Ryan McCartan built a rare career bridging mainstream television and elite musical theater. From early Disney Channel recognition to leading roles on Broadway, his trajectory demonstrates a calculated shift from teen idol to versatile stage and screen actor.
Transitioning from juvenile television roles to demanding theatrical parts isn't easy for most performers. McCartan managed this leap by anchoring his training in classical musical theater, securing foundational regional credits, and steadily taking on complex stage personas that tested his vocal and dramatic range.
Early Beginnings and Training Grounds
Born in Excelsior, Minnesota, McCartan immersed himself in local performance early. He starred in high school productions at Minnetonka High School and won Best Performance by an Actor at the 2011 Jimmy Awards (the National High School Musical Theater Awards). This recognition validated his technical precision and stage presence before he moved to professional casting pools.
Instead of relying purely on screen charisma, McCartan leaned into rigorous vocal training and regional theater. Early performances, including regional runs and workshops, provided the raw stamina required for eight-shows-a-week theatrical schedules.
The Breakthrough: Heathers and Disney Television
McCartan achieved broader public awareness through two vastly different platforms simultaneously: cult-favorite musical theater and mainstream family television.
In 2013 and 2014, he originated the iconic role of Jason "J.D." Dean in Heathers: The Musical, first in Los Angeles and subsequently in the original off-Broadway cast. His portrayal of the charismatic yet psychopathic high school teen established his reputation for playing darkly complex characters with intense vocal command.
Simultaneously, television audiences came to know him as Diggie on the Disney Channel sitcom Liv and Maddie. Running in a recurring capacity from 2013 until 2017, the role exposed him to millions of young viewers, cementing his status as a recognizable face in teen television while he simultaneously built underground theater credibility.
Branching Into Cult Film and Pop Music
Following his early dual success, McCartan expanded into television movies and pop music projects. In 2016, he stepped into the shoes of Brad Majors for Fox's musical television film adaptation The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again. Playing opposite a large ensemble cast, he carried the earnest, comedic innocence required for the classic role.
Around this period, he also formed the pop duo The Girl and the Dreamcatcher alongside his then-partner and Liv and Maddie co-star Dove Cameron. Although the musical project was short-lived—active from 2015 to 2016—it highlighted his ability to cross over into commercial pop recording and music video production. More details on his musical background can be found via Playbill.
Transitioning to Major Broadway Headliner
McCartan's career shifted firmly toward elite stage acting with a string of major theatrical bookings. Rather than treating musical theater as a stepping stone to film, he embraced the stage as his primary domain, landing prominent slots in long-running productions:
- Wicked: He made his Broadway debut as Fiyero Tigelaar at the Gershwin Theatre across 2018 and 2019.
- Frozen: He took on the role of Prince Hans both on Broadway and during the U.S. National Tour.
- The Great Gatsby: He stepped into the title role of Jay Gatsby at the Broadway Theatre, showcasing his capacity to anchor a major commercial production.
These casting choices demonstrated an unusual range, moving from romantic leads to morally ambiguous characters. His performance history is thoroughly documented on Internet Broadway Database.
Vocal Technique and Acting Approach
What sets McCartan apart from many contemporaries is his vocal agility. Trained as a high baritone/tenor, he navigates contemporary musical theater belt requirements alongside legit classical singing styles.
Beyond vocal chops, his acting choices rely on sharp physical characterization. Whether portraying the unhinged intensity of J.D. in Heathers or the regal arrogance of Prince Hans, he uses micro-expressions and posture to convey underlying tension on massive theater stages where subtle acting often gets lost.
Common Misconceptions About His Career
Audiences often pigeonhole performers based on their earliest breakout roles, leading to a few recurring myths about McCartan's professional path:
- The "One-Hit Disney Star" Myth: Because of his tenure on Liv and Maddie, casual viewers assume he is strictly a television actor, ignoring his extensive theatrical resume that predates and outlasts his Disney work.
- Overnight Broadway Success: While he achieved high-profile casting early, his theatrical journey required years of regional musical theater, workshop participation, and off-Broadway development before landing marquee Broadway residencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ryan McCartan's first major musical role?
He gained widespread attention for originating the role of Jason "J.D." Dean in Heathers: The Musical during its Los Angeles and off-Broadway runs in 2013 and 2014. Prior to that, he won a Jimmy Award in 2011 for high school musical performance.
Did Ryan McCartan star in Wicked on Broadway?
Yes. He made his Broadway debut playing Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre, completing runs across 2018 and 2019.
What television shows is Ryan McCartan best known for?
He is primarily recognized for playing Diggie on the Disney Channel series Liv and Maddie and Brad Majors in the Fox television film The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again. He has also appeared in guest roles across network television.
Has Ryan McCartan released original music?
Yes. Alongside his acting career, he formed the pop duo The Girl and the Dreamcatcher with Dove Cameron, releasing several singles and music videos between 2015 and 2016. He has also contributed to multiple original cast recording albums.
