James Ryan (actor)

James Ryan is a South African actor, writer and director.

James Ryan
Born
South Africa
Years active1974-present

Career

Ryan garnered international attention early in his career, starring in the 1976 film Kill or Be Killed. Ryan appeared as a martial arts fighter in the alternate world film. He reprised the role five years later in Kill and Kill Again, starring alongside Miss World winner Anneline Kriel. The sequel proved a major box office success for a low-budget South African feature, reaching No. 2 on the American box office and grossing $802,900 after two weeks in American theatres.[1]

In 1984, he had the title role in Go for Gold which also starred Tamara Franke and Cameron Mitchell.[2] He played the part of a long distance runner called Johnny who lived at home with his mother and abusive stepfather. Two things that mean a lot to him are his girlfriend Trish and his running. He has a solid influence in his champion runner friend Victor (played by M'zwandile Ngxangane). He comes to the attention of Phillip Pritchard, who is a businessman. He risks losing the things that are dear to him,[3] as Pritchard is forcing him to choose between them and fame and fortune.[4]

In 1989, he starred in Space Mutiny, a South African science fiction/action film. A year later, he appeared alongside Susan Sarandon and Harvey Keitel in The January Man. In 1991, he wrote and starred in The Last Hero.

In 1994, he landed a role as in Halifax f.p: Hard Corps, an Australian television drama that won two Australian Film Institute awards. A year later he returned to the martial arts film genre, with a role in Kickboxer 5.

In 1998, he appeared in the Australian television drama and sequel Halifax f.p: Afraid of the Dark; the acclaimed drama earned several Logie and Australian Film Institute nominations.

In 1999, he appeared in the sequel to From Dusk Till Dawn, From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money. Since then, he has appeared in films such as Red Lipstick, Global Effect and Sterne über Madeira, a German television two-part drama alongside fellow South African Moira Lister.

References
  1. Jani Allan (1980s). Face Value. Longstreet.
  2. British Film Institute - Go for Gold (1984), film details
  3. Herald & Review, Sunday, July 4, 1993 - Page 91 Friday Movies
  4. Running Movies - Go For Gold
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