Ryan Patrick Devlin is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his role opposite Calista Flockhart on the ABC show Brothers & Sisters where he played her younger boyfriend Seth. In addition, he recurs in the role of Smith in the ABC-TV comedy Cougar Town. Devlin reprised his role as husband to guest star Mandy Moore's character, Mary, in season 7 of Grey's Anatomy. Other television credits include major roles on Veronica Mars and Big Shots, in addition to several hosting jobs earlier in his career. Devlin was born in Lansing, Michigan and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids in 1998, and performed in school and local theater productions. Devlin graduated with honor in Business at Michigan State University, where he was also involved in the campus television station and filmmakers club.
• Joel Edgerton (Joel Edgerton is an Australian actor, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his roles ...)
• Mindy Kaling (Mindy Kaling is an American actress, comedian, writer and producer.)
• Denzel Washington (Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. is an American actor, film director, and film producer. He has recei...)
» All Actor InterviewsHey guys, I'm Ryan, the host of MTV's Are You The One? the best damn reality show on TV and the most ambitious matchmaking experiment ever attempted. Check the madness out Monday's at 10pm on MTV, and feel free to ask me anything (except who the real matches are) and I'll do my best to get back to ya!
https://twitter.com/RyanDevlin/status/529425471880953856
Okay guys, thanks for the AMAZING (and sometimes bizarre) questions. Signing off for now, but hit me up on Twitter @ryandevlin for more!
Do you ever feel like the only grown-up in a room full of hormonal teenagers when you're interacting with the household on Are You The One?
YES ALL THE TIME!!! But then I remember that I was just like them (minus the impressive tolerance for Fireball shots) so I give them some slack. It's not easy spending all that time in that house, but it's for a good reason. LOVE! (and money)
How long did you have to shower for after dressing as Scali on Halloween?
Hahahaha... it's something that can't be washed off.
Hey Ryan, my roommates and I love the show. How well do you think the cast of season 2 is strategizing to find their matches? Given that they're not doing so hot, it looks like they're playing it all wrong. Also, good job staying away from John's nose-shattering knee of steel.
Thanks for watching! It's interesting to see where they're at right now. They strategized a TON when they were in the house -- they had the advantage of knowing what the show concept was before they got there (which the season 1 cast didn't) so I think they came in with a lot of strategy already. Too much if you asked me. Right now the brains are getting in the way of the hearts! We'll see what happens...
Is it ever awkward asking the contestants those difficult questions? or do you love causing drama?
It gets pretty heated sometimes to tell you the truth. Love is tough, and it's my job to push all the buttons. Sometimes the drama is fun, but sometimes it's hard. But hopefully it helps them find their true Perfect Match.
I understand if you're unable to answer but I'm going to try anyway! How do they determine the perfect matches?
Great question! Obviously it needs to be legit so we put a ton of work into it. Personalty tests, interviews with matchmakers, interviews with friends, family, exes, and coworkers. It's extensive -- and it works! Ethan and Amber ;)
hey Ryan, i read somewhere that a lot of contestants try to sneak off camera to hide their... business. have you or staff ever caught them in the act/ in any strange places?
also could John "nose and heart breaker" M. do an ama? he's becoming a local celebrity at my school
they like to think they're sneaking away... but the only place without a camera is inside the refrigerator and I don't think two people can fit in there ;). It's AAAALLLLL caught on video. And yes, sometimes in strange places.
hit John up on Twitter and I'm sure he'll be happy to do an AMA or personal appearance.
Hi Ryan, I think Are You The One? is awesome, what's something we don't know about you, and something we'd be surprised to find ut?
Hey, thanks! Something you don't know... hm... well, I can ride a unicycle. Taught myself in 5th grade. Impressive right?
Hi Ryan! HUUUUGE fan of Are you the One over here. Whoever came up with the beams of light is a genius.
Question: Where can I get my own truth booth? I need to know if my partner and I are a perfect match!!!
Thanks! The beams of light are the brain child of our amazing producers. They're evil geniuses and they make the show what it is.
Man, I wish I'd had a Truth Booth back when I was dating too. Grab some iPads and step into a white closet. See what happens... ;)
Ok not to go all sappy but I really admire the work you've put into This Bar Saves Lives... are you happy with the number of bars you've sold, and what's on the horizon for the project?
My favorite question yet! Thanks so much for your support.
I'm so proud of the impact we've had -- over 300K packets of life-saving food donated to kids in need. And we've got our eye on 1M next year! Please keep spreading the word! xo
With reality TV viewership declining and many reality shows getting canceled, what do you see in the future for reality TV?
Shows that do more than just exploit people. That's why I love AYTO (Monday's, MTV 10pm). We're truly helping people to find love. They all win together or they all lose together. First season, they won. This season.... well, we'll see! Thanks for the question!
Hi Ryan, who do you think will be the Amber and Ethan of this season?
Hard to tell at this point. Paris and Pratt are pretty damn adorbs. Or perhaps it'll be a couple that hasn't even found each other yet -- similar to Ethan and Amber. Who do you think it'll be?
Would you rather:
Have fingers as long as your legs or legs as long as your fingers?
Have a dragon or be a dragon?
Stand barefoot on an iceblock for 20 min or be tickled on your bare feet for 20 min?
Why for each? :P
Interesting questions -- I feel like I just learned a lot about you.
Iceblock.
but isn't that the point? even if they beat the game with their brains, they'll have also found their match!
That assumes they'll beat the game. I agree the end justifies the means... but it's a lot easier said than done. We'll see what happens -- thanks!
Why even bother calling it "MTV" anymore? I'd rather tune in to non-stop Buggles "Video Killed the Radio Star" than something that dares call itself "Music Television" and then proceed to broadcast this type of shite. Well done.
I too miss the Buggles. Will do my best hair band impression the next time I'm hosting said shite.
Hey Ryan, what makes you laugh & do you have any pet peeves? If so what? :)
I love funny animals and dumb jokes and kids in sunglasses.
Pet peeve is dirty dishes in the sink.
Ryan, what's your idea of a perfect weekend, and do you have any guilty pleasures? :))
I love the camp and just be outdoors. I love the wind in my face. I love not seeing a lot of cars.
Guilty pleasure... hm... I guess I sometimes eat a lot of candy. Like right now. I'm currently stuffing my face with Halloween candy we didn't give to kids. This is trouble...
Did you ever give the contestants love advice off camera?
Kind of. There comes a point when they want to know if I'm single I tell them I found my Perfect Match already, which is always gets some "awwws" and then I tell them how I found her. It's not easy putting yourself out there like those contestants do and I give them a lot of credit. Hopefully they find love AND money this season!
Hey Ryan! I will never forget your role as Seth on Brothers & Sisters. You have the most gorgeous smile! Do you have any acting projects lined up?
Thanks! Aside from hosting Are You The One (MTV 10pm Mondays!!!) I'm also on the CW show Jane The Virgin. My next episode is next Monday. It's a great show. Thanks for the love!
Hey Ryan, I'm your biggest gay fan, you're stunning, i'm curious are you serious or prankster on set? Also what's you best memory off the set of Couger Town?
Thanks biggest gay fan! Not sure why you aren't bigger than my biggest straight fan though. You better step up your game!
I loved my time on CTown. Best memories were when I had scenes with the whole gang and we just riffed off script and made each other laugh. Sometimes it made it in the show sometimes not. But it was always fun. Barry Bostwick is a kick.
I'm more of a prankster than a serious guy on set. Gotta have fun at work! (unless it's a crying scene like I did on Grey's Anatomy)
Hi Ryan, do you watch any TV shows and if so what are your favourites? Would you ever be interested in being on something like The Vampire Diaries or Game of Thrones??
I love doing dramas and I think a period piece like GoT would be a blast. I love Downton Abbey and Orphan Black. Digging The Americans too.
I've always wondered, since there is only one boomboomroom, does the rest hook up right next to each other on the pillow pile beds?
Yep, they pretty much hook up wherever and whenever. In season one we had two couples going at it on the same mattress! (did you see the black light tour I did online?)
The Boom Boom Room gets plenty of action though.
Do you think the Beams of Light are funny?
I LOVE the beams of light! Such a cool way to represent the matches. The only problem is when one of the lights burns out while we're filming ;)
Has hosting changed the way you view your own relationships?
It makes me glad that I found my own Perfect Match! Has watching Are You The One (MTV Mondays at 10pm!!!) changed the way you view your own?
Are you ticklish Ryan? if so where most?
I get this question on Twitter a lot. What's with this question?!?!
Ryan, what's your best feature, physical or otherwise, and what's your biggest weakness?
Best Feature: my devastating good looks and my humbleness. Biggest weakness: not sure... what's yours?
You are such a cool person and an actor. I've enjoyed you since you hosted ET. I also enjoyed you on Cougar Town and I hope to see more of you on Jane the Virgin. I have a few questions:
I have a friend who has the same last name as you and he is Irish. That is so cool. Isn't it? This leads to my first question: Are you Irish? I'm just curious.
What are your favorite TV shows that are on and what movies have you watched recently that you highly recommend?
What kind of advice do you have to fans that are going through bullying and/or hard times?
Thanks! First, your friend Devlin is clearly awesome. Stay close to him. I'm half Irish, which means I can hold down half the beers as a full blood Irishman. My fave TV shows, aside from Are You The One? and Jane The Virgin (for obvi reasons) are nature shows like Planet Earth, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and Orphan Black. I've been bullied and I've been a bully. I learned from both and all I can say is that perspective makes all things better. Try to learn from every experience but don't get too overwhelmed or bogged down by it. Everything makes you who you are. If you're being bullied, talk to someone who can help. It'll pass, but you don't have to put up with it. There's too much love in the world to get weighed down by the crap.
If you could go back in time, what year/time period would you go to?
This morning so I could wear more comfortable socks. The socks I chose today were a bad call.
Also, the 60's during the space race. Such a cool time.
Hey Ryan, boxers or briefs? Beach or mountains? Coffee or tea? Socks or barefoot? Neck or foot rub? Mani or pedi? Why/why not? :-)
Boxer briefs, Mountains, Tea, Barefoot, Back rub, neither.
What is your dream vacation?
Rock climbing in Yosemite with my friends followed by a road trip with my wife
Have you ever thought someone was the one? If yes, what made you change your mind? (if you don't still think they're the one)
I though many women were The One and got my heart broken more than a few times. Fortunately I finally DID find The One and everything became much clearer ;)
Who was your favorite couple from season 1 of AYTO? Besides Amber and Ethan!
I like the whole John/Jacy/Simone thing. Colesia and Dillon were pretty sweet too
If you could have one acting role, what would it be? Be it a popular character in film past or present, some brand new character, or a character type.
Also, how did you manage to make it from the Midwest to television?
Great question! Tough one too. Probably the role of MacGuyver or Ferris Bueller. Two of my faves.
If you want to be in TV you gotta be in LA (or NY, but really LA). So I packed up my car and hit the road! Tended bar, took classes, made student films, and then got lucky. Hopefully I stay lucky for a while longer. Thanks!
^Smiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiith
Were you as sad as I was when Laurie and Smith broke up? She breathed his name!
Hahahah -- good job whispering.
Yes, really sad for the breakup. Still sad, I loved that job!
Are you supersticious Ryan? If yes/no why? Also, what's the best/worst date you've ever been on?
Not superstitious anymore -- though I used to do a lot of things in 4's. More of an OCD I guess.
I've been on some great dates -- like when I proposed to my wife at the Griffith Obersevatory -- and some terrible dates like when I tried to take a girl to a strip club (total fail).
when you were a kid, did you ever watch music videos on MTV? did you think it was neat how they had music videos?
I didn't watch much MTV when I was a kid. I saw a few videos I guess but that wasn't really my jam. I watched TRL a bit. And Jackass. And now, of course, Are You The One (Mondays at 10!!)
Did you develop a phobia of unicorns after your time on Veronica Mars?
It's okay, you can tell us. Judgement free zone, here.
Hahahaha, maybe a little. More a phobia of tazers though ;)
I LOVE you Ryan, I hope you reply!!!
Thanks for the questions! I always get asked if I'm ticklish. There's some sort of weird ticklish fetish thing going around and I think we should get to the bottom of it. Who cares if I'm ticklish?!?!
I get recognized every once in a while. It's pretty cool actually. Always awesome to hear from people who like my show. Sometimes people recognize me from the bad guy role I had on Veronica Mars and can be a little hostile about it ;)
Ryan, I started watching MTV's Are You The One? for you and I've really enjoyed it so far! Questions:
1. You're in great shape so I was wondering how do you stay fit?
2. Do you like foot-rubs? I read that most guys don't and it shocked me!
3. How do you feel about pillow fights? :P
Thanks Lena! I'm not sure how great of shape I'm in but I appreciate the comment. I'm a vegetarian and I do a lot of rock climbing, so that seems to do the trick (I don't like regular gyms, it's too boring for me)
Foot rubs from my wife are nice. From strangers, not so much. Pillow fights look fun on TV but don't seem all that fun in real life.
sometimes you feel like telling the participants to choose their perfect matches are not perfect they stink and they think best? haha or you do not know until the end?
I don't know until they do! Which is good because otherwise I'd probably spill the beans on accident ;)
I just remembered something I've been wondering for months.
Are those screens people put their hands on at the match-up ceremony all disgusting and covered in sweaty handprints by the end of the night?
Hahahaha -- well, they WOULD be... but we have a guy that cleans them between every lock in. He loves his job. Very talented with Windex.
Hello again, gorgeous! What other existing reality show would you be interested in hosting as well?
I love hosting Are You The One and hope it lasts another 10 seasons and many happy couples!
does production dissuade cast remembers from trying to solve matches using ~MATH~ or are the cast members just not very math-oriented?
A little of both ;). We don't allow any paper or pens because it's super boring to see people sit around and draw grids all day. But they still manage a way to work things out -- like using vodka bottles to represent the guys and toothbrushes for the girls and all that. The problem is when match gets in the way of the heart -- you see NO matches like we had last week. We'll see what wins out tonight... ;)
What inspires you?
People who give back. People who swim against the current.
Hi Ryan its Ken Kaniff from Connecticut. Can I lick your ass MTV's Ryan Devlin?
Hey Ken! I'm gonna pass on the ass lick, but I really appreciate the offer. You seem to be a really generous guy.
O man, a Reddit AMA with THE Ryan Devlin! :P Three questions:
1) How in the world do you decide which jobs to take?! You seem to have quite the range going on.
2) What flavor of This Bar would you really like to develop next? Or is there a new flavor coming soon!?
3) If you were forced to only watch shows/movies/etc. featuring one person for the rest of your life, who would you choose?
O man, a question from THE CassMod??!!
1) I take what pays and seems fun. But mostly what pays.
2) Peanut Butter and Jelly (it's already in the works!!!!)
3) Present company excluded... probably Tom Hanks. He's got all the range.
4) Is it snowing?
5) Are your friends on this thread? I gotz to thank my SD fans!
Gotta ask the interesting ones! :P Why iceblock? And you forgot the other two questions!
Fingers as long as legs. I'm a rock climber and I think that would come in handy. HANDY! I like puns too.