Alison Sweeney Siblings: Meet Ryan Sweeney and Sten Sweeney

Alison Sweeney, best known for her long-running role as Samantha “Sami” Brady on NBC’s Days of Our Lives, has charmed audiences as an actress, reality TV host, director, and author.

Born Alison Ann Sweeney on September 19, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, she is of Irish descent and was raised in a Catholic household steeped in music and creativity. Her parents, Polly Sweeney and Stender Sweeney, were both accomplished violinists—Polly worked as a studio musician, while Stender contributed to feature-film soundtracks.

Alison grew up as the middle child of three, flanked by her older brother, Sten Sweeney, and younger brother, Ryan Sweeney. The siblings were raised in a close-knit, musically inclined family where creativity was encouraged, and humour was a key part of daily life.

Alison’s early foray into acting began at age five with a Kodak commercial, and by 16, she had landed the role that would define her career on Days of Our Lives.

While Alison pursued fame in the entertainment industry, her brothers took different paths, essentially keeping a low profile. Despite their lower profiles, Sten and Ryan share a deep bond with their sister, rooted in a playful and supportive upbringing.

In fact, their childhood was marked by sibling antics—including a running joke where the older siblings would tease the younger ones by claiming gangsters dropped them off and would be returned to prison if they misbehaved. This humorous tradition not only reflects their tight-knit relationship but also hints at the imaginative spirit that defined their upbringing.

Together, the Sweeney siblings remain connected by the warmth and creativity of their family.

Sten Sweeney

Sten Sweeney, the eldest of the three siblings, has chosen a life away from the Hollywood limelight. Unlike his sister Alison, who has thrived in the entertainment industry, Sten prefers to keep his personal and professional details private.

Limited information is available about his date of birth, career, or current endeavours, reflecting his desire to stay out of the public eye. Despite his low profile, Sten remains a figure of interest to Alison’s fans, largely due to her fame.

What is known is that Sten is the son of Polly and Stender Sweeney and shares the family’s Irish descent. He has a nephew, Benjamin Sanov, and a niece, Megan Sanov, through Alison’s marriage to David Sanov. While Sten may not seek attention, his connection to Alison keeps him on the periphery of her fanbase’s curiosity.

Ryan Sweeney

Ryan Sweeney, the youngest of the Sweeney siblings, has followed a more public path than Sten, pursuing a career in the entertainment industry like his sister.

Ryan is an actor and filmmaker with a growing list of credits in film and television. He grew up alongside Alison and Sten in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and now resides in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Ryan’s acting portfolio includes roles in films such as Damon’s Revenge, Summer Catch, Domestic Disturbance, The Hero, All You Ever Wish For, The Runaway, Burial Ground Massacre, and Merry Ex-Mas.

Beyond acting, Ryan has ventured into directing and cinematography. He directed the 2019 film “Soldier of Solace: Naked Truth” and served as a cinematographer on the 2022 project “Tales from the Other Side.” His creative pursuits highlight a shared artistic streak with Alison, though he operates on a smaller scale in the industry.