Ryan McCartan built a rare crossover career by balancing high-profile television series with major theatrical productions. While many child actors struggle to transition into adult dramatic parts, or stage performers fail to capture mainstream television audiences, McCartan carved out a distinct path across both industries. From his early days winning regional theater awards in Minnesota to originating dark musical icons off-Broadway and leading Disney Channel hits, his trajectory offers a clear blueprint of modern entertainment versatility.
Understanding this career evolution requires looking past simple lists of credits to examine how live theater training directly fueled his on-screen success. Whether he's playing a wholesome television boyfriend or a complex Broadway romantic lead, his vocal power and sharp comedic timing anchor every project he takes on.
Early Foundations and Regional Theater Roots
Long before landing television contracts, McCartan spent his formative years building intense discipline in regional theater. Growing up in Excelsior, Minnesota, he threw himself into local productions, performing at venues like the Guthrie Theater and starring in high school mountings of classic shows.
That early dedication paid off in 2011 when he won the award for Best Performance by an Actor at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, commonly known as the Jimmy Awards. Winning this honor put him on the radar of casting directors and theatrical agents, proving that his vocal range and stage presence extended far beyond local community productions. This recognition served as the springboard for his move to professional casting rooms, setting up his eventual breakout in New York and Los Angeles. Variety has also covered this fascinating subject in great detail.
The Off-Broadway Breakthrough: Heathers: The Musical
The definitive turning point of McCartan's theatrical career arrived when he originated the role of Jason "J.D." Dean in Heathers: The Musical. Based on the dark 1989 cult classic film, the musical required a young actor who could balance psychotic charisma with chilling vocal control.
McCartan first stepped into the trench coat during the show's 2013 Los Angeles premiere before bringing the role to New York for its off-Broadway run in 2014. His portrayal of the homicidal teen heartthrob became an instant fan favorite. It cemented his reputation as a magnetic stage presence capable of handling edgy, unconventional material. The cast recording captured his sharp tenor delivery, turning J.D. into an iconic role for a new generation of musical theater fans and establishing McCartan as a legitimate theatrical heavy-hitter.
Crossing Over to Television: Disney and Beyond
While cementing his theater credentials, McCartan pursued television work with equal focus. In 2013, he landed the recurring role of Digbert "Diggie" Smalls on the Disney Channel sitcom Liv and Maddie. Playing the athletic, earnest boyfriend to Dove Cameron's dual-lead characters put him in millions of households worldwide.
Balancing a weekly television schedule with a demanding theater career isn't easy, but McCartan used the exposure to build a massive, loyal fanbase. He stayed with Liv and Maddie through its entire multi-season run until the series finale in 2017.
Rather than getting typecast exclusively in family-friendly comedies, he quickly pivoted to darker, more mature television and film roles. Notable screen credits followed, including:
- Starring as Brad Majors in the Fox television remake The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again in 2016.
- Appearing in guest and recurring arcs across network dramas like Royal Pains, The Mindy Project, and the Supernatural prequel spin-off The Winchesters.
- Headlining direct-to-video teen thrillers like R.L. Stine's Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls.
Conquering Broadway: Wicked, Frozen, and The Great Gatsby
Despite steady on-screen work, the stage remained McCartan's primary artistic anchor. In 2018, he made his official Broadway debut stepping into the role of Fiyero Tigelaar in the blockbuster musical Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre. Transitioning from intimate off-Broadway houses to a massive Broadway flagship stage proved seamless for his vocal stamina and comedic timing.
Following Wicked, his theatrical resume expanded to include major leading parts in high-profile productions:
- Playing Prince Hans in Disney's Frozen on Broadway and its subsequent U.S. National Tour.
- Starring as Tony in Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
- Taking on the title role of Jay Gatsby in Broadway's hit adaptation The Great Gatsby.
Stepping into The Great Gatsby required a delicate blend of effortless charm, mystery, and soaring vocal power. By anchoring a major commercial Broadway run, McCartan proved he could carry a tentpole production as a leading man, bridging his early regional theater roots with top-tier commercial success.
Common Misconceptions About Crossover Careers
Many casual viewers assume that actors who start on children's television networks stumble into theater, or conversely, that stage performers struggle on camera. McCartan's career dismantles that myth entirely. He didn't abandon one medium for the other; instead, he treated stage and screen as complementary training grounds. His classical vocal technique protected his voice through grueling television shooting schedules, while his on-camera experience taught him how to pull back for intimate cinematic moments even when performing in a 2,000-seat theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ryan McCartan's first major professional role?
His breakout theatrical role was originating Jason "J.D." Dean in Heathers: The Musical off-Broadway in 2014, though he won national recognition earlier at the 2011 Jimmy Awards.
Did Ryan McCartan star in any Disney shows?
Yes, he played Diggie Smalls on the Disney Channel sitcom Liv and Maddie across multiple seasons from 2013 to 2017.
Which Broadway shows has Ryan McCartan performed in?
His major Broadway credits include Wicked as Fiyero, Frozen as Prince Hans, and The Great Gatsby in the title role.
Is Ryan McCartan a singer?
Yes, he is an accomplished tenor and recording artist who regularly sings in his theatrical roles and has released various musical projects and cast recordings.
