He is best known for his roles as Jack Scully in Neighbours (2002–2005), Seaman Billy 'Spider' Webb in Sea Patrol (2007–2009), Kevin in Go Girls (2009–2012), Vincent Keller in Beauty & the Beast (2012–2016), Detective Ben Wesley in Mary Kills People (2017–2019) and Bobby in Creamerie (2021–2023).

Under the name Jay Bunyan, he appeared as "Glen" in Scallywag Pirates (2000) and had a minor role in Xena: Warrior Princess.

From a theatre background, Ryan has shared the stage with the likes of John Cleese and toured internationally with The Packer, an acclaimed solo show written by NZ/Niuean playwright Dianna Fuemana.

[2] Also in 2011, Ryan guest starred on the American science fiction series Terra Nova, playing a murderer.

[4] Ryan starred as the adult Ben Hanscom in the 2019 horror film It Chapter Two, the sequel to It (2017).