Imposing, ruggedly handsome lead who made his film debut in "Golden Gloves" (1940) and signed with RKO two years later. Ryan hit his stride in the late 1940s playing a string of psychopathic or hard-boiled types, notably the anti-Semitic murderer in "Crossfire" (1947) and the over-the-hill pug in the classic boxing drama, "The Set-Up" (1949). He went on to appear in a host of films through the mid-70s, often giving fine performances in decidedly mediocre vehicles. Ryan was memorable as William Holden's buddy-turned-nemesis in Sam Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch" (1969).
Family
SON: Cheyney Ryan. Playwright, professor. Born c. 1948, mother Jennifer Cadwalader; expelled from Harvard for protesting Vietnam War; PhD in philosophy from Boston U.
Companion
WIFE: Jennifer Cadwalader. Author. Married in 1939.
Milestone
1939: Stage acting debut
1940: First film appearance in "Golden Gloves"
1941: Broadway debut in "Clash by Night"
1942: Signed contract with RKO
Served with Marines during WWII
Education
Loyola Academy - Wilmette, Illinois
Max Reinhardt Theatrical Workshop - Hollywood, California
Dartmouth College - Hanover, New Hampshire - 1932 - heavyweight boxing champion
Bibliography
"Robert Ryan: A Biography and Critical Filmography" Franklin Jarlett 1990
robert kawasaki
Let me say more.
Some critics said that Robert Ryan was a supporting player, or he only lend his talent to inferior or midiocre ...
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robert kawasaki
Very underrated, but great
It is so nice to know that Robert Ryan's ability as an actor is now largely recognized. His strong presense ...
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