Ryan O'Connell: 12 facts about the Special star you have to know

1. Who is Ryan O'Connell? Everything you need to know about the Special actor...

Ryan O'Connell is the multi-talented performer that has starred in and produced Netflix series 'Special'. Previously a TV writer, Ryan has made a smooth transition from being behind the camera to in front of it. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan. [via Instagram]

2. How old is Ryan O'Connell?

Ryan O'Connell is 35 years old. His birthday falls on September 2 (which makes him a Virgo) and he was born in 1986. [Jamie McCarthy/WireImage]

3. How tall is Ryan O'Connell?

Ryan O'Connell is 5 feet 9 inches tall. That's 1.75m, btw. [Jamie McCarthy/WireImage]

4. Where is Ryan O'Connell from?

Ryan O'Connell is American. He grew up in Ventura County, California, and moved to New York in his 20s to pursue his writing career.

5. Is Ryan O'Connell gay?

Ryan O'Connell is gay and he came out when he was 17-years-old. His family was supportive of him and he also has other LGBTQ+ family members. Speaking about his sexuality with Vulture, Ryan said: "The moment I realized I was gay was – truly – [seeing] Ryan Phillippe's ass in Cruel Intentions. I remember seeing Ryan Phillippe's ass and being like, ‘That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.’ And then being, like, ‘Oh, fuck me: I’m gay and disabled; this is so rude.'" [Instagram]

6. Has Ryan O'Connell got cerebral palsy?

Ryan O'Connell has cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder that appears in early childhood. According to one interview, it took him 28 years to accept that he was disabled and when he was 20-years-old he started to lie and say that his limp was due to a car accident.

Ryan O'Connell Ryan Kayes netflix Special

7. What actor plays Ryan Kayes in Netflix series Special?

Ryan O'Connell plays Ryan Kayes in 'Special'. Although he's technically playing himself, Ryan's character has been fictionalised and changed from his 2015 memoir 'I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves'. Netflix released a second season of the show in May 2021. [Netflix]

8. Ryan O'Connell will star in Peacock's Queer As Folk

Ryan O'Connell has been cast in Queer As Folk as a series regular. The series, which will air on Peacock, is a reimagination of the hit British series of the same name and will follow a group of pals living in New Orleans whose lives have been thrown into chaos following tragedy. Ryan will play a "pop culture nerd with cerebral palsy who is more than ready for some independence", Deadline reports. He will also serve as co-executive producer and writer of the series. [@ryanoconn via Instagram]

9. What TV shows has Ryan O'Connell been in?

Ryan O'Connell had never acted before starring in Netflix series 'Special'. However, he has worked on other TV shows as a writer. Ryan has written for 'Will & Grace', 'Daytime Divas', 'Awkward.' and 'Red Hook'.

10. Ryan O'Connell is a writer

Ryan O'Connell is an accomplished writer and has written for publications like Vice and The New York Times. He then moved into TV writing before releasing his 2015 memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. Special the Netflix series is based on his book. [Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic]