Irish actor Kevin Ryan continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his standout performance in the hit series Harry Wild.
Known for his dynamic roles in television and film, Ryan’s latest endeavor has captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
Kevin Ryan was born in Dublin, Ireland, into a family of eighth-generation stonecutters. Although Kevin completed his apprenticeship as a young man, his interests gravitated more towards the arts. He developed a love for Shakespeare, professional dancing, and active sports. In the early years of his entertainment career, Kevin worked as a professional dancer which led him to appear on one of Ireland’s top television shows. Despite his success in dancing, Kevin’s true passion was in acting. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue this passion, where he continued to nurture his craft, and trained heavily as a method actor through the Stanislavski system.
Ryan has captivated audiences with his performances in series such as Copper, Guilt, and Sons of Liberty. However, it is his portrayal of Charlie Wild in the hit series Harry Wild that has garnered significant acclaim. This series follows retired literature professor Harriet “Harry” Wild (Jane Seymour). After being mugged, Harry stumbles upon a clue related to a case her son, Charlie Wild (played by Kevin), is investigating as a detective in the Dublin police. When her insights are dismissed, Harry decides to take matters into her own hands. She turns to private investigation with the help of an unlikely young sidekick (Rohan Nedd), much to the chagrin of Charlie.
Kevin’s ability to bring authenticity and intensity to the role has been a key factor in the hit series’ success. “Approaching any role for me comes with an expectation within myself of authenticity. I count myself very lucky to have some of the connections that I do, especially within the area of law enforcement which I could utilize for the role of Charlie”, Kevin says. Additionally, Kevin draws from his own personal relationship with his mother, to infuse depth into the mother/son relationship between Charlie and Harry. “I do look at my own relationship with my own mother and how easily we can agree or disagree which is kind of comical in itself,” he reflects. This organic approach adds layers of authenticity and humor to the dynamic between Charlie and Harry, resonating with audiences and contributing to the show’s appeal.
The series, now streaming on Amazon Prime, Acorn TV, and BBC America, has achieved high viewership numbers, reflecting its immense popularity. Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating its fourth season, a testament to its compelling storytelling and Ryan’s captivating performance. “There are a lot of high emotional, unhinged parts to the Wild family which is the fun in the role,” Ryan explains, “and this, if anything, multiplies with the upcoming season.” He adds, “For now, I just hope that the audiences enjoy the journey as much as we all do as a cast because there is a lot of fun ahead.”
Kevin Ryan is not just a celebrated actor; he is also an accomplished writer and director. His short film Bad Suns received critical acclaim, winning 27 festival awards. Ryan is now set to make his feature directorial debut with The Quarry, further showcasing his diverse talents and creative vision.
As Harry Wild continues to draw in audiences and critical praise, Kevin Ryan’s star continues to rise. With a promising future ahead, both in his current role and in upcoming projects like the film Lost Nation, Ryan is poised to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
