Ryan Cooley Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows, Awards
Ryan Hadison Cooley, professionally known as Ryan Cooley, is a Canadian actor and digital technology executive who became widely recognized for his work as a child and teenage performer.
He gained international attention after playing J.T. Yorke on the popular Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation, a role that made him one of the show’s most recognizable young stars during its early years.
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Before Degrassi, he also played Pleskit in the science-fiction comedy series I Was a Sixth Grade Alien, and after leaving acting, he built a second career in the technology and digital consulting industry.
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| Real Name: | Ryan Hadison Cooley |
| Stage Name: | Ryan Cooley |
| Born: | May 18, 1988 (age 38 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Orangeville, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Ethnicity: | White Canadian |
| Height: | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Charlie Cooley, Mrs. Cooley |
| Occupation: | Actor, Digital Consultant |
| Net Worth: | $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Ryan Cooley was born on May 18, 1988, in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, and is at 38 years old.
He grew up in Orangeville with his parents, including his father Charlie Cooley, a professional drummer. Being raised around music and entertainment gave him an early exposure to the creative industries, although he eventually developed his own path through acting and television.
Cooley began working professionally as a child actor at just 11 years old, balancing auditions and television productions with his education. He attended Orangeville District Secondary School and graduated in June 2006.
After completing high school and moving beyond his years as a television performer, he continued his education at the University of Toronto, where he studied theatre.
Personal Life
Ryan Cooley has kept his personal life largely away from public attention. He is unmarried and has no publicly confirmed children, while details about his romantic relationships have remained private.
Unlike many former child actors who continue to maintain highly visible celebrity profiles, Cooley has largely stepped away from entertainment publicity.
He has focused much of his adult life on his professional work in Canada’s technology sector. His decision to leave acting behind has allowed him to maintain a considerably quieter lifestyle than the one he experienced during his years as a recognizable Degrassi star.
Career
Ryan Cooley began his acting career in 1999 when he was cast as Pleskit in the children’s science-fiction comedy series I Was a Sixth Grade Alien. The role introduced him to television audiences and gave him an early opportunity to work as a leading young performer.
His biggest breakthrough arrived in 2001 when he joined the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation as James Tiberius “J.T.” Yorke. Cooley remained with the series for several seasons, appearing in more than 100 episodes as his character progressed from a mischievous class clown into one of the show’s central dramatic figures.
J.T.’s storyline eventually became one of the most memorable arcs in the series. His character faced difficult subjects including adoption, teenage relationships, financial hardship, and teenage pregnancy before being killed in a stabbing incident in 2006.
The storyline became one of the defining moments of Degrassi‘s early run and gave Cooley an opportunity to demonstrate his dramatic range beyond the comedic qualities of his earlier performances.
While working on Degrassi, Cooley continued appearing in other productions. His television credits included The Color of Friendship, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Queer as Folk, Lexx, Cybermutt, and Life with Derek.
He later appeared alongside Elliot Page in the independent film The Tracey Fragments in 2007.
After leaving professional acting, Cooley shifted his attention toward technology and digital consulting. He joined Konrad Group, a digital agency specializing in technology, software development, mobile applications, and digital products.
He eventually progressed into an executive position with the company, taking on responsibilities involving digital solutions and technology projects for major businesses.
Awards
- Young Artist Award – Best Ensemble in a TV Series – Nominated (2002)
- Young Artist Award – Best Ensemble in a TV Series – Nominated (2003)
- Young Artist Award – Best Ensemble in a TV Series – Nominated (2005)
- Young Artist Award – Best Ensemble in a TV Series – Nominated (2006)
Net Worth
Ryan Cooley has an estimated net worth of $2 million. His early earnings came from his successful child and teenage acting career, particularly his long-running role on Degrassi: The Next Generation.
He later established another source of income through his work in digital technology and corporate consulting, where he progressed into senior management.
Social Media
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Filmography
- I Was a Sixth Grade Alien (1999)
- The Color of Friendship (2000)
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2000)
- Queer as Folk (2001)
- Lexx (2001)
- Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2007)
- Cybermutt (2002)
- Life with Derek (2005)
- The Tracey Fragments (2007)
- BeyWarriors: BeyRaiderz (2014)
What People Ask
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