Meet Ryan Wayne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Wayne.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ryan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started with the first Harry Potter movie. I remember seeing that movie and not only being totally engrossed in the wizarding world, but also wanting to be in movies like that. From that day on I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up… a wizard! But because I was a muggle, I thought acting would be my only way to create magic.

In elementary school and junior high I wasn’t given a lot of opportunities to act but when those special occasions happen where we had projects where I could perform or when we read a play in English class, it was my time to shine. High school is when I finally got to join a Drama Club and finally got to be in plays, learn Shakespearean monologues, and compete in District and State level competitions in Florida winning different awards and scoring high throughout my high school career.

In October of 2015 I made the best decision in my life (so far) moving to LA and attending AMDA College and Conservatory. Attending AMDA made me grow so much as a person as well as an actor. I came to LA as a sheltered small-town boy who had the social skills of a defective Tamagotchi and I grew into a city boy who gets bored if he’s stuck in his apartment for more than 5 hours and who has became a bit of a powerhouse acting wise. At AMDA I learned so much about Acting, Improv, stage combat, writing, and how to navigate this business, that in October 2018 when I did graduate (dressed as Spider-Man) with my BFA I was ready to start my journey as a professional actor.

Post-college I’ve been cast in a respectable amount of short films, web series, music videos, and live performances, giving it my all and having a blast with every project, getting closer to my goals of being a part of bigger projects. As well as honing my skills with workshops in stage combat, voice acting, improv, and I’m currently taking singing lessons! I got a big career ahead of me and so much to learn, I’m excited to continue my journey and push myself to see what all I can accomplish.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Hahaha, if my road was an ice cream flavor, it be rocky road on an airplane experiencing turbulence in a thunder storm, with like maybe one engine still working (new Ben & Jerry flavor?). I had a lot of obstacles to overcome.

I suffer from social anxiety and I used to be super awkward. I’m much better at handling it now and putting myself out there but it was bad in high school. I did have friends but I never really hung out with anyone outside of school. I was just figuring out how to socialize, and I got better near the end of my senior year but I still had a long way to go.

When I got accepted into college, I knew two things, one: I’ll be learning how to be a far better actor and Two I could start over. My life back home was barely a life, I merely existed working in the produce section at a super store counting the days until I got to move to LA. While I do say that going to AMDA was the best decision of my life, the beginning was rough.

I was so happy to start college but I was still socially awkward and I had a lot to learn about people. Not too long after the semester started rumors about me circulated around the campus and I was last to find out. I was devastated. I thought my second chance was ruined. I felt alone again. Thankfully it was resolved. People forgot about it and my true friends stood by my side and helped stop the lies.

I moved off campus my sophomore year and I had a toxic roommate situation. He would constantly put me down, belittle me, and would have fits of rage. When I stood up for myself, he kicked me out… and that’s when things were really dark for me. I was scared I was going to be homeless. For the first time in my life, I considered suicide. Fortunately, I had a couple friends who offered me a place to stay. I pushed through the hardship, yeah, I was sleeping in the living room of a friends’ place for a couple months. But once I found a place, life started to get better. I started to be more social, considerate and was more determined than ever to accomplish my dreams and become the best actor I could be. I saw that when my head space was more positive the universe would reciprocate that energy and good things would happen to me.

Two quotes I live by to push me through any obstacle or set back that life throws at me: “Everything happens for a reason” and “Struggle is nature’s way of strengthening”. No matter what happen in life I know I’ll get through it. Because I know I’ll come out the other side wiser, stronger, and more determined than I was before.

Tell us more about your work.
I’m an Actor/Comedian/Writer. I’ve been a professional actor for about two years I mostly do film. I usually play the nervous characters, intellectual types, and occasionally the cocky guy. One thing I am proud of is how many projects I’ve been after graduation. Whether it was paid or not, big project with some big names or small films with young filmmakers, I appreciate and feel blessed for every experience I’ve been given. What sets me apart? I am a chameleon, not only do I have really good range and can play many archetypes very well. I also go deep into my characters. I go through and make notes all throughout my script, I write bios for characters I play, heck sometimes I go into a restaurant and see how this character reacts to the world around them. I made the discovery that if you’re playing a character, you should be able to describe them as if you were talking about your best friend.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel luck does play a part in my life and my career. In this business we hear “right place, right time” and that careers have been made because someone’s first choice wasn’t available take Emily Blunt who originally was supposed to play Black Widow, do to scheduling conflicts she had to turn down the role and Scar Jo got the role instead . Luck is a contributing factor.

Now, do I think it’s the biggest factor? No. I believe fortune favors the bold. It’s the hard work I put in and the dedication I have to further myself that has gotten me this far and is what will open more doors for me in the future. Some situations will be in my favor and some won’t. It’s all part of the journey. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. Every hardship and victory, every role I booked or was passed on, and every person I meet along the way was meant to happen to help guide me to my ultimate goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: mrryanwayne.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrryanwayne/
• Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm10233644?ref_=nm_nv_usr_prof

Image Credit:
Megan Cullen, Tony Zimbardi, Evelyn-Rose Whitlock, Edgar Aden, Zhou Ye

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.