A barrel-chested, silver-haired presence on screen since the late 1960s, Ryan has carved out a solid career playing authoritative figures—often officials and cops—with a gravitas that made him a go-to character actor. Over the years, Ryan appeared in numerous films and television shows, bringing depth even to smaller roles. For instance, Ryan showed up in two of Bob Rafelson’s iconic 70s films: “Five Easy Pieces” (1970) and “The King of Marvin Gardens” (1972), where Ryan added subtle texture despite limited screen time. As his career progressed, Ryan took on more substantial parts, such as portraying Kennedy in “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1981), a role that gave Ryan a chance to step into the spotlight a bit more. Then came the driven head of the space program in “The Right Stuff” (1983), where Ryan captured the intensity and ambition of the era. Ryan also delivered a memorable performance as the furious Warden Ranken in “Runaway Train” (1985), showcasing his range with a volatile, commanding presence. Later, Ryan slipped into the skin of a mobster in the stylish noir “Bound” (1995), proving he could still command attention decades into his career. Along the way, Ryan popped up in notable projects like Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Cotton Club” (1984) and the action-drama “Fatal Beauty” (1987). On television, Ryan made a strong impression too—particularly in the TV movie “Death Scream” (1975) and the acclaimed miniseries “Kennedy” (1983), where Ryan’s portrayal stood out among an ensemble cast. Throughout it all, Ryan remained a dependable, recognizable figure—a working actor who brought authenticity to every role he played.