Ryan Hurst is an accomplished American actor who has built a thriving career spanning over three decades with memorable roles across television, film, and interactive media. Moreover, he recently secured one of his most significant roles yet—portraying Kratos in Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated God of War live-action series announced in January 2026. Furthermore, his journey from growing up in a Hollywood family to becoming a respected character actor demonstrates remarkable versatility and dedication to his craft. Therefore, understanding his biography, career milestones, and personal life reveals the story of a truly professional entertainer.
Who is Ryan Hurst?
Ryan Hurst is an American actor best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Opie Winston in the FX series Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014), a role that earned him widespread recognition and a 2011 Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor. Moreover, he has delivered memorable performances across diverse mediums, including Disney’s Remember the Titans (2000) as Gerry Bertier, the war drama We Were Soldiers (2002), and AMC’s The Walking Dead (2019–2020) as Beta.
Beyond traditional acting, Hurst lent his voice and motion-capture performance to Thor in the acclaimed 2022 video game God of War: Ragnarök, which earned him a BAFTA Award nomination. His latest achievement comes with his casting as Kratos in the upcoming God of War live-action series on Amazon Prime Video, marking his return to the beloved franchise in a leading role.
Ryan Hurst Age – How Old is He?
Ryan Hurst was born on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California, USA. Consequently, he is 49 years old as of January 2026. His zodiac sign is Gemini. Growing up in the entertainment capital of the world shaped his early interest in acting.
Height & Appearance
Ryan Hurst possesses a distinctive and commanding physical presence that has served him well in character roles.
- Height: 6’5½” (1.97 meters), making him notably tall compared to many Hollywood actors
- Weight: Approximately 95 kg (209 lbs), maintained through regular fitness training
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
- Distinctive Features: Beard, tattoos on both arms and back
His tall stature and imposing build make him ideal for playing authoritative and physically commanding characters like Opie Winston and now Kratos.
Ryan Hurst Biography / Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Ryan Douglas Hurst |
| Birth Name | Ryan Douglas Hurst (also known as Gobind Seva Singh) |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1976 |
| Age (2026) | 49 Years |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’5½” (1.97 m) |
| Weight | ~95 kg (209 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Profession | Actor (Television, Film, Voice) |
| Years Active | 1993–Present |
| High School | Santa Monica High School |
| Spouse | Molly Cookson (married May 8, 2005) |
| Production Company | Fast Shoes (co-founder) |
| Notable Award | 2011 Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2-4 million |
Early Life and Background
Ryan Douglas Hurst was born on June 19, 1976, in Santa Monica, California, into a family deeply rooted in entertainment. His mother, Candace Kaniecki, worked as an accomplished acting coach, providing professional guidance and artistic mentorship within the household. His father, Rick Hurst, was a respected actor, best known for his role in the classic television series Dukes of Hazzard.
Growing up in this creative environment, Ryan was naturally inclined toward acting from an early age. He attended Santa Monica High School, where he balanced his academics with his emerging passion for performance. The Hollywood lifestyle and his parents’ professional connections provided him with unique insights into the entertainment industry during his formative years.
His early exposure to acting through his parents’ careers set the foundation for what would become a successful professional journey. Consequently, he began pursuing acting seriously in his teenage years, launching his career in 1993.
Ryan Hurst Education
Ryan Hurst received his primary education at Santa Monica High School in California. The school’s location in the heart of Los Angeles made it convenient for Hurst to balance his academic commitments with his early acting endeavors.
Rather than attending a traditional four-year university, Hurst chose to pursue his acting career directly after high school, utilizing his parents’ professional connections and industry knowledge. This decision proved advantageous, as he quickly began securing roles in television and film. His practical education came through real-world experience working with established actors and directors in professional productions.
Ryan Hurst Profession
Ryan Hurst works as a professional actor and producer across multiple mediums:
- Television Actor: He delivers compelling performances in dramatic series.
- Film Actor: He appears in theatrical releases ranging from sports dramas to action films.
- Voice Actor & Motion-Capture Performer: He provides voice work and physical performance for video game characters.
- Producer: He co-founded and operates Fast Shoes, a production company with his wife.
His multifaceted approach to the entertainment industry demonstrates his commitment to expanding his creative portfolio.
Ryan Hurst Career Journey
Early Career & Television Breakthrough (1993–2000)
Ryan began his professional acting career in 1993 with a recurring role in NBC’s Saved by the Bell: The New Class, playing the character Crunch Grabowski. This early exposure provided him with valuable on-set experience and professional connections in the industry.
Throughout the 1990s, he accumulated various television guest appearances on popular shows including Beverly Hills, 90210. These supporting roles built his resume and demonstrated his versatility as a character actor. Subsequently, his big-screen debut came in 1998 when he portrayed Mandelsohn, a paratrooper, in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed war epic Saving Private Ryan.
Breakout Role (2000–2007)
His career reached a significant milestone in 2000 with his portrayal of Gerry Bertier in Disney’s sports drama Remember the Titans. The film became a commercial success, and his performance earned critical acclaim, introducing him to a wider audience. Following this breakout, he appeared in notable films including We Were Soldiers (2002) as Sergeant Ernie Savage and The Ladykillers (2004).
Between 2000 and 2008, Hurst appeared in various film and television projects, steadily building his reputation as a dependable character actor. His roles ranged from dramatic to comedic, showcasing his range and versatility.
Sons of Anarchy & Career Peak (2008–2014)
In 2008, Ryan secured the role that would define his career—Opie Winston in the FX series Sons of Anarchy, created by Kurt Sutter. Originally cast as a recurring character, his performance was so compelling that he was promoted to main cast member for subsequent seasons.
Throughout the show’s run, his portrayal of Opie, a motorcycle club member navigating prison, redemption, and family obligations, earned widespread acclaim. It is worth noting that his character development earned him a 2011 Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film, according to official award records. The role made him a fan favorite and significantly elevated his industry profile.
Continued Success & Diversification (2015–2022)
Following Sons of Anarchy, Hurst appeared in the series Outsiders and took on diverse television roles. In 2018, he joined AMC’s The Walking Dead as Beta, a major antagonist, from 2019 to 2020. This casting demonstrated his ability to play complex, intimidating characters requiring physical presence and emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Hurst ventured into animation, voicing Jedidiah in the box office hit Rango (2011) and serving as narrator for various projects. His voice work expanded further when he was cast to provide voice and motion-capture performance for Thor in 2022’s God of War: Ragnarök, a critically acclaimed video game that earned him a BAFTA Award nomination.
Recent & Upcoming Projects (2023–2026)
Recently, Hurst reunited with Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter for Netflix’s western series The Abandons (2023–2024), where he played a recurring role in 1850s Oregon. This collaboration generated significant excitement among fans of the original series.
Most significantly, on January 14, 2026, it was announced that Ryan Hurst will portray Kratos in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of God of War on Amazon Prime Video. His return to the franchise—previously having voiced Thor—marks a major career achievement. Showrunner Ronald Moore, acclaimed for Battlestar Galactica and Outlander, is directing the series, which has been greenlit for two seasons.
Additionally, Hurst is set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, expanding his cinematic footprint.
Ryan Hurst God of War
God of War: Ragnarök Voice Performance (2022)
Ryan Hurst first entered the God of War universe in 2022 by lending his voice and motion-capture performance to Thor, the Norse God of Thunder, in Santa Monica Studio’s God of War: Ragnarök. His vocal performance captured Thor’s powerful presence and conflicted nature within the game’s narrative.
The performance was met with critical acclaim, earning him a BAFTA Award nomination—a prestigious recognition for video game voice acting. His work demonstrated that he could deliver compelling character performances beyond traditional acting formats.
God of War Live-Action Series: Kratos Casting (2026)
On January 14, 2026, Amazon Prime Video officially announced that Ryan Hurst will star as Kratos in the upcoming live-action adaptation of God of War. The announcement confirmed that Hurst will headline this highly anticipated series based on the wildly successful PlayStation franchise.
The Character: Kratos is described as a “Spartan by birth and a god by nature” who bartered his soul to Ares, the Greek God of War, for victory in battle. The live-action series will continue the narrative from the two most recent God of War games, focusing on Kratos as he attempts to balance his son Atreus’ upbringing with his own journey toward humanity.
The Series Details: According to official announcements, the logline describes the series as follows: “Father and son, Kratos and Atreus, undertake a quest to scatter ashes of wife and mother. Throughout their journey, Kratos aims to guide his son towards becoming a better god, while Atreus endeavors to teach his father how to embrace his humanity”.
Ronald Moore, recognized for his work on Battlestar Galactica and Outlander, serves as showrunner and executive producer. Frederick E.O. Toye will direct the initial episodes. The series has been confirmed for two seasons and is currently in casting and preproduction.
Why Hurst Was Chosen: According to industry commentary, Hurst’s recent voice work as Thor in God of War: Ragnarök and his track record of playing intense, physically commanding characters in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead made him an ideal choice for the demanding lead role. His ability to deliver both vulnerability and strength makes him suitable for Kratos’s character arc—a warrior learning to embrace his humanity.
Ryan Hurst Family
| Relationship | Name/Details |
| Father | Rick Hurst (Actor, Dukes of Hazzard fame) |
| Mother | Candace Kaniecki (Acting Coach) |
| Siblings | Collin Hurst (Half-sibling) |
| Spouse | Molly Cookson (married May 8, 2005) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Production Partner | Molly Cookson (co-founder, Fast Shoes production company) |
| Residence | Woodland Hills, California |
| Property | 3,400 sq ft home purchased April 2013 for $1.71 million |
Marriage & Personal Life
It is worth noting that Ryan Hurst met Molly Cookson in 1994 during his high school years, with their relationship confirmed through multiple entertainment sources. The couple developed a strong personal and professional bond over more than a decade before officially marrying on May 8, 2005.
About Molly Cookson: Like Ryan, Molly shares a passion for acting and entertainment. She attended the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and later graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Arts. She made her film debut in 2009 with Chasing The Green and subsequently appeared in projects like Shouting Secrets (2011).
Professional Collaboration: Together, Ryan and Molly founded the production company Fast Shoes, through which they collaborate on film and television projects. This partnership reflects their shared commitment to storytelling and creative endeavors. The production company represents their joint effort to develop quality entertainment content.
Residence: In April 2013, the couple purchased a 3,400 square-foot home in Woodland Hills, California, for $1.71 million. This property serves as their family residence while they work on various entertainment projects.
Ryan Hurst Net Worth
As of 2026, Ryan Hurst’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million to $4 million. However, these figures remain unofficial estimates, as he has not publicly confirmed his exact financial status.
Income Sources
Television Salaries: His recurring and main cast roles in series like Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, and The Abandons generate substantial income.
Film Work: His theatrical film appearances in successful movies contribute to his earnings.
Voice Acting & Motion Capture: His performance as Thor in God of War: Ragnarök and upcoming voice work represent high-paying opportunities in interactive entertainment.
Production Company: Fast Shoes’ projects generate revenue and profit-sharing opportunities for both Ryan and Molly.
Real Estate Investment: His California property investment has likely appreciated in value since its 2013 purchase.
The anticipated God of War live-action series on Amazon Prime Video, where he plays the lead role of Kratos, will likely result in a significant increase to his net worth.
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