Ryan Guzman
Former MMA fighter Ryan Guzman (GOOZE-MAHN) currently stars as fan favorite Eddie Diaz in the ABC drama “9-1-1,” premiering its ninth season this fall. Born in Texas and raised in Sacramento, California, Guzman developed an interest in martial arts at age 7, earning his first black belt in Tae Kwon Do by age 10, which later led him into the octagon as an MMA fighter. A gifted athlete, he was also a sought-after left-handed pitcher, with a fastball clocking between 87-90 miles per hour, but a shoulder injury ended this career dream while Guzman was still a teenager. Quickly shifting his focus to print modeling and acting, he worked successfully in San Francisco with LOOK Modeling Agency at 18 and later joined Wilhelmina Agency in Los Angeles at 22. He has modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch, Affliction and Reebok among others, and starred in television commercials for Old Navy, Gillette, Candies and the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Guzman began his journey in the film industry as the male lead in “Step Up Revolution” (Lionsgate), a role that launched his career. Following the film’s success, he took on another lead role in the indie film “Beyond Paradise” and appeared in supporting roles in indie projects such as “There’s Always Woodstock” and “April Rain.” Building on the international acclaim of “Step Up Revolution,” Guzman reprised his role as Sean in “Step Up: All In,” starring alongside Briana Evigan from earlier installments of the beloved franchise. His career elevated once more when he starred as the male lead opposite Jennifer Lopez in the Universal Studios thriller “The Boy Next Door,” helmed by Jason Blum and director Rob Cohen. He went on to star as the male lead in the iconic ‘80s live-action remake of “Jem and the Holograms,” playing Rio Racheco, the road manager and love interest for Jem. Soon after that, he joined as lead cast in “Everybody Wants Some,” the sequel to “Dazed and Confused,” from writer and director Richard Linklater. Guzman continued on to star alongside Sylvester Stallone in “Backtrace,” opposite Edward James Olmos in the indie film “Windows on the World,” as lead role in the indie thriller “The Cleansing Hour,” and in the family comedy “The Present” alongside Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear. Upcoming for Guzman is the film “Midnight” with Rosario Dawson, Milla Jovovich and Alexandra Shipp.
Guzman’s television credits include a recurring guest star spot in the hit ABC Family series “Pretty Little Liars,” followed by a series regular role in NBC’s “Heroes Reborn.” He booked his first leading TV role in ABC’s “Notorious” alongside Piper Perabo and soon after joined the smash hit “9-1-1” as series regular Eddie Diaz. He has also guest starred on “9-1-1: Lone Star” as his “9-1-1″ character Eddie.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Guzman has spent his career advocating for his Latino community. In 2017, he was awarded the Horizon award from the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts; and in 2019, the city of Sacramento proclaimed May 15 Ryan Guzman Day.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
HOMETOWN: Sacramento, California
BIRTHDATE: September 21
