Ryan O'Connell

Acting

Ryan O'Connell

Born September 2, 1986 (age 39)

Ryan O'Connell is an American writer, actor, director, comedian, LGBTQ activist, and disability advocate. He is known for his 2015 memoir, I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, about his life as a gay man with cerebral palsy, which he adapted into television series Special for Netflix.

Known For

The Normal HeartThe Normal Heart · 2021
The Normal Heart
2021
Movie
Directed by Emmy Award-winning director Paris Barclay, this presentation, the first after Kramer's death, is also the first time the Tony Award-winning play features a predominately BIPOC and LGBTQ cast. First staged in New York City in 1985 at The Public Theater, THE NORMAL HEART went on to become the longest running play there. Dealing with the painful experiences of the early days of the AIDS crisis when everything was still mysterious, the play dramatizes the struggle among gay men over which strategies would save their lives. Larry Kramer was a distinguished novelist, playwright, and screenwriter, and a pioneering AIDS activist. In 1982, he co-founded Gay Men's Health Crisis, and then in 1987, he founded ACT UP. He died at the age of eighty-four in May, 2020. He is survived by his husband, David Webster.
Will & GraceWill & Grace · 2017
Will & Grace
7.52017
SeriesComedy
That's right, honey! A decade after their unforgettable eight-season run, comedy's most fabulous foursome is back.
Awkward.Awkward. · 2011
Awkward.
7.42011
SeriesComedyDrama
An irreverent look at the conflict, chaos and humor that defines teenage life through the eyes of 15-year-old Jenna Hamilton whose life begins to change when a simple accident becomes an epic misunderstanding and is blown way out of proportion. Narration in the first-person voice of Jenna's blog posts captures the humor within the struggles and experiences everyone can relate to from their formative years.
The Baby-Sitters ClubThe Baby-Sitters Club · 2020
The Baby-Sitters Club
7.92020
SeriesKidsDrama
In this contemporary take on the beloved book series, five best friends launch a baby-sitting business that's big on fun and adventure.
Queer as FolkQueer as Folk · 2022
Queer as Folk
6.32022
SeriesDrama
The lives of a diverse group of friends in New Orleans are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy.
SpecialSpecial · 2019
Special
6.42019
SeriesComedy
A gay man with mild cerebral palsy decides to rewrite his identity as an accident victim and finally go after the life he wants.

Filmography

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The Normal HeartThe Normal Heart · 2021
The Normal Heart
2021
Movie
Directed by Emmy Award-winning director Paris Barclay, this presentation, the first after Kramer's death, is also the first time the Tony Award-winning play features a predominately BIPOC and LGBTQ cast. First staged in New York City in 1985 at The Public Theater, THE NORMAL HEART went on to become the longest running play there. Dealing with the painful experiences of the early days of the AIDS crisis when everything was still mysterious, the play dramatizes the struggle among gay men over which strategies would save their lives. Larry Kramer was a distinguished novelist, playwright, and screenwriter, and a pioneering AIDS activist. In 1982, he co-founded Gay Men's Health Crisis, and then in 1987, he founded ACT UP. He died at the age of eighty-four in May, 2020. He is survived by his husband, David Webster.