Ryan Rottman

Ryan Rottman (born March 17, 1984) is an American actor and producer best known for his recurring roles in television series like Gigantic (2010–2011), where he portrayed Joey Colvin, and The Lying Game (2013), in which he played Jordan Lyle.^[1][2] His film debut came as an extra in the comedy The House Bunny (2008), followed by supporting parts in movies such as Stuntmen (2009), for which he also served as executive producer, and The Open Road (2009).^[3][4] Rottman has built a significant presence in holiday-themed television movies, particularly with the Hallmark Channel, starring as Chris Shepherd in Christmas Wonderland (2018) opposite Emily Osment and as Jackson Shepard in My Southern Family Christmas (2022).^[5][6] Other notable Hallmark projects include Sister of the Bride (2019), where he played Ben and acted as executive producer, Diagnosis Delicious (2016) as Dave Oberlin, Christmas for Keeps (2021) as Ben Tillman, and Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane (2024) as Tim.^[4][7] His additional television credits encompass guest appearances on shows like Greek, Victorious, and 90210.^[8] In addition to acting, Rottman has taken on producing roles, including executive producer credits for Stuntmen and Sister of the Bride, and he is also the co-founder and COO of AthleteAgent.com, a sports-tech platform he established with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.^[4][5][9] He appeared in the crime drama Billionaire Boys Club (2018) alongside Ansel Elgort and Taron Egerton. Born in Lufkin, Texas, he continues to be active in the entertainment industry, with recent work extending his career in feel-good romantic comedies and family-oriented films.^[3]

Early life and education

Early life

Ryan Rottman was born on March 17, 1984, in Lufkin, Texas.^[3] He is the son of Jack Rottman and Brenda Rottman.^[10] Rottman spent his early childhood in Kingwood, a suburb of Houston, Texas, before his family relocated to Lufkin when he was in the fifth grade.^[11][12] Growing up in these Texas communities provided him with a foundation in the region's culture prior to his high school years in Lufkin.^[11]

Education

Rottman graduated from Lufkin High School in Lufkin, Texas, where he participated in extracurricular activities as a member of the baseball and golf teams.^[11] He later attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he studied business and theater.^[11][12] During his time at the university, Rottman gained early acting experience by starring in various stage productions, which ignited his passion for performing. He visited Los Angeles one summer and enrolled in the New York Film Academy's Los Angeles campus.^[11] This academic foundation in business and theater at Texas Tech provided Rottman with both practical skills and creative exposure, ultimately influencing his decision to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally.^[11]

Acting career

Early roles

Rottman moved to Los Angeles after graduating from Texas Tech University to pursue an acting career, securing his debut role in the 2008 comedy film The House Bunny as Calendar Buyer, a small part that marked his entry into the industry.^[13][14] His first speaking roles came in television guest appearances, including portraying Jess in the 2009 episode "Divine Secrets of the ZBZ Sisterhood" of the ABC Family series Greek.^[15] He followed this with a role as Ryder Daniels, Tori Vega's manipulative ex-boyfriend, in the 2011 Victorious episode "Beggin' on Your Knees," where his character attempts to exploit her for academic gain. Rottman's breakthrough arrived with the recurring lead role of Joey Colvin in the TeenNick drama Gigantic (2010–2011), appearing in 18 episodes as an everyday Hollywood teenager navigating unrequited feelings for his best friend Anna Moore while dealing with a complicated fling with her sister Lulu.^[16] The series, created by Marti Noxon, explored the lives of children of celebrities but received mixed reviews and a low audience rating of 4.8/10 on IMDb, leading to its cancellation after one season.^[17] Despite the show's short run, Rottman's portrayal of the relatable, conflicted Joey helped establish his presence in teen-oriented television.^[18] In 2011, he took on a minor recurring role as Shane, a charismatic gay college activist fighting for marriage equality, in several episodes of The CW's 90210, further building his resume with socially relevant characters.^[19][20]

Television work

Rottman's television career gained momentum in 2013 with his recurring role as Jordan Lyle in the second season of the ABC Family drama series The Lying Game. Lyle, the enigmatic stepson of the villainous Rebecca (Charisma Carpenter), arrives in the fictional town of Beacon Heights with hidden motives tied to family secrets and revenge, integrating into the central twin-swap mystery plot alongside protagonists Emma and Sutton (both played by Alexandra Chando). His character engages in tense dynamics with co-stars like Blair Redford as Ethan, including competitive racing scenes and romantic entanglements, appearing in all 10 episodes of the season.^[21][22] Throughout the mid-2010s, Rottman made several guest and recurring appearances in various series, showcasing his versatility in comedic and dramatic roles. In 2013, he guest-starred as Cliff in an episode of ABC's The Middle, portraying a quirky family acquaintance. He then took on a recurring role as Theodore "Theo" Chandler, the ambitious executive son of the park owner, in the 2014 MTV comedy Happyland, appearing in multiple episodes of the single-season series centered on a fictional theme park. These roles highlighted his transition from teen dramas to lighter ensemble formats. In 2016, Rottman starred as Dave Oberlin in the Hallmark Channel movie Diagnosis Delicious, a romantic comedy about a disgraced chef who finds love and redemption through cooking classes.^[23] Rottman found a niche in Hallmark Channel's holiday TV movies starting in 2016, often playing charming leads in feel-good romances. In Christmas Wonderland (2018), he portrayed Chris Shepherd, a hockey coach helping a young boy and his aunt rediscover holiday magic, opposite Emily Osment.^[24] In Christmas for Keeps (2021), directed by Fred Gerber, he portrayed Ben Tillman, a supportive friend reuniting with childhood acquaintances for a teacher's memorial, amid themes of loss and reconnection; the film received mixed reception for its ensemble focus but was praised for heartfelt moments, earning a 5.2/10 on IMDb from over 700 user ratings.^[25][7] This Hallmark phase continued with Sister of the Bride (2019), where he played Ben, the charming love interest navigating sibling wedding rivalries, and acted as executive producer; the film premiered on the Hallmark Channel. In My Southern Family Christmas (2022), Rottman starred as Jackson Shepherd, the affable town archivist who aids journalist Campbell Wallace (Jaicy Elliot) in exploring her estranged family roots during the holidays. Filmed on location in Sorrento and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the production emphasized authentic Southern traditions and family reconciliation, co-starring Bruce Campbell and Moira Kelly; it garnered positive audience feedback for its emotional depth and warm storytelling, holding a 7/10 IMDb rating from more than 1,600 reviews.^[26][27][28] Rottman's most recent television project as of 2025 is the Hallmark+ original Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane (2024), a sequel to Christmas on Cherry Lane, in which he played Tim Whitman, a wedding planner reconnecting with his ex amid multi-generational holiday tales spanning 1960 to 2015. The film's interwoven narratives, produced with a focus on festive community spirit, were well-received for the chemistry between Rottman and Julie Gonzalo, achieving a 6.3/10 on IMDb and commendations for elevating the anthology format. No ongoing series commitments have been announced for Rottman through late 2025.^[29][30][31]

Film roles

Rottman's entry into feature films began with small roles in the late 2000s. He made his debut as a calendar buyer in the comedy The House Bunny (2008), directed by Fred Wolf, where he appeared alongside Anna Faris and Emma Stone in a story about a Playboy bunny mentoring sorority girls; the film was a commercial success, grossing over $70 million worldwide on a $25 million budget. In 2009, he took on minor supporting parts in Stuntmen, playing Guy Torre in the mockumentary about rival stunt performers, directed by Eric Amadio,^[32] and as Peabody Bellhop in The Open Road, a road trip drama starring William Hurt and Jeff Daniels, directed by Michael Meredith. These early appearances marked his transition from television cameos to cinematic supporting work, often in ensemble comedies and indies with limited theatrical runs. By the mid-2010s, Rottman secured more prominent supporting roles in feature films. His notable turn came in Billionaire Boys Club (2018), directed by James Cox, where he portrayed Scott Biltmore, one of the impressionable twin recruits in a 1980s Ponzi scheme led by Joe Hunt (Ansel Elgort) and Dean Karny (Taron Egerton); the ensemble also featured Kevin Spacey and Emma Roberts, though the film's release was overshadowed by Spacey's scandals, resulting in a dismal box office performance of just $618 domestically despite a $23 million budget.^[33][34] Rottman's recent film work has emphasized independent projects and streaming features, often casting him as romantic leads or key supporting characters. In Deported (2020), a Netflix comedy directed by Tyler Spindel, he appeared as Business Man #1 in a story of a couple separated by immigration issues, starring Raegan Revord and Aimee Garcia. He completed the short film The Best Worst Christmas Ever (2021), directed by Tanner Beard, contributing to its holiday-themed ensemble.^[35] More prominently, in the 2024 independent romantic drama Aloha Also Means Goodbye, directed by Bryden Lando, Rottman played David, a figure from the protagonist's past who sparks a second-chance narrative set in Maui, alongside Stephanie Lynn and Evan Gamble; the film received positive early feedback for its emotional depth and premiered on streaming services.^[36] Throughout these roles, Rottman has frequently embodied charismatic, relatable everymen in ensemble casts, blending humor and heartfelt moments in both mainstream and indie productions, with varying festival and streaming reception underscoring his versatility beyond television.^[37]

Other ventures

Business activities

In addition to his acting career, Ryan Rottman has ventured into the sports technology sector as an entrepreneur. He co-founded Online Sports Database (OSDB) in 2021 alongside NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, serving as the company's chief operating officer (COO). The platform, which rebranded to AthleteAgent.com in August 2025, was developed to address gaps in athlete accessibility and representation.^[38][39] AthleteAgent.com functions as a comprehensive digital marketplace and database, often described as the "IMDb for professional athletes," enabling connections between athletes, agents, brands, and fans. Key features include detailed athlete profiles encompassing contracts, performance statistics, and business ventures, facilitating endorsement deals and sponsorship opportunities for businesses seeking to partner with sports figures. The platform streamlines the traditionally opaque process of sports representation by providing verified contact pathways and tools for talent discovery, with a focus on emerging and established professionals across various leagues.^[9][40][41] Since its inception, AthleteAgent.com has demonstrated notable growth, securing over $2.5 million in initial funding from Rx3 Growth Partners in 2021, followed by an equity crowdfunding campaign targeting $1.25 million in 2023. High-profile investors, including sports agent Scott Boras and participants in the Google for Startups Cloud Program, have supported the venture, underscoring its potential to disrupt the $20 billion athlete endorsement market. By mid-2025, the platform had expanded its database to include thousands of athlete profiles, enhancing its utility in sports business networking.^[38][42][9] Rottman's involvement in sports representation draws from his personal background, having grown up in Lufkin, Texas, where he played baseball and golf in high school before attending Texas Tech University. This foundation in Texas sports culture informed his vision for the platform, allowing him to leverage regional networks and a lifelong interest in athletics to bridge entertainment and sports industries. While his public profile as an actor has aided visibility for these efforts, Rottman's business pursuits remain centered on AthleteAgent.com, with no other major independent investments or ventures publicly documented as of late 2025.^[11][12]

Producing work

Ryan Rottman began transitioning from acting to production roles in the late 2010s, leveraging his industry experience to take on executive producing duties. His first notable dual role came with the 2019 Hallmark Channel television movie Sister of the Bride, where he served as executive producer while starring as Ben. In this romantic comedy, Rottman collaborated with producers including Zelma Kiwi, Barry Barnholtz, and Jeffrey Schenck to bring the story of family dynamics and unexpected romance to fruition, contributing to the film's positive reception among Hallmark audiences.^[43] Expanding his production portfolio, Rottman executive produced the 2024 psychological thriller film Fluxx, directed by Brendan Gabriel Murphy.^[44] Rottman's production work has increasingly centered on sports-themed narratives, reflecting collaborations with high-profile partners. As co-founder of Awkward Handshake production company alongside Aaron Rodgers, he serves as executive producer on Work Horses, an upcoming Amazon Studios feature exploring the high-stakes world of college football and coaching challenges. The project, scripted by Sheldon Turner and directed by Anthony Hemingway, highlights Rottman's role in developing stories of athletic perseverance, with co-producers including Rodgers and Nate Raabe.^[45][46] Similarly, Rottman is executive producing the untitled Kenny Washington biopic for Amazon MGM Studios, which chronicles the triumphs and barriers faced by the first Black player in the NFL. Through Awkward Handshake, he collaborates with Rodgers, writer La Monte Edwards, and producers like Evan Silverberg to advance the film's development, focusing on historical accuracy and social impact in sports storytelling. This evolution underscores Rottman's shift toward producing ambitious, athlete-centered projects that blend his acting roots with entrepreneurial vision.^[47][3]

Personal life

Family background

Ryan Rottman was born on March 17, 1984, in Lufkin, Texas, to parents Jack Rottman and Brenda Rottman.^[10] The family resided in the small East Texas town after relocating from Kingwood when Rottman was in fifth grade, where he spent the remainder of his formative years.^[11] Rottman's heritage reflects a blend of European ancestries, with his paternal lineage including German roots through his grandfather Leonard G. Rottman and English and Cornish influences via his paternal grandmother Hilda Sue Lucas.^[48] On his maternal side, Irish ancestry is present through his grandmother Beverly Louise Hammerly's forebears.^[48] This Texas-based family background, rooted in Midwestern immigrant lines, contributed to his early life in a regional setting characterized by Southern American culture.^[48]

Relationships

Ryan Rottman began his notable romantic history in the late 2000s, dating actress Brittany Snow from 2008 to 2010 after meeting on the set of the independent film Walk. The couple parted ways amicably, with sources indicating they simply grew apart while remaining friends.^[49] Following this, Rottman entered a relationship with actress and singer Victoria Justice in 2011, whom he met while guest-starring on the Nickelodeon series Victorious, where their on-screen chemistry as characters fueled real-life dating rumors among fans. The pair dated for two years before splitting in late 2013, reportedly due to differing life stages and demanding travel schedules tied to their rising acting careers.^[50][51] In 2013, Rottman started dating model Jessica Vargas, a relationship that lasted until April 2018 and drew public attention after they were spotted together shortly after his breakup with Justice, sparking infidelity allegations that were never confirmed by the parties involved. Their five-year partnership was marked by occasional red-carpet appearances, such as at Men's Fitness events, but ended quietly without detailed public explanations.^[52] Rottman was briefly linked to actress Lucy Hale in mid-2018, following her split from a previous partner; the duo was photographed holding hands in Los Angeles, igniting short-lived romance rumors that highlighted ongoing speculation about Rottman's connections to co-stars and industry peers, though no official confirmation emerged and the pairing fizzled quickly.^[53][54] Since around 2020, Rottman has been in a relationship with actress and model Siân Isabella Mitchell, with whom he has shared affectionate social media posts, including birthday tributes and travel photos, suggesting a stable partnership formed through overlapping entertainment industry circles. The couple has appeared together at public events, such as the 2023 opening of Hudson House Los Angeles, but Rottman maintains a generally private stance on his personal life, rarely discussing relationships in interviews and using social media selectively to share glimpses without delving into details. This approach has helped shield his romances from intense scrutiny, though past high-profile pairings have occasionally amplified his public image as a heartthrob linked to fellow young Hollywood talents.^[1][55]

Filmography

Television

• Valley Peaks (2009, web series, 2 episodes, DOP 4 / Doctor J. Tupuc)^[56]
• Greek (2009, TV series, 1 episode, Jess)^[57]
• Gigantic (2010–2011, TV series, 18 episodes, Joey Colvin)^[17]
• Victorious (2011, TV series, 1 episode, Ryder Daniels)
• 90210 (2011–2012, TV series, 4 episodes, Shane)^[19]
• Maroon 5 Medley (2012, music video, cameo)^[58]
• The Lying Game (2013, TV series, 10 episodes, Jordan Lyle)^[21]
• Happyland (2014, TV series, 8 episodes, Theodore Chandler)^[59]
• Diagnosis Delicious (2016, TV movie, Dave Oberlin)
• Christmas Wonderland (2018, TV movie, Chris Shepherd)^[60]
• Sister of the Bride (2019, TV movie, Ben)
• Christmas for Keeps (2021, TV movie, Ben Tillman)
• My Southern Family Christmas (2022, TV movie, Jackson Shepherd)
• Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane (2024, TV movie, Tim)^[30]
• Business People (2025–, TV series, 6 episodes, Swing)

Film

• The House Bunny (2008) – extra
• The Open Road (2009) – Peabody Bellhop^[61]
• Stuntmen (2009) – Guy Torre
• The Row (2018) – Carter
• Billionaire Boys Club (2018) – Scott Biltmore (supporting role)
• The Last Summer (2019) – Foster
• Deported (2020) – Business Man #1^[62]
• The Best Worst Christmas Ever (2021, short, completed) – supporting role^[63]
• The Donor Party (2023) – Trip
• Aloha Also Means Goodbye (2024) – David
• Riptide (pre-production)^[64]