Ryan Hurst Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Movies, God of War, Net Worth
Ryan Hurst Biography
Ryan Douglas Hurst is a respected American actor known for powerful, emotionally driven performances. He was born on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California. From an early age, he developed a passion for acting, influenced by his father, actor Rick Hurst, and his mother, acting coach Candace Kaniecki.
Ryan started his career with small television roles. However, he quickly transitioned into major films. His early appearance in Saving Private Ryan helped establish his serious screen presence. Soon after, he gained mainstream attention playing Gerry Bertier in Remember the Titans. This role showcased his ability to portray strength, vulnerability, and leadership.
Nevertheless, Hurst reached global recognition through television. He portrayed Opie Winston on Sons of Anarchy, a role that defined his career. Fans praised his emotional depth, while critics applauded his authenticity. As a result, he won a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Later, Hurst expanded his range further. He terrified audiences as Beta on The Walking Dead. Meanwhile, he impressed viewers in Outsiders as the intense Lil Foster Farrell. These roles reinforced his reputation for complex, physical characters.
In addition, Hurst found success in voice acting. He voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök, earning a BAFTA nomination. Recently, he was announced as Kratos in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming God of War series.
Off-screen, Ryan married Molly Cookson in 2005. Together, they run Fast Shoes, a creative production company.
Ultimately, Ryan remains a dynamic actor whose career continues to evolve with bold, unforgettable performances.
Ryan Hurst Age | How Old is Ryan Hurst?
Ryan Hurst is 49 years old in 2026, reflecting decades of consistent success in film and television. He was born on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California. As a result, he will celebrate his 50th birthday in June 2026. Moreover, his age highlights a long career marked by iconic roles like Opie Winston and Beta, proving his lasting impact in Hollywood.
Ryan Hurst Height | How Tall is Ryan Hurst?
Ryan Hurst stands 6 feet 4½ inches tall, which equals 194.3 centimeters. His height gives him a powerful and commanding on-screen presence. Moreover, this stature strengthens intense roles like Opie Winston in Sons of Anarchy and Beta in The Walking Dead. As a result, his height remains a clear physical advantage throughout his acting career.
Ryan Hurst Weight Loss – Transformation, Fitness & Health Journey
Ryan Hurst underwent a noticeable weight loss transformation, especially around his time on The Walking Dead as Beta, sparking fan interest in his fitness journey. While the exact cause of his weight change remains partly unclear, fans linked it to intense filming conditions and a dedicated fitness routine that included healthy eating and strength training. Moreover, he focused on holistic wellness, combining diet, exercise, and mental resilience to stay strong.
Ryan Hurst Religion
Is Ryan Hurst Hindu?
Ryan practices Sikhism and adopted the spiritual name Gobind Seva Singh, reflecting his commitment to the faith’s principles of service and meditation. He began following Sikhism around 2013 and embraces its teachings on equality and ethical living. Moreover, his Sikh beliefs influence personal choices, including his long beard and spiritual outlook. Besides acting, Hurst teaches yoga and integrates Sikh values into his life and work.
Ryan Hurst Wife | Who Is Molly Cookson?
Ryan Hurst has been married to Molly Cookson since May 8, 2005, after dating since 1994. Molly Cookson is an American actress and production manager who works closely with him. Moreover, the couple co-founded the production company Fast Shoes, blending personal life with creative collaboration. They keep family life private and have no publicly known children together.
Ryan Hurst Children | Kids
Ryan Hurst does not have any publicly known children as of 2026, despite his long marriage to Molly Cookson. The actor has consistently kept his personal life private. Moreover, Ryan appears focused on his acting career and creative projects, balancing his professional achievements with his life off-screen.
Ryan Hurst Family | Parents & Siblings
Ryan Hurst grew up in a Hollywood family deeply connected to the entertainment industry. His father, Rick Hurst, gained fame as Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, while his mother, Candace Kaniecki, worked as a respected acting coach. Moreover, Ryan has a half-brother, Collin Hurst, from his father’s later marriage. His parents encouraged his acting ambitions, shaping his career in film, television, and voice work.
Ryan Hurst Movies and TV Shows (2026 Update)
Ryan Hurst has built a diverse film and television career with roles across drama, action, and animation. Below is a list of his most notable movies and TV appearances that helped define his acting journey.
🎬 Movies
- Saving Private Ryan (1998) – Paratrooper Michaelson
- Remember the Titans (2000) – Gerry Bertier
- We Were Soldiers (2002) – Sgt. Ernie Savage
- The Ladykillers (2004) – Lump Hudson
- Rango (2011) – Jedidiah (voice)
- A Million Little Pieces (2018) – Hank
- Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020) – Lobo (voice)
- Desperation Road (2023) – Larry
- Desert Road (2024) – Steve
- The Odyssey (2026) – Upcoming role
📺 TV Shows
- Sons of Anarchy (2008–2012) – Opie Winston
- Outsiders (2016–2017) – Lil’ Foster Farrell
- Bates Motel (2015–2017) – Chick Hogan
- Bosch (2019) – Hector Bonner
- The Walking Dead (2019–2020) – Beta
- The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021–2022) – Milligan
- S.W.A.T. (2020–2022) – Terry Luca
- The Abandons (2025) – Miles Alderton
Ryan Hurst The Walking Dead – Beta Role & Impact
Ryan starred as Beta on The Walking Dead, joining the show in Season 9 as the brutal second‑in‑command of the Whisperers. He first appeared in the episode Guardians and became a series regular in Season 10, showcasing a terrifying and loyal villain. Moreover, Beta wears a walker‑skin mask that hides his face, adding mystery to his character’s presence. Fans also learned his character was once a famous country music star before the apocalypse. Hurst’s performance earned praise for intensity and threat.
Ryan Hurst Sons of Anarchy – Opie Winston Role & Legacy
Ryan gained widespread fame playing Harry “Opie” Winston on Sons of Anarchy, debuting in the series pilot and quickly becoming a fan favorite member of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club (SAMCRO). He portrayed Opie as Jax Teller’s loyal best friend and a conflicted, honor‑driven biker whose struggles defined much of the early seasons.
Moreover, his performance earned critical praise and solidified his place in television drama.
However, Opie’s story took a tragic turn in Season 5, where he chose to sacrifice himself to protect his brothers, creating one of the most emotional moments in the series.
Ryan Hurst Kratos Casting | God of War TV Series Role Explained
Ryan Hurst has been officially cast as Kratos in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming live‑action God of War series, marking a major milestone in his career. The Spartan warrior, known as the “Ghost of Sparta”, leads the story alongside his son Atreus as they journey through Norse mythology.
Moreover, Hurst brings deep franchise experience after voicing Thor in God of War Ragnarök and earning a BAFTA nomination.
Fans reacted strongly to this high‑profile casting choice, with many praising his physical presence and imposing screen persona.
The God of War TV show adapts the beloved video game narrative and will debut on Prime Video with a multi‑season order.
Ryan Hurst Net Worth (2026 Update)
Ryan Hurst has an estimated net worth of around $4 million in 2026, earned through his successful acting career in film, television, and voice work. He gained major income from roles in Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, and other high‑profile projects. Additionally, Hurst benefits financially from his production company Fast Shoes, which he co‑owns with his wife, Molly Cookson. His diverse career continues to contribute to growing wealth.
