Debby Ryan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Debby Ryan
Ryan during a quiz show in 2018
Born	Deborah Ann Ryan (1993-05-13) May 13, 1993 (age 32) Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Occupation	Actress singer
Years active	2006–present
Spouse(s)	Josh Dun ​ (m. 2019)​
Musical career
Genres	Indie rock, folk
Instruments	Vocals

Debby Ryan (born May 13, 1993) is an American actress and singer. She started acting on stage when she was just seven years old. Later, Disney Channel found her during a search for new talent.

She became well-known for her main roles in popular TV shows like The Suite Life on Deck (2008–2011) and Jessie (2011–2015). She also starred in Disney Channel movies such as 16 Wishes (2010) and Radio Rebel (2012). Besides acting, Debby is also a singer. She has sung for Disney movie soundtracks and formed her own indie rock band called The Never Ending in 2013.

Early Life and Childhood

Debby Ryan was born in Huntsville, Alabama. Her father worked with the U.S. military, so her family moved around a lot in Europe. She lived in Germany until she was 10 years old. Because of this, she can speak both English and German.

Debby started acting in professional theaters when she was seven. She performed on an American military base in Germany. In 2003, her family moved back to the United States, and she grew up in Texas. Debby has said that she was a "nerd" in school. She was even teased in middle school for being a school mascot and part of the chess club.

Acting Career Highlights

Debby Ryan began appearing in TV commercials when she was a teenager. In 2006, she made her first TV appearance on the show Barney & Friends. Her first movie role was in 2007 in Barney: Let's Go to the Firehouse. She also appeared in commercials for iDog and various board games.

Becoming a Disney Star

Ryan in May 2009

In 2008, Debby got a big role as Bailey Pickett on the Disney Channel Original Series, The Suite Life on Deck. This show was a spin-off of the popular series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. The first episode of The Suite Life on Deck was a huge hit. It was the most-watched series premiere in Canada and the top-rated scripted TV show for teens in 2008 and 2009.

In 2010, she starred in the TV movie 16 Wishes. This movie helped her reach an even wider audience. To prepare for her role, she watched many classic teen movies.

From Suite Life to Jessie

Ryan in February 2013

Debby continued her Disney journey in 2011 with The Suite Life Movie, based on her show. After The Suite Life on Deck ended, Debby got her own Disney Channel series called Jessie. The show started in September 2011. In Jessie, she played a girl who moves from Texas to New York City to become an actress but ends up becoming a nanny for a family with four kids. Debby helped create the show and wanted her character to be relatable. She even directed an episode of Jessie, making her the youngest female director for a Disney Channel show at the time.

In 2012, Debby starred in another Disney Channel movie, Radio Rebel. She played Tara, a very shy teenager who secretly becomes a famous online radio personality called 'Radio Rebel'. She also voiced the character Spike in the Tinker Bell movie Secret of the Wings.

Music and Other Projects

Ryan performing with The Never Ending in August 2014

In 2012, Debby started her own indie rock band called The Never Ending with Kyle Moore and Johnny Franco. She plays several instruments, including guitar, piano, and keyboard. The band released their first song, "Mulholland Drive," in 2014, followed by their first EP, One.

Debby also explored fashion and started working on a clothing line in 2012. She appeared in other TV shows like Mighty Med and Girl Meets World. In 2016, she joined the cast of the comedy series Sing It! as Holli Holiday, a famous and self-centered singer. She also appeared in the drama series Daytime Divas.

In 2017, Debby announced that she would star in the Netflix series Insatiable, which premiered in 2018.

Recent Work

In 2020, Debby starred with Alison Brie in the drama film Horse Girl. She felt this movie was a big step in her career. She also appeared in the thriller film Night Teeth (2021) and the comedy The Opening Act (2020).

She reunited with Alison Brie for the movie Spin Me Round in 2022. That same year, she appeared in four episodes of the Peacock series The Resort. In 2023, Debby was in the film Shortcomings, a drama about Asian American relationships.

Personal Life

Debby Ryan is a Christian. She is also fluent in German, thanks to living there as a child.

She married Twenty One Pilots drummer Josh Dun on December 31, 2019, in Austin, Texas. As of 2023, Debby and her husband live in Columbus, Ohio.

Artistic Influences

Debby Ryan has mentioned that her Suite Life co-star, Brenda Song, was an acting idol for her. She also looks up to famous actresses like Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Rachel McAdams.

When it comes to music, Debby says her style includes folk, indie pop, and country. She has mentioned bands like The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons as influences for her band's music. She also loves jazz and country music.

Filmography

Films

Television Shows

Discography

Singles

Other Songs

Awards and Nominations

Images for kids

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  Ryan during a quiz show in 2018

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  Ryan in May 2009

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  Ryan in February 2013

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  Ryan performing with The Never Ending in August 2014

See also

In Spanish: Debby Ryan para niños