Ryan Hadison Cooley was born on May 18, 1988, in Ontario, Canada. He is a talented television actor, renowned for his captivating portrayal of J.T. Yorke on the popular show Degrassi: The Next Generation.
As a native of Orangeville, Ontario, Ryan attended Orangeville District Secondary School, graduating in 2006. Currently, he is pursuing his higher education at The University of Toronto, working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.
Before joining the Degrassi cast, Ryan had a notable two-year stint as Pleskit, the lead alien, in the television series I Was A Sixth Grade Alien. His impressive resume boasts a range of television credits, including appearances on Are You Afraid Of The Dark?, Queer as Folk, Lexx: The Series, and Life with Derek.
Ryan has also made notable appearances in feature films, such as Sachsenhausen 1944, Toy Men, Disney Channel's The Color of Friendship, Animal Planet's Cybermutt, and CBC TV's Happy Christmas Miss King, alongside his Degrassi co-star Lauren Collins.
In 2006, Ryan received a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance In a TV Comedy Series. His passion for the entertainment industry remains strong, and he hopes to continue his career after graduating from the University of Toronto.
When not on set, Ryan enjoys watching James Bond movies and playing basketball. His father, Charlie Cooley, is a drummer for the Canadian Idol winner Kalan Porter and previously played with the band Prairie Oyster. Ryan has a fondness for classic Rat Pack music, often listening to the tunes of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Ryan's dedication to his craft and his love for the entertainment industry make him an exciting talent to watch. As he continues to pursue his dreams, fans can expect to see more of his captivating performances on screen.
