Ryan Merriman: Wiki, Age, Height, wife, Net Worth (2026)
Ryan Merriman, born April 10, 1983, in Choctaw, Oklahoma, is an American actor best known for his roles in Disney Channel original movies, The Ring Two, Final Destination 3, and Pretty Little Liars. In 2025, he is 42 years old, stands 6′0″ (183 cm), and has an estimated net worth of about $2 million.
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan Earl Merriman |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1983 |
| Age (2025) | 42 years old |
| Place of Birth | Choctaw, Oklahoma, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnic Origins | German, Irish, English, Scottish ancestry |
| Profession | Actor |
| Height | 183 cm (6′0″) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Children | 2 |
| Marital Status | Married to Kristen McMullen (since 2014) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 million (2025) |
| Social Media | Limited public presence |
Family Background & Early Life
Ryan Merriman was born in Choctaw, Oklahoma, to Earl and Nonalyn Merriman. He grew up with his sister Monica in a supportive family environment. From a young age, he was drawn to performance, beginning with commercials, print modeling, and vocal work. He trained at Stage Struck Studios in Oklahoma, where he developed his acting skills before transitioning to television roles.
Education & Artistic Training
Merriman balanced his early acting career with schooling in Oklahoma. His practical training came from years of on‑set experience rather than formal conservatory education. By age ten, he was already appearing in television productions, which gave him a strong foundation in professional acting.
Career Beginnings
Ryan’s first major role was in the NBC sitcom The Mommies (1993–1995), where he played Blake Kellogg. He then starred in The Pretender (1996–2000) as young Jarod, a role that showcased his ability to handle complex characters. His early Disney Channel movies, including Smart House (1999) and Luck of the Irish (2001), made him a household name among younger audiences.
Breakthrough & Recognition
Merriman’s transition to mainstream cinema came with The Ring Two (2005), where he played Jake Pierce. He followed this with Final Destination 3 (2006) as Kevin Fischer, cementing his reputation in the thriller and horror genres. Later, he gained recognition for his recurring role as Ian Thomas in Pretty Little Liars (2010–2012), which introduced him to a new generation of fans.
Filmography Highlights
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Mommies | Blake Kellogg | 1993–1995 |
| The Pretender | Young Jarod | 1996–2000 |
| Smart House (Disney Channel) | Ben Cooper | 1999 |
| Luck of the Irish (Disney Channel) | Kyle Johnson | 2001 |
| The Ring Two | Jake Pierce | 2005 |
| Final Destination 3 | Kevin Fischer | 2006 |
| Smallville | Jason Dante (guest) | 2001 |
| 42 | Dixie Walker | 2013 |
| Pretty Little Liars | Ian Thomas | 2010–2012 |
Net Worth & Income Sources
| Source of Income | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Film Roles | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Television Roles | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Disney Channel Projects | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Endorsements & Appearances | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | ≈ $2 million |
Ryan Merriman Net Worth Timeline (1993–2025)
| Year | Career Milestones | Estimated Annual Earnings (USD) | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | First major role in NBC sitcom The Mommies | $20,000 – $40,000 | ≈ $40,000 |
| 1996–2000 | Starred in The Pretender as young Jarod | $50,000 – $80,000 per year | ≈ $250,000 |
| 1999 | Disney Channel hit Smart House | $100,000 – $150,000 | ≈ $400,000 |
| 2001 | Luck of the Irish (Disney Channel) boosts popularity | $150,000 – $200,000 | ≈ $600,000 |
| 2005 | Breakthrough in The Ring Two | $250,000 – $400,000 | ≈ $1 million |
| 2006 | Final Destination 3 establishes him in thriller genre | $400,000 – $600,000 | ≈ $1.5 million |
| 2010–2012 | Recurring role in Pretty Little Liars | $200,000 – $300,000 per year | ≈ $2 million |
| 2013 | Supporting role in 42 (Jackie Robinson biopic) | $150,000 – $250,000 | ≈ $2.2 million |
| 2015–2018 | Independent films and guest TV appearances | $100,000 – $200,000 annually | ≈ $2.4 million |
| 2020 | Streaming resurgence of Disney classics (Smart House, Luck of the Irish) | $150,000 – $250,000 | ≈ $2.5 million |
| 2025 | Continues acting in independent projects and conventions | $150,000 – $200,000 | ≈ $2.7 million |
Analysis
- Early Disney Years (1999–2001): Merriman became a teen idol thanks to Smart House and Luck of the Irish.
- Thriller Breakthrough (2005–2006): The Ring Two and Final Destination 3 gave him mainstream recognition and boosted his earnings.
- Television Success (2010–2012): Pretty Little Liars introduced him to a new generation, stabilizing his income.
- Independent Era (2015–2025): While no longer a blockbuster star, Merriman maintains steady work in independent films, conventions, and guest appearances, keeping his net worth around $2.7 million in 2025.
Anecdotes & Unique Facts
- Merriman began acting at age eight.
- He has appeared in both family‑friendly Disney films and darker thrillers, showing versatility.
- He divorced his first wife, Micol Duncan, in 2011 before marrying Kristen McMullen in 2014.
- He is known for balancing Hollywood work with a grounded family life in Oklahoma.
Awards & Recognition
While Merriman has not won major industry awards, he has been recognized for his contributions to youth entertainment and cult thriller franchises. His Disney Channel films remain fan favorites decades later.
Legacy & Future Projects
Ryan Merriman’s legacy lies in his ability to transition from child star to adult actor while maintaining relevance. His roles in Smart House and Luck of the Irish are nostalgic classics, while Final Destination 3 and Pretty Little Liars gave him credibility with older audiences. In 2025, he continues to work in independent films and television projects, with a focus on character‑driven roles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ryan Merriman
Who is Ryan Merriman?
Ryan Merriman is an American actor best known for his roles in Disney Channel original movies (Smart House, Luck of the Irish), thrillers like The Ring Two and Final Destination 3, and his recurring role as Ian Thomas in Pretty Little Liars.
When was Ryan Merriman born?
He was born on April 10, 1983, in Choctaw, Oklahoma, USA.
How old is Ryan Merriman in 2025?
He is 42 years old.
What is Ryan Merriman’s height?
He stands at 183 cm (6′0″).
What is Ryan Merriman’s net worth in 2025?
His net worth is estimated at approximately $2.7 million, earned through film roles, television appearances, and Disney Channel projects.
What are Ryan Merriman’s most famous movies?
His most notable films include Smart House (1999), Luck of the Irish (2001), The Ring Two (2005), Final Destination 3 (2006), and 42 (2013).
Did Ryan Merriman act in television series?
Yes, he appeared in The Pretender (1996–2000) as young Jarod and later gained recognition in Pretty Little Liars (2010–2012).
Is Ryan Merriman married?
Yes, he married Kristen McMullen in 2014. He was previously married to Micol Duncan (2004–2011).
Does Ryan Merriman have children?
Yes, he has two children.
What makes Ryan Merriman unique as an actor?
His versatility—transitioning from child star in Disney Channel movies to adult roles in thrillers and dramas—has allowed him to maintain a steady career across decades.
Summary: Ryan Merriman is a versatile American actor whose career spans family entertainment, thrillers, and television drama. From Disney Channel classics to cult horror films, he has built a steady career and a loyal fan base. In 2025, at 42 years old, his net worth of $2 million reflects decades of consistent work in Hollywood.
