At twenty-three, actor Ryan Merriman has already 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 seventeen films and three television series 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.

Ryan is currently in preparation to film "Comanche Moon" for CBS. The project, 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. Ryan has also finished filming "Home of the Giants" which co-stars Haley Joel Osment. Before the "Home of the Giants ", Ryan filmed "Final Destination 3", "The Ring 2", "The Colt" for and "Spin." "Spin" and "The Ring 2" and "The Colt" are all now available on Video/DVD.

Ryan has also starred in several television films including Lifetime's "Dangerous Child," "Rocket's Red Glare," "Luck of the Irish," "Smart House," "Ring of Endless Light," Hallmark's "Night Ride Home," "Lansky," "Everything That Rises" and the upcoming "Taken" on the Sci-Fi Channel produced by Steven Spielberg. In addition Ryan has starred in three feature films. "Deep End of the Ocean" with Michelle Pfeiffer, "Halloween: The Homecoming" and "Just Looking," that was directed by Jason Alexander.

Ryan 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. 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.

In his free time Merriman enjoys being home with his family and friends, boating, wakeboarding, camping and riding his Harley. Merriman is also involved with Eagle Mount, an organization that offers riding, skiing, camp programs and other special activities for disabled children in Bozeman, Montana and the Oklahoma City Infant Crisis Center.

When not on location, Merriman is still proud to call Oklahoma home.


Hobbies: in-line skating, four-wheel and dirt bikes, team sports, water sports, horseback riding, British accents, American regional accents, martial arts, tournament-level paint ball, skiing, and snowboarding. Has 5 dogs. Four rotweillers and a German Shepard mix.