Ryan Phillippe

September 10, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Actor Matthew Ryan Phillippe, born September 10, 1974, entered the game with raw talent, determination, and a hunger for success. He rose to prominence with the horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and was also featured in the television serial “One Life To Live.” His flawless and effortless performances gained him massive attention, along with his mesmerizing looks that have captured the eyes of countless fans. A talented soul like our all-famous American actor deserves to be appreciated and acknowledged, which is why we’re delighted to celebrate his special day with you.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Matthew Ryan Phillippe

Birth date:

September 10, 1974

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Virgo

Height:

5' 9"

Relationship Status:

In a relationship

Net Worth:

$30 million

Background

Matthew Ryan Phillippe, famously known as Ryan Phillippe, was born in New Castle, Delaware, to a chemical engineer called Richard, and Susan, his mother who ran a daycare center. Phillippe has three sisters by the names of Katelyn, Kirsten, and Lindsay Phillippe. He was enrolled in a local Baptist Academy and later graduated from New Castle Christian Academy in Wilmington.

He moved to New York where he signed with Cathy Parker Management. He filmed for “One Life To Live” and later moved to Los Angeles, where he performed in small acting roles such as in “Due South,” “Matlock,” and “Crimson Tide” which was a film released in 1995. After his breakthrough role in “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” he began starring alongside artists like Neve Campbell, Mike Myers, and Selma Hayek. He also co-starred with Benicio del Toro in “The Way of the Gun,” a horror film that received mixed reviews. Phillippe played a role in “The Bang Bang Club,” a real-life story film, as well as produced and narrated the documentary “Isolated” which premiered in 2013.

Relationships have been one of Phillippe’s weaknesses, and some would believe he’s fallen out of luck. Phillippe married Reese Witherspoon in 1999 and later in that same year they birthed Ava Elizabeth Phillippe, their daughter. In 2003, they had their second child, Deacon Reese Phillippe. In 2007, the couple divorced and Phillippe dated Abbie Cornish. In the following years, he dated Alexis Knapp and Paulina Slagter. He even got sued by Elsie Hewitt, his ex-girlfriend.

Career timeline

1992

He Acts in a Soap Opera

Phillippe plays the first gay teenage character in a soap opera titled "One Life To Live," playing the role of Billy Douglas.

1997

His Breakthrough Film

His performance in "I Know What You Did Last Summer," brings him great success with high-profile film offers chasing after him.

2006

Phillippe Impresses the Critics

His role as John Bradley in "Flags of Our Fathers" is deemed his best performance since he started acting.

2015

He Gets Cast in a Lead Role

His good performing skills land him a lead role as Bob Lee Swagger in the thriller drama series titled "Shooter."

Why We Love Ryan Phillippe

He's handsome
Phillippe could have any lady that he wants. He has it all, from a good physique and handsome looks to a brilliant brain and effortless performing skills. In our book, he's one of the most handsome male actors in the industry.
His acting skills are top-notch
A horror, thriller, or drama film without Phillippe is an incomplete film as we all may agree. Phillippe's performing skills are unmatched, apart from the films that received negative reviews, he has made a lasting impression on viewers.
He's persistent and consistent
Phillippe didn't have it easy growing up but he knew what he wanted and he pursued it until he got it. When he didn't make it through the auditions, he settled for modeling for a while but continued trying until he made it through and eventually became one of the best actors in the film industry.

5 Surprising Facts

He was good at sports
Phillippe is good at basketball and soccer and has a keen interest in sports.
He did Taekwondo
He did martial arts and earned a black belt as a Taekwondo student.
He was spotted at a barbershop
Phillippe was invited for auditions by an agent who had discovered him at a barbershop in Delaware.
He took up modeling
With the density in the film industry, it was hard for Phillippe to get in, so he took on modeling for a while.
He suffers from depression
He expressed in an interview with “Elle Magazine” that "depression has been a huge obstacle for me ever since I was a child," but he appreciates how it has helped him develop a higher level of sensitivity.