Robert Ryan

Photo of Robert Ryan

Biography

Ryan hit his stride in the late 1940s playing a string of psychopathic or hard-boiled types, notably the anti-Semitic murderer in "Crossfire" (1947) and the over-the-hill pug in the classic boxing drama, "The Set-Up" (1949). He went on to appear in a host of films through the mid-70s, often giving fine performances in decidedly mediocre vehicles. Ryan was memorable as William Holden's buddy-turned-nemesis in Sam Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch" …
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Job Title

Actor

Born

November 11, 1909

Career Milestones

Served with Marines during WWII

1942

Signed contract with RKO

1941

Broadway debut in "Clash by Night"

1940

First film appearance in "Golden Gloves"

1939

Stage acting debut

Awards

1973

National Board of Review Award for Best Actor in The Iceman Cometh

1973

National Society of Film Critics Award for Special Award in The Iceman Cometh

1962

BAFTA Award for Foreign Actor in Billy Budd

1947

Academy Award for Actor In a Supporting Role in Crossfire