Robert Ryan

Robert Ryan (November 11, 1909 – July 11, 1973) was an American actor and activist known for his portrayals of hardened cops and ruthless villains. He performed for over three decades and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film noir drama Crossfire (1947). Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ryan was the first child of a secretary and a wealthy real estate family. He was of Irish and English descent, raised Catholic, and educated at Loyola Academy. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1932, where he excelled in boxing, football, and track, Ryan worked various odd jobs before returning home in 1936.