Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Marthaller.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello. My name is Ryan Marthaller. I was born and raised in Butte, Montana. (Home of Evel Knievel) Also known as “The Richest Hill On Earth” Growing up in this small town gave me a very unique perspective on life. It made me grasp the concept and importance of authenticity.
Starting at the age of 5, I discovered the video camera that my parents would use to film home videos of my toddler life. I fell absolutely in love with the camera.
I began constantly filming myself doing random things such as doing comedy, singing and dancing. As I got older I purchased more cameras and found myself making self-made movies/short films with friends. From horror movies to comedies. My friends and family always expressed how I was born to be in front of the camera to showcase my talent. I ended up making well over 50 projects.
At the age of 11, I discovered theatre. I have done many productions. Some of my favorite roles I have played are JoJo (Suessical), Pinocchio (My Son Pinocchio) and Zero (Holes). I won an award at my theatre for Best Leading Role in a non-musical. While also receiving many nominations. My dad, Karl Marthaller took me to every single rehearsal and went to all of my shows. He was/is my number 1 fan, and he gives me the purpose to follow my dreams.
In 2015, I ventured into the film industry. I landed a role in the movie Dead 7 as a Background Extra/Town Kid. (IMDb) It includes members of the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Carrie Keagan. Also, in 2017/2018, I was a Background Extra (Dog Walker) in the movie Brown. I even helped produce and promote the film. In April of 2021, I got an incredible opportunity to be a part of a horror movie titled For the Night that stars Odessa A’zion and many other incredible actors! The character I play is named Sergio. That production is currently still in post-production.
I also am working on a couple of projects right now! 👀😏😁
The most recent project is the new TV Series called 1923 that stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. I am lucky enough to be a Background/Extra in the show! I’m beyond excited for this project.
It’s an indescribable feeling of love and happiness being on a film set and going into an audition.
Since the age of 5, I have always known what I wanted to do and that was to be an actor. I feel as though I was born to be in this industry.
Other things I enjoy doing are singing, dancing, writing songs, photography, going to FanX in Salt Lake City, Utah, Listening to Katy Perry & Taylor Swift, and being around animals.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
On January 7th, 2021, my entire world was destroyed… My dad, Karl Marthaller passed away. He was only 50. I was 21 and my dad was 21 as well when he lost his dad. It’s a very vicious cycle.
That day, I didn’t just lose my dad… I also lost my hero, my best friend, my sidekick, my rock, my everything! My dad is/was the greatest person I have/ever will meet. Anyone who got to be around him and had the blessing to call him a friend, is beyond lucky.
He was/is my number 1 fan. He would bring me to every single theatre rehearsal. Even on days when I was tired or just not feeling up to it, he would push me to go and I would always be happy that I listened to him.
I can’t put into words how kind and selfless my dad was. He would always put everyone first, before himself. He would never say “no” – If he said he was gonna do something, he would do it. He is the strongest person that I have ever known! I’m beyond grateful that I get to call him my dad.
“After graduating from Anaconda High School in 1989, Karl enlisted in to the United States Air Force. He received recognition for his outstanding work ethic and quickly rose to Staff Sargent (Ssgt). After his time in the Air Force he joined the Reserves. In 1995, he met Chrissy Recore and on November 7th of 1997 they married. They had two children together, Jessica and Ryan. They later divorced but they remained friends and in spent many holidays at Jessica’s house all together. Karl dedicated 24 years of his life to being the payroll manager, as well as a few other titles, at Fairmont Hot Springs. He decided to move on and took a job in town as the AP-Payroll Tech for Action, Inc. where he worked until his passing. He worked a second job as a Domino’s pizza delivery driver for almost 14 years until he retired this past November. He was known for his infectious laugh and incredible work ethic. He was a proud father and an even more proud papa.
Karl was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing basketball and watching his favorite sports teams the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astro’s, and the Denver Nuggets. You never saw Karl without a Dallas star on his clothing. He loved to golf with his brother Kurt and son Ryan. He loved going to the lake with his kids and grandkids. He loved Def Leppard and rock & roll and instilled his love of rock and music into his children. Most of all, Karl loved spending time with his grandsons, Tripp and Ryott.
Karl’s pride and joy were his two kids, grandsons, and of course their dog Gracie and cat Sophie. Karl lived with his son Ryan and they were the best of friends. Karl and Ryan did everything together, they were inseparable. Karl was his kids’ rock and their go-to. He was so proud of his daughter Jessica. He loved watching his little girl grow up to be the best mother to his grandkids. Karl and Chrissy gave their children the best childhood they could have ever dreamed of. Many vacations and adventures to Silverwood and Lagoon, concerts, and day trips around Montana. Often bringing nieces and the kids’ friends along too. Both of his kids were his greatest accomplishments.”
The day my dad went to heaven was the day that half of my heart truly broke. I feel like half of myself left with him. I know I’ll never be the same, but I also know that this pain is just temporary and that I’ll see him again!
I will continue to live for the two of us. His work ethic was phenomenal and he always encouraged me to never give up. Everything that I do in my career will also be for him. I know he is so proud of me and I will continue to make him even prouder.
I have been working on a song for him for a little while now, and it’s been very emotional and very therapeutic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known for being funny and for giving good advice. I have always been told that I should be a comedian and an actor.
I am proud of myself for many things. I am proud that I graduated high school. (My dad is the reason I graduated. I was not a fan of school, and it was definitely a struggle to get me to walk the stage at graduation, but I did it. I’ll never forget how proud my dad was that day.)
I’m proud of myself for winning awards for acting in theatre. I’m proud of myself for speaking up and using my platform to raise awareness on animal cruelty and the environment.
I am proud that I am a loyal advocate for things that I believe in. I am proud that I’m a good person who is surrounded by good friends and family.
I’m proud of myself for never giving up. When I set my mind to something, I always do my best to achieve it.
Having my parents divorced when I was 10 and losing my dad when I was 21, I think, definitively sets me apart from others.
I still get out of bed every day. Thanks to a lot of therapy and allowing myself to grieve. I am always trying to encourage other people who may be grieving to allow themselves to grieve. I will always be an advocate for grief, anxiety/depression, therapy. Overall mental health. Etc.
The entertainment industry is definitely tough and can be brutal, but I just keep my head up and try to look for the positives in everything. Rejection can be gods protection and when one door closes, that allows for another one to open!
I hope to always be an actor/singer and to leave my mark on this planet and be a great role model! 🙂
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
100% my dad, Karl Marthaller. He is my hero, my role model, my everything!
Another one of my huge mentors/role models are Katy Perry & Taylor Swift. I have been a Katy Perry fan (KatyCat) since day 1. She is always transparent and authentic. My dad took me to my first Katy Perry concert in 2014 and again in 2017. I was blessed to be able to finally meet Katy in person on the 1st angel-versary of my dad in January of this year. I got to see her twice in Vegas. My favorite quote from her is “be yourself, and you can be anything.” I keep that quote in my heart every day and she truly is a massive inspiration and I also like to call her my therapist. I’m definitely her number 1 fan.
I feel the exact same way about Taylor Swift. She is also my therapist and a role model. She is the music industry and just encourages me to never give up and that you can never set the bar too high. I hope to be as successful as her. My favorite quote from Taylor is. “You’re not the opinion of someone who doesn’t know you.”
Others who make me the person that I am and who help me strive to achieve my dreams and goals. They make me understand the definition of love and family: My mom, Chrissy. My Aunt Chris and my Uncle Kurt. My Nephews Tripp and Ryott. My sister, Jessica. My mom’s boyfriend, Mike. My best friends Dolly and Abigail. My cat Sophie and my dog Gracie.
My dad was a musical expert. He could tell you any band name or singer. He would also call himself the Eddie Trunk of Montana. He dreamed of having his own radio show, like Eddie Trunk. My dad is definitely and forever will be, my number 1.
Contact Info:
- Website: ryanmarthaller.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanmarthaller
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanmarthallerofficial
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryan_marthaller
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIcAdOM9sedrpHr42xBU0bg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanmarthaller
