John P. Ryan, a talented character actor, was born on July 30, 1936, in New York City to Irish immigrant parents. He attended Rice High School and later studied English at the City College of New York, where he initially developed his passion for acting. Prior to pursuing an acting career, Ryan served six years in the US Army and worked as a welfare investigator.
Ryan made his film debut in the 1967 comedy "The Tiger Makes Out" and went on to appear in five pictures alongside Jack Nicholson. One of his most notable roles was as male nurse Spicer in "Five Easy Pieces." He was often cast as nasty villains, hard-boiled police officers, and strict military men, showcasing his intense and explosive screen presence.
In a rare change-of-pace sympathetic role, Ryan delivered a strong and touching performance as Frank Davis, the bitter and regretful father of a murderous monster mutant baby in Larry Cohen's "It's Alive." He reprised this role in the sequel "It Lives Again." Ryan's other notable movie parts include the fanatical Colonel Hardcore in "Shamus," shrewd mob capo Patsy O'Neill in the witty "Cops and Robbers," evil scientist Schneider in "Futureworld," the dogged Lt. Parmental in "Breathless," vicious Irish mobster Joe Flynn in "The Cotton Club," and many more.
Ryan also had a prolific career in television, making guest appearances on shows such as "M.A.S.H.," "The Rockford Files," "Hawaii Five-O," "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," "Starsky & Hutch," "Kojak," "Hart to Hart," "The F.B.I.," and "Miami Vice." He had a recurring role on the TV series "Archer."
In addition to his film and TV credits, Ryan appeared in over 90 stage plays. Following his final film appearance in "Bound," Ryan spent his later years giving acting lessons and was an advocate of spiritual healing. John P. Ryan passed away on March 20, 2007, at the age of 70, due to a stroke, and is survived by his two daughters.
