return to SenderUPS Delivery GuyCameo; thriller.
2017Wish UponUncle AugustSupporting; horror.
2019The 2ndVic DavisLead; action thriller.
2020The Secrets We KeepLewisSupporting; thriller.
2020A Violent SeparationNorman YoungLead; crime drama.
2020Brothers by BloodCharleyLead; crime drama (aka The Strike).
2022American MurdererJason Derek BrownLead; biographical crime drama; also produced.
2022CollideHunterSupporting; action thriller.
2022Summit FeverDerrickLead; thriller.
2023The LocksmithRyanLead; crime thriller.
2023Miranda's VictimJackSupporting; biographical drama.
2024PreyAndrewSupporting; action thriller.
2024Saint ClareTall ManSupporting; horror.

Television roles

Phillippe's television career began with a recurring role in the One Life to Live, where he portrayed the groundbreaking character Billy Douglas, the first openly gay teenager on , from 1992 to 1993 on ABC. He continued with voice work in and later took on lead roles in limited series and action dramas, alongside select guest appearances across comedy and talk formats. The following table lists his television acting credits chronologically, including series, miniseries, and guest spots, with details on roles, episode counts where applicable, and platforms.
Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodesNetwork/Platform
1992–1993Billy DouglasUnknown (recurring)ABC
2000Wally (voice)1
2012Channing McClaren10
2015Secrets and LiesBen Crawford10ABC
2016SmackDown LiveHimself1
2016–2018Shooter31
2017Milton Boyle1
2020Himself1
2020–2021Big SkyCody Hoyt5ABC
2022I Love That for YouHimself2Showtime
2025MotorheadsLogan Maddox10 (season 1)Prime Video

Music videos and other media

Phillippe began his career with early appearances in television commercials, including a 1991 spot for that highlighted his youthful appeal during his days. In the realm of , Phillippe made notable cameo appearances that intersected with his roles. For the 2001 track "When It All Goes Wrong Again," he featured prominently as part of promotional content for the thriller Antitrust, in which he starred as the lead; the video incorporates scenes from the to underscore themes of corporate intrigue and personal turmoil. Two years later, Phillippe portrayed a television announcer in OutKast's iconic "Hey Ya!" video, directed by , where he introduces the band's performance segments with a satirical nod to media hype, contributing to the clip's playful critique of pop culture. Beyond music videos, Phillippe has lent his presence to announcements, such as the 2018 "Erase the Hate" campaign by the , where he joined to promote anti-bullying efforts and encourage reporting of hate incidents. While Phillippe has limited documented voice work, primarily minor contributions in animated projects during the early , he has not pursued extensive roles in or digital cameos in the , focusing instead on traditional and film.

Accolades

Major awards

Ryan Phillippe has earned recognition primarily through ensemble awards for his supporting roles in critically acclaimed films, highlighting his contributions to collaborative in ensemble-driven narratives. These honors underscore his ability to integrate seamlessly into large casts tackling complex social themes. For his role as Henry Denton, a Hollywood film producer's nephew, in Robert Altman's Gosford Park (2001), Phillippe shared in several prestigious ensemble accolades. The cast won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 8th Annual SAG Awards on March 10, 2002, alongside co-stars including Eileen Atkins, Bob Balaban, Alan Bates, Charles Dance, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, and Maggie Smith; the film, a satirical murder mystery exploring class divisions in 1930s England, received seven Academy Award nominations and is celebrated for its intricate ensemble dynamics. Additionally, the ensemble received the Critics Choice Award for Best Acting Ensemble at the 7th Critics Choice Awards on January 11, 2002, from the Broadcast Film Critics Association, recognizing the film's sharp wit and upstairs-downstairs intrigue. The cast also secured the Satellite Award for Outstanding Motion Picture Ensemble at the 6th Satellite Awards on January 19, 2002, a special achievement honor from the International Press Academy that emphasized the film's technical and performative excellence. Phillippe's portrayal of the conflicted police officer Tom Hansen in Paul Haggis's Crash (2004), an Oscar-winning Best Picture about racial tensions in , further garnered ensemble praise. The cast, including , , , , , , , , Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, , and , won the Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 12th Annual SAG Awards on January 29, 2006, affirming the film's impact on discussions of and interconnection. This victory was part of Crash's broader success, including three . The ensemble also received the Hollywood Film Award for Ensemble of the Year at the 9th Hollywood Film Awards on October 23, 2005, celebrating the diverse group's raw emotional delivery. As of 2025, Phillippe has accumulated 12 awards across his career, with these major honors representing his most prominent victories in .

Nominations and honors

Throughout his career, Ryan Phillippe has garnered a variety of nominations from awards bodies recognizing both his lead and ensemble performances, particularly in , drama, and genres of the late and . These honors often highlighted his early breakout roles and later dramatic turns, though he has not secured many individual wins outside of ensemble categories. Early in his career, Phillippe received youth-oriented recognition. In 1997, he was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor for his role as Gil Martin in White Squall. The following year, he earned a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a TV Movie or Feature Film - Young Ensemble, shared with co-stars including Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., for I Know What You Did Last Summer. In 1998, he also received a Blockbuster Entertainment Award nomination for Favorite Supporting Actor - Horror for the same film. Phillippe's starring role in the 1999 adaptation of led to multiple fan-voted nods. He was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Film - Choice Actor, as well as for Film - Choice Hissy Fit and Film - Sexiest Love Scene (shared with ). For the same performance as Sebastian Valmont, he contended for an MTV Movie Award for Best Male Performance. That year, his lead role in 54 drew a satirical nomination for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor. In 2000, the Hungarian Csapnivaló Awards nominated him for Golden Slate in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category for 54. Continuing with teen appeal, Phillippe was nominated for a 2001 Teen Choice Award for Film - Choice Actor for his role in the thriller Antitrust. In 2005, his ensemble work in Crash earned a Gotham Independent Film Award nomination for Best Ensemble Performance, shared with the cast including and . Later nominations reflected his shift toward more serious roles. For Stop-Loss (2008), Phillippe received a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Movie Actor: Drama and a Prism Award nomination for Feature Film - Male Performance. These accolades underscore his versatility, though much of his recognition has come through ensemble efforts rather than solo honors.

References

  1. https://www.[indiewire](/page/IndieWire).com/news/general-news/ryan-phillippe-one-life-to-live-gay-role-legacy-1235128246/
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