Welcome, dear readers, as we celebrate the birthday of the talented and ever-energetic Ryan McCartan, born June 14, 1993. Actor, singer, Broadway performer, and all-around entertainer, Ryan has built a career that hops effortlessly from Disney Channel sets to Broadway stages—with a few tacos along the way.
Ryan first captured national attention as the lovable, guitar-playing Diggie Smalls on the Disney Channel series Liv and Maddie, which ran from 2013 to 2017. As Maddie’s sweet but slightly over-the-top boyfriend, Diggie quickly became a fan favorite. He was the kind of character who could sing a heartfelt love song one minute and deliver a perfectly timed joke the next. The role made McCartan a familiar face to a generation of young viewers and gave him a strong launchpad in the entertainment world.
But Ryan wasn’t just a TV actor waiting around for the next script. He had serious theater roots. Raised in Excelsior, Minnesota, he grew up performing in local productions and school plays, where he developed his love for the stage. He attended Minnetonka High School, known for its strong theater program, and it didn’t take long for him to realize that performing wasn’t just a hobby—it was the plan.
That plan paid off when he landed the role of Fiyero in the Broadway production of Wicked. Stepping into one of the most popular musicals of all time is no small feat, but Ryan handled it with charm, strong vocals, and enough stage presence to keep up with the show’s powerhouse leads. For a kid who grew up in Minnesota theater programs, Broadway must have felt like graduating from the minor leagues straight into the World Series.
He also took on the role of Brad Majors in the 2016 television remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again. The project received mixed reactions from audiences and critics—remaking a cult classic is always a risky move—but McCartan’s performance was generally praised. At the very least, he got to step into a famously strange and flamboyant musical world, which is never a boring day at the office.
Music has always been a major part of Ryan’s life. He formed the pop duo The Girl and the Dreamcatcher with actress and singer Dove Cameron. The pair released several catchy singles and built a loyal fanbase before eventually parting ways both professionally and personally. Still, the project showcased his songwriting skills and proved he wasn’t just an actor who could sing—he was a musician in his own right.
Beyond stage lights and camera lenses, Ryan has a personality that’s equal parts driven and down-to-earth. He’s known for his love of fitness, often sharing workout routines and motivational posts. Whether it’s weight training, hiking, or just staying active, he treats exercise like a regular part of life rather than a once-a-year New Year’s resolution.
And then there are the tacos. Ryan has openly declared his love for them, and frankly, it’s a relatable trait. Some actors collect awards. Ryan collects taco recommendations. If there were a Tony Award for “Best Performance While Eating Street Food,” he’d probably be nominated.
He’s also a fan of movies, video games, and spending time outdoors. When he’s not rehearsing or performing, he enjoys the same things many people do—relaxing with a good film, exploring nature, or diving into a favorite game. It’s a nice reminder that even Broadway performers occasionally just want to sit on the couch and beat the next level.
Like any career in entertainment, his path hasn’t been perfectly smooth. There have been projects that didn’t take off and roles that didn’t land as expected. But McCartan has shown resilience, continuing to build his career across television, theater, and music. Each new role adds another layer to his growing résumé.
As he celebrates another birthday, Ryan McCartan remains a performer who thrives on variety—one day on a sitcom set, the next on a Broadway stage, and maybe later that night tracking down the best taco truck in town. With talent, determination, and a sense of humor, he’s proven he can handle just about any spotlight that comes his way.
Happy birthday, Ryan—may the year ahead be full of standing ovations, great songs, and, of course, an endless supply of excellent tacos.