Ryan Seacrest — born on December 24, 1974, in Atlanta — is an American television host, radio personality, and producer who has become one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment. He rose to national fame as the longtime host of American Idol, a role he first took on in 2002 and later reprised when the series was revived by ABC in 2018.
In addition to American Idol, Ryan is known for hosting the syndicated radio countdown show American Top 40 and iHeartMedia’s KIIS-FM morning program, On Air with Ryan Seacrest. In 2006, he joined Dick Clark’s legendary New Year’s Eve broadcast and eventually became host and executive producer of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
Ryan also co-hosted Live with Kelly and Ryan alongside Kelly Ripa from 2017 to 2023 before departing the daytime series. In 2024, he officially succeeded Pat Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune, ushering in a new era for the longtime game show.
Beyond hosting, Ryan has worked extensively as a producer through his company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, which helped develop shows including Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple Emmy nominations and won an Emmy Award in 2010 for producing Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.
Scroll through the gallery to see photos of Ryan through the years.
