Born in Texas and raised in Sacramento, Ryan grew up practicing martial arts—earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at just 10 years old—before competing as an MMA fighter.
His athleticism and charisma led to a successful modeling career, eventually opening the door to Hollywood and launching him into the acting world.
Ryan Guzman stars as Eddie Diaz on ABC’s hit drama 9-1-1, created by Ryan Murphy. Since its move from FOX to ABC, 9-1-1 has become the #1 primetime drama among adults 18-49 and recently returned for its eighth season. Ryan also stars in the film The Present alongside Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear, now available for streaming.
You may also recognize Ryan from his roles in Notorious, Heroes Reborn, and Pretty Little Liars, as well as films like Step Up Revolution, Step Up: All In, and The Boy Next Door, where he starred opposite Jennifer Lopez. His other notable credits include Jem and the Holograms, Everybody Wants Some (the spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused), Windows on the World, The Cleansing Hour, and Backtrace with Sylvester Stallone.
Chilled caught up with Ryan to chat about his latest projects, his love of storytelling, his go-to drinks, and how fatherhood has changed his nights out.
Check out our interview below!
Tell us about the projects you are working on.
I’m currently working on the 8th season of 911 where I reprise the role of Eddie Diaz for the 7th season and an untitled short that I wrote and starred in. Late last year, I did a movie starring Rosario Dawson and Mila Jovovich which should be coming out this year.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
I like to stay active and creative. I am a big advocate of having many outlets for down time. I train in many forms of martial arts and apply them in sparring as well as play on a Sunday soccer league. I dove back into painting a couple of years ago after taking a break and found myself reinventing my perspective through the use of many mediums. I really enjoy writing. I take writing as a sort of decompression tactic for my mind. My mind can be full of ideas and questions which I work out in short stories, poems, scripts, and sometimes just notes on my phone. In these more recent years of my fatherhood, I’ve taken real joy in working on my house and being the type of father I wish my kids to have.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
I love all types of food, so there are rarely wrong answers for when it comes down to picking a place to eat. I tend to favor a steakhouse of some sort and thanks to my brother who works in fine dining, my palate has been opened to the art of gastronomy offered in Michelin star restaurants. However mind blowing a Michelin star restaurant can be, I am still a simple man who would gladly take a burger 5 days out of the week if my stomach and characters I play would allow it.
What types of dishes do you typically order?
I usually stick to a New York cut with some kind of sauteed veggies on the side and a pasta to accompany. Any form of potato is welcome, too.
Any favorite bars?
Since becoming a father, my days at bars have gone from every week to once maybe every year. I host events at my house and have a bar full of all types of drinks. It’s not only convenient and time efficient for me but I get to share drinks with people I really know and enjoy spending time with.
What drinks do you order when out? Favorite drink?
I used to be a big whiskey guy and kept it simple with Jack Daniels on the rocks or an old fashioned. The type of alcohol changed over the years but the drink remained. The game changed for me when I found out you could make an Old fashioned with Tequila.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
I am not a mixologist. However, my brother and a couple of my other friends are. I’m a professional at drinking the drinks, not making them. Though, I have mastered the tequila Old Fashioned.
Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?
My bar is in my patio and has a typical bar set up with stools, TV on the wall, and a variety of drinks to either side. I have a selection of different whiskeys like Alba, an Italian whiskey or some Garrison Brothers for Bourbon, and some Oban which is a single malt Scotch. I have plenty of Gin and vodka options as well but my tequila section is more than likely the biggest out of all the options.
Have you ever been a bartender?
I have never been a bartender but my dad was for years. I used to watch him enough to want to become a barback and eventually learn the trade, but life took me down another lane.
If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?
I would love to share a drink with Bruce Lee and pick his mind on his philosophy and martial arts but since that isn’t possible… I think sharing a drink with Bert Kreischer would be a great time. I imagine my face would hurt from laughing so damn much.
