Ryan O’Neill (Actor) was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and here is the Q&A session we had with Ryan.
Ryan O’Neill As Cover Story Interview – February 2026 Magazine Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
I’m Ryan O’Neill. I began working as a Principal Actor in August 2024 and have been fortunate to book 89 roles since then. I hadn’t done any acting beforehand, other than a few months of background work in 2024. I fell in love with being on set immediately and decided to get the training required to learn the trade. I’ve trained with Michael Caruana at Bongo Productions, Michael Gordin Shore, Jeff Clarke at Pro Actor’s Lab, and The Hamilton School of Media Arts. I was lucky to meet Juanita Jennings when I was doing background work on Cross, and we became friends. She helped me in the very early stages of my journey with advice and mentorship before returning to Los Angeles. I have also learned a lot about the industry from Youssef Abdelmalek at Ymaphoto.
Without his headshots, I would not have been able to book the roles I have, but more importantly, he has become a great friend. I consider my relationship with my agent, Kelly Lazar, as family more than business. She believes in me completely and is convinced that I will be able to forge a career in this business. I have been incredibly successful in the non-union acting world but have experienced a large amount of frustration with breaking into union roles. Kelly has never worried and has allowed me to vent when necessary, which is highly appreciated. I’ve been fortunate to have roles in every media. I’ve acted in two national television commercials and several social media ads, four feature films, and twelve vertical reels. I’ve booked roles on television shows on Netflix and Bell Fibe TV 1, multiple web series, and dozens of short films.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
I wouldn’t classify it as a hardship, but I’ve had to learn to be independent and work hard for everything all my life. I’m an only child and have never been married. I served for seven years in the Canadian Forces and then went back to school later in life to earn a degree. While still in the army, and eventually full-time at my current place of employment, I achieved a college degree, a BA, and a CPA. I had a false cancer scare approximately three years ago, and I had a hip replacement in 2020, which I’m proud to say I pushed through very quickly and recovered from in less than a month.
What do people usually not know about you?
Very few people know that I’m still working as a CPA while pursuing an acting career and have managed to juggle booking 89 roles with a full-time accounting career. As I mentioned in the previous question, I served seven years in the Canadian Forces. I also have a near-three-hundred-page vampire novel published on Amazon.
What sets you apart from others?
I love movies. I own 800 4K/Blu-ray movies. Since I saw Star Wars as a child, film has been my passion. Everyone I’ve met in the acting industry has been very kind and has told me that booking 89 roles in such a short period is unheard of. In addition to working hard, I believe my love for film is what has helped me succeed at a rapid pace. I call it having a “director brain.” I can see scenes and how to play them almost immediately. This is especially beneficial in developing comedic instincts and timing, which I take pride in. I didn’t realize how natural I was at improvisation until entering this industry. I knew I was sarcastic, but the ability to think fast and have a comeback for pretty much any comment has been incredibly fun to use in creating character reactions at the spur of the moment on set.
What are your upcoming major events?
Condemned Woodstock Season 2, where I play the lead role in episode one, will be coming to Bell Fibe TV1 this year. Tennessee Ride Along is an action/comedy feature film coming to American Cable Television this year. I play the “Big Bad” who shows up in the last half of the film to cause havoc. In April, I will be filming a feature film with a script that I’m quite impressed with.
What expert advice would you like to give?
Be fearless. The camera catches everything. If you don’t fully believe in yourself and the character you’re portraying, then it will show. If you get a crazy idea, then do it. Being unique usually impresses your peers, and if the director doesn’t like it, then they’ll tell you, but it will never be held against you. Be responsible, be on time, know your lines, and continue to work even when you’re not on set. Update your Instagram and IMDB profiles regularly. Look at casting websites daily, and never stop asking people questions. You don’t know what you don’t know, so ask.
Your social media handles and website links?
- Instagram – @ryone30 https://www.instagram.com/ryone30/
- IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16448098/
- YouTube page – https://www.youtube.com/@ryanoneill30
Jose R. Harwood is a the Chief Editor and Author at TheCelebrity.Online and expert in Entertainment Industry working with TheCelebrity.Online Magazine – You can reach Jose R. Harwood via Contact page! – Read more on our About Us page.
