John Saint Ryan(1953-2025)
- Actor
- Writer
- Stunts
Born in Burnley, Lancashire, UK in 1953. Saint Ryan spent much of his
earlier life in the world of Martial Arts both as a fighter and a
Teacher. It was this life that led him in to the world of independent
films. In 1983 he was brought on board the Brit cult action movie GBH
as a fight choreographer, and was subsequently asked to play one of the
villains of the piece. This developed over the next few years and Saint
Ryan went on to co star in five more of these low budget independents
finally in 1988 taking the lead in 'The Assassinator', an ambitious
self penned dark action drama set in Northern Ireland, North West
England and the Mediterranean island of Malta. The project was
initially picked up by the progressive UK Channel 4 but was considered
too politically sensitive at that time given its subject matter of the
IRA and the 'Troubles' in Ireland.
Following 'The Assassinator' Saint Ryan hit the 'boards' and spent some time in regional and West End Theatre. Then went on to co star in a number of British TV series until he was 're-discovered' in the bar of the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. At the time he was once again playing an assassin, this time sent to kill Dolph Lundgren in the movie 'Cover Up'. At that moment the producers of the film Delta Force 3 were looking for a replacement for Gregory Pecks son Tony. Saint Ryan fit the bill and so co starred alongside Nick Cassavettes. A picture deal with Cannon films took him to the USA and a string of movie and TV roles. He bounced back to the UK in 1994 to co star in the award winning soap 'Coronation Street'. On his return to the USA he continued to work in both TV, film and commercials, his most prominent being the TV series 'Roar' with Heath Ledger. For several years now Saint Ryan's passion and interest in horses has established him as a well respected horseman and teacher. He won the US National Championship in Doma Vaquera 3 years in a row (2004-2006). In 2007 he formed Galloping Gelding Productions and has filmed several documentaries on his favorite horseman and mentor Tom Dorrance.
Following 'The Assassinator' Saint Ryan hit the 'boards' and spent some time in regional and West End Theatre. Then went on to co star in a number of British TV series until he was 're-discovered' in the bar of the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv. At the time he was once again playing an assassin, this time sent to kill Dolph Lundgren in the movie 'Cover Up'. At that moment the producers of the film Delta Force 3 were looking for a replacement for Gregory Pecks son Tony. Saint Ryan fit the bill and so co starred alongside Nick Cassavettes. A picture deal with Cannon films took him to the USA and a string of movie and TV roles. He bounced back to the UK in 1994 to co star in the award winning soap 'Coronation Street'. On his return to the USA he continued to work in both TV, film and commercials, his most prominent being the TV series 'Roar' with Heath Ledger. For several years now Saint Ryan's passion and interest in horses has established him as a well respected horseman and teacher. He won the US National Championship in Doma Vaquera 3 years in a row (2004-2006). In 2007 he formed Galloping Gelding Productions and has filmed several documentaries on his favorite horseman and mentor Tom Dorrance.
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