Date of Birth: November 11, 1909
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: July 11, 1973
Biography
Robert Ryan was an American actor known for his powerful and intense performances in film and television. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ryan developed a passion for acting early in life, which he pursued fervently after attending Dartmouth College. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, an experience that deeply influenced his later roles portraying complex, multifaceted characters. Ryan made his film debut in 1940 and gained critical acclaim for his performance in the film noir classic “Crossfire” (1947), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his career, he appeared in a range of genres, from Westerns like “The Naked Spur” (1953) to war films such as “The Dirty Dozen” (1967). Known for his versatility and commitment to his craft, Ryan worked with many of Hollywood’s top directors, including Anthony Mann, Nicholas Ray, and John Frankenheimer. Beyond his acting career, Ryan was also known for his activism, particularly in the areas of civil rights and social justice. He remained active in the industry until his death in 1973, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
5 Interesting Facts about Robert Ryan
1. Robert Ryan was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Crossfire” (1947).
2. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of drill sergeant.
3. Ryan was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and was involved in numerous social justice causes throughout his life.
4. He starred in over 70 films during his career, showcasing his versatility across different genres.
5. Ryan was a lifelong Democrat and often used his public platform to speak out against political and social injustices.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Robert Ryan
1. “The only thing I’m interested in is being a good actor.”
2. “I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.”
3. “I have been in so many romantic films that I am finally getting used to the idea of being associated with love.”
4. “It’s tough to say which was the first movie that really made me love acting, but ‘Crossfire’ was certainly one of them.”
5. “You get to the point where you start to appreciate the value of hard work and dedication in this business.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Robert Ryan achieved a net worth of approximately $5 million.
Children
Robert Ryan had three children with his wife Jessica Cadwalader: Timothy Ryan, Cheyney Ryan, and Lisa Ryan.
Relevant Links
1. [Robert Ryan IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0752813/
2. [Robert Ryan Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Ryan
3. [Academy Award Nomination for “Crossfire”](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1948
5. [Profile on Turner Classic Movies](http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/167384%7C131773/Robert-Ryan/