Ryan Hansen

Ryan Hansen was born on July 5, 1981, in Fountain Valley, California, and grew up in El Cajon, California. He began his acting career with guest appearances on television series such as “Grounded for Life,” “That’s So Raven,” and “Las Vegas.” A turning point in his early career came in 2004 when he was cast as Dick Casablancas in the noir drama series “Veronica Mars.” Initially auditioning for a different role, Hansen secured the part of the popular yet complex character, elevating him to a main cast member for seasons two and three. His portrayal of Dick Casablancas became a significant milestone, a role he reprised in the 2014 film adaptation and the 2019 television revival.

Following his work on “Veronica Mars,” Hansen expanded his filmography to include roles in notable productions. In 2008, he appeared in “Superhero Movie,” followed by “Friday the 13th” in 2009, demonstrating his range across different genres. He continued to build his television presence with a starring role as Kyle Bradway in the Starz comedy series “Party Down” from 2009 to 2010, a character he revisited in the 2023 revival. Hansen also took on a main role as Ben Lewis in the NBC sitcom “Friends with Benefits” in 2011 and had a recurring role as Andy in the CBS sitcom “2 Broke Girls” from 2012 to 2017. His career progression highlights a consistent presence in both film and television, often recognized for his comedic timing and ability to inhabit diverse characters.

In recent years, Hansen has undertaken various projects, including his self-aware YouTube Premium series, “Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television,” which premiered in 2017 and ran until 2019, where he played a fictionalized version of himself. He appeared in the 2020 films “Like a Boss” and “Fantasy Island,” further diversifying his film credits. His work also extends to voice acting, with appearances in “American Dad!” and “Rick and Morty.” Hansen has been involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting the “Invisible Children” campaign, founded by his brother-in-law, Jason Russell. His career reflects a sustained engagement in the entertainment industry, contributing to a wide range of productions.