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Debby Ryan
Debby Ryan presenting at MTV EMAs 2018.png
Ryan at the 2018 MTV Awards.
Born
Deborah Ann Ryan

(1993-05-13) May 13, 1993 (age 32)
Occupation
  • Actress
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active 2006–present
Spouse(s)
(m. 2019)
Musical career
Genres Indie rock, folk
Instruments Vocals

Deborah Ann "Debby" Ryan (born May 13, 1993) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her starring roles on the Disney Channel.

Ryan began acting in theaters when she was seven years old. She became famous for playing Bailey Pickett in The Suite Life on Deck and the title character in Jessie. She also starred in popular Disney Channel movies like 16 Wishes and Radio Rebel.

Besides acting, Ryan is a talented musician. She sings and writes songs, and she formed her own band called The Never Ending in 2013.

Early Life and Family

Debby Ryan was born in Huntsville, Alabama. Her father worked for the U.S. military, so her family moved around a lot. She spent much of her childhood in Germany and learned to speak German fluently. She started acting in plays on a U.S. base in Germany.

When she was 10, her family moved back to the United States and settled in Texas. In school, Debby has said she was a bit of a "nerd." She was part of the school's chess club. She has an older brother, Chase, who is also a musician.

Acting Career

Disney Channel Star

DebbyRyanMay09
Ryan in May 2009

Ryan's career took off when she was discovered by the Disney Channel. In 2008, she landed the role of Bailey Pickett in The Suite Life on Deck. The show was a sequel to The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and became a huge hit with teens. It was one of the most-watched shows for young audiences during its run.

In 2010, she starred in the Disney movie 16 Wishes. The film was about a girl whose wishes come true on her 16th birthday. This role helped her reach an even wider audience.

After The Suite Life on Deck ended in 2011, Ryan got her own show called Jessie. She played a young woman from Texas who moves to New York City and becomes a nanny for four kids. Ryan helped create the show and even directed an episode, becoming one of the youngest female directors for Disney Channel.

In 2012, she starred in another popular Disney movie, Radio Rebel. She played a shy high school student who secretly becomes a popular radio DJ.

Roles in Other Movies and Shows

Debby Rian at Movieguide Awards (cropped)
Ryan in February 2013

After her time with Disney, Ryan took on a variety of roles in movies and TV shows. She appeared in the Netflix series Insatiable from 2018 to 2019.

She also acted in several films, including the drama Horse Girl (2020) and the thriller Night Teeth (2021). She worked with actress Alison Brie in Horse Girl and again in the movie Spin Me Round (2022). In 2023, she appeared in the film Shortcomings.

Music Career

The Never Ending 2014
Ryan performing with her band, The Never Ending, in 2014.

Music has always been a big part of Debby Ryan's life. She sang songs for many of her Disney projects, including the theme song for Jessie.

In 2013, she decided to form her own band called The Never Ending. The band plays indie rock and folk music. Ryan is the lead singer. In 2014, they released their first collection of songs, an EP titled One. The band has also toured and performed as an opening act for the group Fifth Harmony.

Personal Life

Debby Ryan is married to Josh Dun, the drummer for the band Twenty One Pilots. They began dating in 2013 and got married on December 31, 2019. As of 2023, they live in Columbus, Ohio.

Ryan has used her fame to support good causes. She has worked with organizations to raise awareness about the importance of healthy and respectful relationships.

Selected Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
2008 The Longshots Edith Smith
2010 What If... Kimberly "Kim" Walker
2012 Secret of the Wings Spike (voice)
2017 Rip Tide Cora
2018 Life of the Party Jennifer
2020 Horse Girl Nikki
2021 Night Teeth Blaire
2022 Spin Me Round Susie
2023 Shortcomings Sasha
2024 Turtles All The Way Down Quinn

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2008–2011 The Suite Life on Deck Bailey Pickett Main role
2010 16 Wishes Abigail "Abby" Jensen Television film
2011 The Suite Life Movie Bailey Pickett Television film
2011–2015 Jessie Jessie Prescott Lead role
2012 Radio Rebel Tara Adams Television film
2018–2019 Insatiable Patricia "Patty" Bladell Lead role
2022 The Resort Hanna Recurring role

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Debby Ryan para niños

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