Ryan Seacrest is an American radio personality, television host, and producer, best known for hosting the hit reality competition series American Idol. He was born on December 24, 1974, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Constance and Gary Lee Seacrest. From a young age, Ryan showed a strong interest in broadcasting; his mother noted that he preferred playing with a microphone and performing shows over engaging in traditional children's games.
While attending high school in Atlanta, Ryan landed an internship at local radio station WSTR-FM, where he was mentored by radio personality Tom Sullivan. His first on-air opportunity came unexpectedly when a DJ was absent, and Ryan filled in, impressing station staff. He was soon given the weekend overnight shift and continued working at the station until he graduated.
After high school, Ryan enrolled at the University of Georgia to study journalism but left at age 19 to move to Hollywood and pursue a broadcasting career full-time. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he secured a variety of hosting roles on television, including Radical Outdoor Challenge on ESPN, Gladiators 2000, Wild Animal Games, Click, and Ultimate Revenge. He also made a cameo as a fictional game show host on the television series Beverly Hills, 90210.
Ryan's major breakthrough came in 2002 when he was selected to co-host the inaugural season of American Idol. The following year, he became the sole host and quickly rose to international fame as the face of the franchise. He later hosted American Juniors, a short-lived spin-off. In 2009, he signed a contract reportedly worth $45 million to continue as the host of American Idol, making him the highest-paid reality TV host at the time. He later renewed with a two-year deal in 2012 for $30 million.
In addition to American Idol, Ryan became closely associated with Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, first joining as co-host and later assuming most hosting duties after Dick Clark suffered a stroke. In recognition of his role, the show was renamed Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest in 2009.
Ryan also served as a guest host for CNN’s Larry King Live and hosted Knock Knock Live on Fox, a show in which everyday individuals were surprised with rewards for their positive contributions. On May 1, 2017, he joined Kelly Ripa as co-host of the morning talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan, further solidifying his place as a staple of American television.
| Birth Date: | 24 Dec, 1974 |
| Age: | 45 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Dunwoody |
| residence: | New York City |
| Education: | University of Georgia |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American television host, radio host and television producer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 450 million |
