Actor / Director Profile

At twenty-eight Ryan Merriman has eighteen years of television and film experience and has developed an extensive list of film and television credits, which have enabled him to work with some of Hollywood's most respected actors. Now with 25 films, four television series and several guest appearances to his credit, Ryan is well recognized in the industry. Merriman began his career doing commercials, print work, vocal performances, and local theater in Oklahoma when he was only 8 years old.Ryan can currently be seen as Ian Thomas, the charming but sinister character that everyone loves to hate, in the hit ABC Family Channel drama, Pretty Little Liars.He recently wrapped up filming on another independent feature opposite these beautiful ladies, Torrey DeVitto, Brit Morgan and Paige Howard, entitled, Cheescake Casserole. This comedy is all about finding out what's inside. Ryan starred in the Hallmark original movie 'Elevator Girl' starring along side Lacey Chabert (Mean girls). Elevator girl is a romantic comedy about a workaholic attorney Jonathan MacIntyre who gets trapped in a stalled elevator with Liberty Taylor (Chabert), a carefree and eccentric whose life consists of odd jobs and unfinished degrees. Their different lifestyles eventually crash and they must decide whether their love can survive their differences. Romantic comedy is a new genre (for Ryan) to be added to an already diverse resume, ranging from horror to western, from thrillers to sitcom.Among his other recent work is an independent movie called "The 5th quarter". A movie based on a true story about Jon Abbate who driven by the tragic and fatal car crash that took the life of his fifteen-year-old brother Luke. By wearing Luke's number 5 jersey, Jon Abbate (played by Ryan Merriman) helps to lead the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to the most successful football season in school history. This movie is in post-production and is set to release in theatres in 2011.Also just released is "Home of the Giants" an independent drama/thriller which co-stars Haley Joel Osment and Danielle Panabaker which has gotten rave reviews from the critics.Before "The 5th quarter" Ryan filmed the independent teen comedy "Wild Cherry" with Tania Raymonde, Kristin Cavallari, Rumer Willis and Rob Schneider, available for viewing on cable and DVD. Among his television credits is "Comanche moon" a 6-hour mini-series, with an all-star cast including Val Kilmer, Karl Urban, Steve Zahn, Rachel Griffiths, Linda Cardellini and Graham Greene, is written by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana.Merriman also starred in the ABC series "Veritas" and the recurring role of "Young Jarod" on the NBC hit series "The Pretender," which ran for four successful seasons on NBC. He was also a series regular on the NBC television sitcom, "The Mommies."Merriman's talent has already been recognized by many organizations that award the talent of young performers. He recently won the best actor award at the Northern California Independent Film Festival for his performance in The 5th Quarter. Ryan was awarded a "One to Watch" award at Movieline's Hollywood Life 7th Annual Young Hollywood Awards. He has also received eight nominations for a Young Artist Award of Hollywood and been a winner six times. In addition Ryan has been nominated five times for a Hollywood Reporter YoungStar Award.Ryan's charity of choice, which he supports actively, is Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. He is also active in numerous other national and local charity organizations and actively supports state efforts to bring film production to Oklahoma. Merriman was honored during a session at the capitol and presented with a citation for his commitment to film, charity work and for being an Ambassador to Oklahoma in his travels.Merriman enjoys all forms of outdoor sports. He is an avid golfer, enjoys dirt biking, mountain biking, water sports, snowboarding, horseback riding, all team sports and hanging out with his Rottweilers. In his free time Merriman enjoys being home in Oklahoma with his family and friends, boating, wake boarding, camping, fishing and hunting.When not on location or pursuing work in LA, Merriman is still proud to call Oklahoma home.