Trivia

Injured in a helicopter crash on the set of Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990) that injured 2 and killed 5 others.

Rare opportunity to play a sympathetic character in the 1970s "It's Alive" series of horror films as the father of the monster baby.

Manic-eyed American character actor sometimes billed as "John Ryan" who has played dogged cops or tough military, but is better remembered for his streamlined villains that could turn particularly vicious or lethal ("Runaway Train").

Spent six years in the U.S. Army.

He once worked as a welfare investigator.

Introduced to films by Jack Nicholson, who included him in five of his projects starting with Five Easy Pieces (1970).

Son of Irish immigrants who graduated from Rice High School; majored in English at CCNY where he also developed an interest in acting.

Off-camera interests included counseling and spiritual healing (dream work, Reichi therapy).

John Ryan was also the birth name of actor Jack Lord.

Frequently cast by Bob Rafelson.

Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).