According to his friend, actor James Whitmore, Ryan was a painter who loved painting more than acting.
Attended Yale School of Drama
Before entering pictures, he was a football coach and history teacher in his native Kentucky.
Buried Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY
Film career began in late 30s England - best known for his early Cold War-era film noir appearances back in the USA. Played tough characters with names like "Spike" and "Ace".
Was a good friend of James Whitmore, a fellow Yale graduate, who starred with him in two films: Battleground (1949) and Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970).