Ryan Phillippe Then and Now

Ryan Phillippe Then

Ryan Phillippe, originally named Matthew Ryan Phillippe, was born on September 10, 1974, in New Castle, Delaware.

His early life was shaped by his supportive family, which included his mother, Susan, a dedicated nurse, his father, Richard, a professional chemist, and his three sisters, Lindsay, Katelyn, and Kirsten. 

Growing up in a close-knit family, Ryan developed a strong work ethic and a passion for various activities.

Phillippe’s formative years were spent at New Castle Baptist Academy, where he was actively involved in sports, particularly soccer and baseball. 

His athletic pursuits helped him cultivate discipline and teamwork, qualities that would later prove valuable in his acting career. 

His education continued at Barbizon Modeling and Acting School, where he honed his skills and prepared for a future in the entertainment industry.

The training Ryan received at Barbizon laid the foundation for his entry into modeling and acting, providing him with essential industry knowledge and experience. 

This early education and the encouragement from his family propelled him into a successful career in Hollywood, where he has since become known for his versatile performances and enduring presence in the film and television industry.

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Ryan Phillippe Acting Career

Ryan Phillippe’s acting career began with his signing to New Jersey’s Cathy Parker Management, which soon led to his acting debut on the daytime soap opera “One Life to Live” in 1992. 

He played Billy Douglas, a groundbreaking role as one of the first openly gay teenagers on television, appearing in 13 episodes until 1993. 

After this early success, Phillippe relocated to Los Angeles, where he began guest-starring on popular television shows such as “Matlock” (1994), “Due South” (1994), “Chicago Hope” (1996), and “The Outer Limits” (1996). 

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During this period, he also featured in made-for-TV movies like “The Case of the Grimacing Governor” (1994) and “Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare” (1995).

Phillippe’s big screen debut came with a small role in the 1995 film “Crimson Tide,” which marked the beginning of a steady career in film. 

By the end of the 1990s, he had appeared in ten movies, including notable roles in “Little Boy Blue” (1997) and “Playing by Heart” (1998). 

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A significant breakthrough came in 1997 when he co-starred in the horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Freddie Prinze Jr. 

He reunited with Gellar for the 1999 film “Cruel Intentions,” which also starred his then-girlfriend Reese Witherspoon. This film further solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

Entering the 2000s, Phillippe expanded his repertoire with voice work for the Fox animated series “King of the Hill” and starring roles in films like “Way of the Gun” and “Company Man” (both 2000). 

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In 2001, he led the cast in “Antitrust” and was part of the acclaimed ensemble in “Gosford Park,” which won several awards and featured notable actors like Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, and Clive Owen. 

Phillippe continued to build on his success with a role in the award-winning ensemble of “Crash” (2004). 

His portrayal of John “Doc” Bradley in Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006) earned him critical acclaim for his depiction of the real-life Navy Hospital corpsman.

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Phillippe’s affinity for military roles continued with his performances as U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Brandon King in “Stop-Loss” (2008) and Lt. 

Dixon Piper in the “Saturday Night Live” spin-off film “MacGruber” (2010). 

In 2020, he was reported to be finalizing a deal to join the Peacock streaming service’s “MacGruber” series, which premiered in 2021. 

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His role in the film “MacGruber” also led to a hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” in April 2010 and a guest appearance on Comedy Central’s “Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time.”

In 2011, Phillippe starred in four movies: “The Bang Bang Club,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Setup,” and “Revenge for Jolly!” The following year, he joined the cast of FX’s “Damages” for its final season. 

In 2015, he starred as murder suspect Ben Crawford on the first season of “Secrets and Lies.” 

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He continued to appear in various television projects, including “Drunk History” (2015), “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2017), and “Will & Grace” (2020). 

From 2016 to 2018, Phillippe played retired military sniper Bob Lee Swagger on the TV series “Shooter,” which he also produced.

In 2020, Phillippe appeared in the film “The Sound of Philadelphia” and was set to star in the David E. Kelley television series “Big Sky.” 

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Additionally, he was involved in upcoming films such as “Lady of the Manor” and “The 2nd,” showcasing his continued versatility and commitment to his craft. 

Throughout his career, Ryan Phillippe has demonstrated a wide range of acting abilities, consistently delivering compelling performances in both film and television.

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Ryan Phillippe Movies 

• Crimson Tide (1995)
• Deadly Invasion: The Killer Bee Nightmare (1995, TV Movie)
• White Squall (1996)
• Nowhere (1997)
• Little Boy Blue (1997)
• I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
• Homegrown (1998)
• Playing by Heart (1998)
• 54 (1998)
• Cruel Intentions (1999)
• Company Man (2000)
• The Way of the Gun (2000)
• Antitrust (2001)
• Gosford Park (2001)
• Igby Goes Down (2002)
• The I Inside (2004)
• Crash (2004)
• Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
• Breach (2007)
• Chaos (2007)
• Stop-Loss (2008)
• Franklyn (2008)
• MacGruber (2010)
• The Bang Bang Club (2010)
• The Bang Bang Club (2010)
• The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
• Setup (2011)
• Revenge for Jolly! (2012)
• Catch Hell (2014)
• Reclaim (2014)
• Wish Upon (2017)
• The Sound of Philadelphia (2020) also known as Brothers by Blood
• The 2nd (2020)
• Lady of the Manor (2021)
• American Murderer (2022)
• One Shot (2022)
• The Locksmith (2023)
• Miranda’s Victim (2023)
• Prey (2024)

Ryan Phillippe’s Wife and Children

Ryan Phillippe’s personal life has been closely followed by the public, particularly his relationships and family. 

He met actress Reese Witherspoon at her 21st birthday party in 1997, marking the beginning of a high-profile romance. 

The couple tied the knot on June 5, 1999, at Old Wide Awake Plantation in Hollywood, South Carolina. 

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Their union quickly blossomed into a family with the birth of their daughter, Ava, on September 9, 1999, and their son, Deacon, on October 23, 2003. 

Despite their efforts to maintain a stable family life, the couple eventually divorced in October 2007 after eight years of marriage.

Following his divorce from Witherspoon, Phillippe entered into several other notable relationships. 

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He dated his “Stop-Loss” co-star Abbie Cornish from 2007 until their split in 2010. That summer, he briefly dated actress Alexis Knapp. 

After their breakup, Knapp discovered she was pregnant with Phillippe’s child, and she gave birth to their daughter, Kailani, on July 1, 2011. 

Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Phillippe has been involved in Kailani’s life.

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In 2011, Phillippe began dating law student Paulina Slagter. Their relationship lasted until 2016, but it ended on a contentious note. 

In March 2017, Slagter filed an “Annoying or Harassing Electronics Communications Harassment Report” against Phillippe, alleging that he had sent her angry and vulgar text messages. 

Later in 2017, another ex-girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt, filed a restraining order and lawsuit against Phillippe, accusing him of attacking her and throwing her down the stairs at his home. 

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Phillippe denied these allegations, and the lawsuit was eventually settled in October 2019.

Despite the ups and downs in his personal relationships, Phillippe’s role as a father remains a significant aspect of his life, with his children from his marriage to Witherspoon and his daughter with Knapp playing central roles in his personal narrative.

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Ryan Phillippe Now

Ryan Phillippe, now 49 years old, continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry as a seasoned American actor. 

His career began with a notable role as Billy Douglas on the soap opera “One Life to Live,” followed by his feature film debut in “Crimson Tide.” 

Phillippe rose to prominence in the late 1990s, starring in a series of successful films, including “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “54,” “Playing by Heart,” and the cult classic “Cruel Intentions.” 

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These roles established him as a significant presence in Hollywood and showcased his versatility as an actor.

In recent years, Phillippe has maintained a steady career, taking on diverse roles in both film and television. 

One of his latest projects includes being cast in the 2024 movie “Prey,” which demonstrates his ongoing commitment to challenging and varied acting opportunities. 

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This new role is a testament to Phillippe’s enduring appeal and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.

Despite the passage of time and the changes in the entertainment landscape, Ryan Phillippe has managed to stay relevant by continually evolving his craft and selecting roles that resonate with contemporary audiences. 

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His ability to transition from early heartthrob roles to more complex and mature characters highlights his growth as an actor. 

As he continues to work in high-profile projects like “Prey,” Phillippe remains a significant figure in Hollywood, demonstrating both resilience and a dedication to his profession that has spanned decades.

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Ryan Phillippe Net Worth

Ryan Phillippe is an American actor and producer with a net worth of $30 million, reflecting his successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. 

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