Ryan Duncan was born in Fort Devens, Mass and grew up in Woodbridge Virginia. His Father was in the military so his family moved all over the World. Arizona, New Orleans, Germany, Kansas and Spain. He went to College in Spain at the University of Salamanca and studied Foreign language. (Spanish and French) He fell in love with theater in the sixth grade and has been hooked ever since. He took two years of dance at the Broadway Dance Center and studied Ballet and Jazz dancing. He has starred in a few short films and can be seen on the VHI Celeb reality spots. Since the beginning of Altar Boyz, Ryan originated the role of Juan.
I sat down with Ryan at Raku restaurant in Times Square to learn more about him. Ryan and I dined on Spicy Salmon rolls at Raku. Ryan loves spicy foods, just like his character Juan. We each had our own extra spicy sauce on the side. I love a man who is spicy.
Corine Cohen: Ryan, If you could change the World, what would
you change and why?I would love to start Arts programs in other countries and communities in need here in the U.S. A friend of mine is working with a girl who started a program in Zambia and she asked me to be a part of it in the near future. I think young people need an outlet for their creativity.
That is wonderful! As Juan, you play the spicy, sexy, hot Latin Lover, are you anything like Juan?
I'm not very much like Juan actually. There are parts of me in the character of course but Juan makes the first move...Ryan doesn't. (Laughs)
You seem very sweet! Who do you admire most and why?
I don't know if there's one person I admire in particular. I admire people who try to make a difference in the world when they don't have to. People with money who spread it around to help others. In this business, I admire the people who write and produce their own projects because they believe so much in the craft and in entertaining the masses.
Since your Mother was trying out for Survivor, did you ever think of doing it?
I did think of doing Survivor for a very short time but I would never want to steal her thunder. Besides...millions of viewers get to see your worst days.
What do you do other than dancing 8 times a week to stay in shape?I love jogging and I do go to the gym but it's been tough with our schedule. I try to eat as healthy as I can, stay hydrated, and SLEEP.
Good advice! If you could have three wishes what would they be and why?
Right now I'd wish to own a home/apartment or someplace that's mine and I'm not renting. My second wish would be to be at the beach. I'll be there on Monday.
My third..hmm...for another great role like Juan to come along.
If Raku created a Juan roll, what would be inside?
It would definitely be spicy and probably contain avocado. (Laughs) maybe salmon and fish roe.
Sounds great! If you could play any Broadway role what would it be and why?
I love the Princeton/Rod character in Q.
I could totally see you in that role! Do you have puppetry skills?
I auditioned for it and I had a call back. I also had puppetry class with Jennifer Barnhart at Altar Boyz.
For the Lambchop scene? I love Jennifer.
She is really great! All of the people I have met at Q are really
nice.They are a great group. I can totally see you in that. Additionally you have the same Producers. Well, at least Robyn Goodman. I met her at a talk at Brandeis and she was great.
She is.
You really need to be on Broadway!
I hope so. I love working in the theater.
What are some of your favorite shows other than Altar Boyz?
Bridge and Tunnel. The Color Purple. Avenue Q. Spelling Bee. I also loved Title of Show!
We have very similar taste! You listed many of my favorites. I know your last show in Altar Boyz is on July 2nd. What will you be doing next?
I will be in theAtrainplays on August 2nd. It is so much fun. We get the scripts the night before and have less than a day to learn the lines. It is so exciting, but also a bit scary.
Wow. Sounds really interesting. I want to go.
I have been doing it for a few years now. I got some of my friends
in it. Cheyenne, Stephanie D'Abruzzo. It should be great.I will have to be there. I hope to see you on Broadway soon.
I do too. I will be in a Fringe play this summer called HERMANAS.
What is it about?
Mexican Jews.
Sounds interesting. Is it spicy?
You will have to check it out to find out. (Laughs)
I will! What is your favorite thing about New York City?
The Variety of everything. The food. The theater. The Night Life.What is your favorite dish?
Nachos and great guacamole.
What is your favorite dessert?
Hagen Dazs Strawberry or Vanilla Ice Cream or Cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.
I also love Amy's Bread.
Thanks, Ryan for taking time to talk with me. It was a pleasure meeting you. I was very impressed with your performance in Altar Boyz. I hope to see you on Broadway very soon.You have so much talent.
In spending time with Ryan, I learned that he is not very spicy, but very polite, funny and sweet. It was a pleasure dining with him.
For more information about Ryan, visit his website.
Photos: 1. Ryan Duncan (by Ray Chin of Raku); 2. Andy Karl, Ryan Duncan, Scott Porter, Tyler Maynard, David Josefsberg (by Nick Ruechel); 3. Tyler Maynard, Ryan Duncan, Scott Porter (by Carol Rosegg); 4. Andy Karl, Ryan Duncan, Scott Porter (by Carol Rosegg); 5. Andy Karl, Tyler Maynard, Ryan Duncan (by Carol Rosegg)
