Most Famous Ryans in the World

The name Ryan has left a huge footprint across film, television, music, and digital media. From blockbuster headliners and award-winning directors to chart-topping songwriters and internet pioneers, Ryans have shaped pop culture in front of the camera, behind the scenes, and on the airwaves. Their work spans genres and generations, connecting audiences through memorable performances, hit records, and influential storytelling.

This list gathers some of the most widely recognized celebrities named Ryan and highlights what they’re best known for. You’ll find concise career snapshots, major credits, key accolades, and notable ventures that show why each person became a household name. Titles of movies, series, albums, and shows appear in single quotes for easy skimming.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian-American actor and producer known for leading the superhero franchise ‘Deadpool’ as well as mainstream hits like ‘Free Guy’, ‘The Proposal’, and ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’. He runs the production company Maximum Effort, which develops films, series, and distinctive ad campaigns, and he has co-owned brands in spirits and telecom. He is also a co-owner of Wrexham A.F.C. with Rob McElhenney, the story of which is chronicled in the docuseries ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.

Beyond acting, Reynolds has built a reputation for savvy marketing and philanthropy. He frequently partners with nonprofits for campaigns tied to releases and brand work, and he supports initiatives in healthcare and children’s causes. His projects often combine entertainment with creative business strategies, expanding his impact well beyond the screen.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is an Academy Award-nominated actor recognized for acclaimed roles in ‘La La Land’, ‘Drive’, ‘Blade Runner 2049’, and ‘The Big Short’. He began as a child performer and transitioned into dramatic and musical leads, earning major nominations and wins across global awards ceremonies. His turn in ‘Barbie’ broadened his mainstream reach with a high-profile musical performance tied to the film’s soundtrack.

Gosling has also produced select projects and explored music through the indie rock duo Dead Man’s Bones. He participates in humanitarian work focused on international relief and education, lending visibility to campaigns and field visits. His filmography balances auteur-driven dramas with commercial hits, anchoring him among the most versatile Ryans in Hollywood.

Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler is a filmmaker and producer known for ‘Fruitvale Station’, ‘Creed’, and ‘Black Panther’, projects that combined strong character work with cultural impact and significant box-office results. He frequently collaborates with Michael B. Jordan and has shepherded stories centered on community, identity, and legacy. ‘Black Panther’ became a landmark Marvel release, earning multiple Academy Awards for the film’s crafts.

Coogler co-founded a production banner focused on elevating underrepresented voices and has worked as a producer on related franchise entries and spinoffs. He supports youth-focused programs in the Bay Area and participates in mentorship initiatives for emerging filmmakers. His track record links critical success with audience reach, making him one of the most influential directors named Ryan.

Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy is a prolific television creator and showrunner behind ‘Glee’, ‘American Horror Story’, ‘American Crime Story’, ‘Pose’, ‘Feud’, and ‘Nip/Tuck’. His anthology formats and music-driven storytelling have generated strong ratings and a wide range of awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes across multiple series and categories. He is known for building expansive ensembles and launching long-running franchises.

Murphy has held major overall deals with top studios and streaming platforms, producing series, limited series, and documentaries. He also champions LGBTQ+ representation and partners with charities focused on health, youth, and the arts. His output has reshaped modern prestige television and cemented his name in the industry’s top tier.

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest is a broadcaster and producer best known as the host of ‘American Idol’, where he helped define live competition television for mass audiences. He also leads the nationally syndicated radio programs ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest’ and ‘American Top 40’, and he has hosted ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ for holiday broadcasts viewed by millions. His production company has developed unscripted hits and lifestyle content.

Seacrest launched the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which builds broadcast media centers in pediatric hospitals to support patients and families through creative programming. In addition to television and radio, he works across consumer products and charitable partnerships. His cross-platform presence makes him one of the most recognizable Ryans in entertainment.

Ryan Tedder

Ryan Tedder is the frontman of OneRepublic and a prolific songwriter-producer for global superstars. With OneRepublic, he has released radio staples such as ‘Apologize’, ‘Counting Stars’, ‘Good Life’, and ‘I Ain’t Worried’, touring internationally and earning multi-platinum certifications. As a behind-the-scenes hitmaker, he has written or produced for artists including Beyoncé (‘Halo’), Adele (‘Rumour Has It’), and Taylor Swift (‘I Know Places’).

Tedder founded companies spanning publishing, production, and beverages, and he mentors artists on songwriting and stagecraft. He appears as a coach or advisor on music competition series, sharing studio insights with emerging talent. His catalog spans pop, rock, and R&B, securing his status as one of the most commercially successful Ryans in music.

Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams is a singer-songwriter known for a prolific solo catalog and for fronting the alt-country band Whiskeytown. His early solo releases ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘Gold’ earned widespread recognition, while later albums explored rock, folk, and acoustic palettes. He is noted for energetic live shows and for releasing both studio and live recordings that showcase varied arrangements of his songs.

Across his career, Adams has collaborated with a broad range of artists and contributed to film and television soundtracks. His work features narrative-driven lyrics and guitar-centric production that influenced a generation of Americana and indie musicians. He remains a prominent Ryan within the singer-songwriter tradition.

Ryan Lewis

Ryan Lewis is a producer and DJ best known for his partnership with Macklemore as the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Their album ‘The Heist’ produced global hits like ‘Thrift Shop’ and ‘Can’t Hold Us’, leading to multiple Grammy wins including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album. The duo’s independent release strategy and inventive videos helped redefine modern hip-hop marketing.

Lewis directs and edits music videos and works across visual branding for music campaigns. He has collaborated with nonprofits on public health initiatives and social causes amplified through the duo’s platform. His production style blends pop accessibility with hip-hop foundations, securing his profile as a high-impact Ryan in contemporary music.

Ryan Higa

Ryan Higa is a pioneering YouTube creator who built one of the platform’s earliest channels to surpass major subscriber milestones. His sketches, parodies, and short films such as ‘How to Be Ninja’ and ‘Nice Guys’ set standards for comedic pacing and DIY production on digital video. He expanded into longer content and podcasting while maintaining a devoted global audience.

Higa’s work introduced many viewers to consistent, episodic YouTube storytelling and inspired a wave of creators. He has collaborated with musicians, actors, and fellow YouTubers, and he has appeared at fan conventions and industry events focused on digital media. His impact established him as a defining Ryan in internet culture.

Ryan Kaji

Ryan Kaji is the face of the family-run channel ‘Ryan’s World’, one of the most viewed children’s brands on YouTube. The channel features unboxings, educational segments, and animated characters that extended into consumer products and licensed merchandise available in major retailers. He has starred in specials and series that adapt the channel’s characters and learning themes.

The brand includes apps, books, and partnerships with educational organizations. Parents and producers design content around age-appropriate activities and STEM-oriented experiments, making the channel a staple of family-friendly programming online. Kaji’s media footprint makes him one of the most recognizable Ryans among young audiences worldwide.

Ryan O’Neal

Ryan O’Neal rose to fame with the romantic drama ‘Love Story’, earning an Academy Award nomination for his performance. He followed with notable roles in ‘Paper Moon’, ‘Barry Lyndon’, and ‘What’s Up, Doc?’, working with directors like Stanley Kubrick and Peter Bogdanovich. His early television work on ‘Peyton Place’ set the stage for a successful transition to film.

O’Neal’s career spanned decades and included collaborations with family members and recurring appearances in television projects. His work in comedy, period drama, and romance showcased range across genres. He remains one of the most recognized Ryans from the classic era of American cinema.

Ryan Phillippe

Ryan Phillippe is known for star-making turns in ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’, followed by roles in ensemble dramas like ‘Crash’. He has balanced film with television, headlining the action series ‘Shooter’ and appearing in legal and thriller projects. His career includes both studio releases and independent films.

Phillippe has produced select projects and participated in campaigns supporting veterans and mental health awareness. He continues to appear in thrillers and dramas that leverage his experience in action roles. His consistent presence across mediums has kept him a familiar Ryan to film and TV audiences.

Ryan Bingham

Ryan Bingham is a singer-songwriter and actor whose song ‘The Weary Kind’ from ‘Crazy Heart’ earned major awards across the film and music industries. He has released albums that blend country, folk, and rock influences, building a reputation for gravelly vocals and storytelling lyrics. His touring history includes headlining sets and festival appearances.

Bingham also appears as a recurring character in the series ‘Yellowstone’, bringing his musical background into on-screen performances. He collaborates with fellow artists on duets and soundtrack contributions and operates an independent label for select releases. His dual career places him among the notable Ryans in both music and television.

Ryan Kwanten

Ryan Kwanten is an Australian actor best known for his role in the HBO series ‘True Blood’, where he played a central character across multiple seasons. Before that breakout, he worked on Australian television, including ‘Home and Away’, and later moved into genre films and thrillers. He has voiced characters in animation and taken on indie projects to diversify his résumé.

Kwanten has served as a producer on select films, contributing to development and festival runs. He participates in charity events tied to fitness and environmental causes. His body of work keeps him a recognizable Ryan in international television and genre cinema.

Ryan Potter

Ryan Potter is an actor and voice actor known for portraying Hiro Hamada in Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ and for playing Gar/Beast Boy in the DC series ‘Titans’. He began his career with martial arts-influenced roles and quickly transitioned into voice work that connected with family audiences. His performances span live-action, animation, and superhero ensembles.

Outside acting, Potter advocates for representation in media and supports initiatives focused on youth and diversity in entertainment. He engages with fan communities through conventions and outreach tied to superhero and animation franchises. His cross-medium presence marks him as a rising Ryan in both television and film.

Share your picks for the most famous Ryans and tell us who you’d add in the comments.