Biography

Ryan is a British / German stage and screen actor who trained at the Drama Centre London. He is known for the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit (2020), dir. by Scott Frank, Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (2024) on Prime Video, the Netflix series How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019), Was wir fürchten (2023),How to Tatort (2020) opposite Dar Salim and Spencer (2021) starring Kristen Stewart, dir. by Pablo Larraín.

He has worked extensively on German TV and can be seen in guest and episode leads on Notruf Hafenkante (2007), Rookies (2020) and Großstadtrevier (1986). He was part of the original cast of the German TV Sketch Comedy Die unwahrscheinlichen Ereignisse im Leben von ... (2014).

Ryan's career started off typically British and on stage: performing Shakespeare. He played The Fool in 'King Lear' in London. Between Shakespeare, Ibsen, Brecht, and Chekhov, he has also worked on modern political dramas and satires, appearing in numerous productions at the award-winning Arcola Theatre London such as the hit comedy 'Clarion' (* * * * Guardian, Times, Evening Standard).

In 2018 he joined the ensemble of the Berlin based theatre sitcom "Gutes Wedding, Schlechtes Wedding" and in 2021 srated writing and directing the shows, as well as appearing on stage regularly.

Ryan's work has been underpinned by his love of the stage, which he continues to return to.

As a writer Ryan has co-created various short films, such as the satire "The Water Sommelier" The Water Sommelier (2021) which he co-wrote, co-directed and stars in and which has won several awards, including "BEST COMEDY" at the Oakland Shortfilm Festival, USA.
- IMDb mini biography by: Ryan Wichert

Aged 21 he moved back to the UK and spent a year working for a homeless charity, before studying acting at London's Drama Centre.

Unable to fund his studies and sleeping on a friend's floor, he decided to start a fundraising campaign during his first term. His efforts and determination won him the support and sponsorship of leading actors including as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, the late Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons.

Born to an English mother and a German father, Ryan grew up across both countries and speaks both languages fluently.

Dubbed his role 'Hilton Wexler' himself in German in the "The Queen's Gambit" (Netflix).