Ryan O’Connell, is a renowned American writer, actor, director, comedian, producer, and disability advocate.
He became widely recognized as the creator, writer, executive producer, and star of Netflix’s Special, a comedy series adapted from his memoir I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves.
| Ryan O’Connell | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Name: | Ryan O’Connell |
| Born: | September 2, 1986 (age 40 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Ventura, California, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. O’Connell |
| Relationship: | Jonathan Parks-Ramage |
| Occupation: | Writer, Actor, Director, Comedian, Producer |
| Net Worth: | $1 million |
Early life and education
Ryan O’Connell was born on September 2, 1986, in Ventura, California. He was born to Mr. and Mrs. O’Connell and spent his childhood in Ventura County.
His ethnicity is unknown. Information about his siblings is unavailable. His religion is Christianity. He attended The New School in New York and earned a bachelor’s degree. O’Connell later developed his writing career through online publications before entering television writing and publishing.
Career
Ryan O’Connell began his professional writing career through online publications, including Thought Catalog, before moving into television.
He worked as a writer on Awkward and Daytime Divas, followed by a writing position on the revival of Will & Grace. His 2015 memoir, I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, became the foundation for his television breakthrough. O’Connell created Special for Netflix, serving as its writer, executive producer, and lead actor across its two seasons.
The series earned four Primetime Emmy nominations in 2019, including one for O’Connell as an actor. He later appeared as Julian in Peacock’s Queer as Folk and continued writing and producing projects. His books include Just by Looking at Him, which was published in 2022, and Inspiration Porn, released in 2026.
Awards and nominations
- Writers Guild of America Award — Short Form New Media Original: Winner for Special, 2020
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series: Nominated for Special, 2019
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series: Nominated for Special, 2019
- GLAAD Media Award — Outstanding Comedy Series: Nominated for Special, 2022
- Media Access Awards — WGAW Evan Somers Memorial Award: Winner, 2021
Social media
- Instagram Handle: @ryanoconnolly
- X Handle: @ryanoconnolly
Personal life
Ryan O’Connell is in a relationship with writer Jonathan Parks-Ramage, and they live together in Los Angeles. No marriage has been publicly confirmed.
No details about his past relationships have been reliably documented. Ryan O’Connell is 39 years old, and no reliable public information confirms that he has children. He has also spoken publicly about his work, writing, comedy, and disability advocacy. His height is 183 cm (6 ft 0 in).
Net worth
Ryan O’Connell has a net worth of $1 million. He accumulated his wealth from television writing, acting, producing, directing, comedy, book publishing, and other entertainment projects. His major professional work includes Special, Awkward, Will & Grace, Queer as Folk, The Baby-Sitters Club, and his published books.
Filmography
- Special
- Queer as Folk
- The Baby-Sitters Club
- Awkward
- Will & Grace