We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan Marthaller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ryan, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most recent meaningful project would have to be my debut single called “Grief”
The song is about my dad who passed away on January 7th, 2021
– It has been a long journey to get to the release of my song, but it’s finally out on all platforms on June 2nd, 2023.
The song is written and performed by me! It took me a long time to write the song because it was a very sensitive subject. Although it was extremely emotional, it was also very therapeutic!
My goal with my debut single, is for it to reach as many people as possible. Music has been my therapy and I know it is for so many other people. I hope that my song can help others who are also grieving!
While the song may be emotional, it’s also super hopeful. I hope it makes people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
My dad is/was my number one fan! I know that he is so proud of me and just like I say in my song.. “I’ll carry your legacy, your love & light. I’ll make you proud with all my might.”
I hope that my song Grief can be as helpful and therapeutic to others as it is for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello. My name is Ryan Marthaller. I was born and raised in Butte, Montana. (Home of Evel Knievel) Also known as “The Richest Hill On Earth” Growing up in this small town gave me a very unique perspective on life. It made me grasp the concept and importance of authenticity.
Starting at the age of 5, I discovered the video camera that my parents would use to film home videos of my toddler life. I fell absolutely in love with the camera.
I began constantly filming myself doing random things such as doing comedy, singing and dancing. As I got older I purchased more cameras and found myself making self-made movies/short films with friends. From horror movies to comedies. My friends and family always expressed how I was born to be in front of the camera to showcase my talent. I ended up making well over 50 projects.
At the age of 11, I discovered theatre. I have done many productions. Some of my favorite roles I have played are JoJo (Suessical), Pinocchio (My Son Pinocchio) and Zero (Holes). I won an award at my theatre for Best Leading Role in a non-musical. While also receiving many nominations. My dad, Karl Marthaller took me to every single rehearsal and went to all of my shows. He was/is my number 1 fan, and he gives me the purpose to follow my dreams.
In 2015, I ventured into the film industry. I landed a role in the movie Dead 7 as a Background Extra/Town Kid. It includes members of the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and Carrie Keagan. Also, in 2017/2018, I was a Background Extra (Dog Walker) in the movie Brown. I even helped produce and promote the film. In April of 2021, I got an incredible opportunity to be a part of a horror movie titled For the Night that stars Odessa A’zion and many other incredible actors! The character I play is named Sergio. That production is currently still in post-production.
I also am working on a couple of projects right now!
The most recent project is the new TV Series called 1923 that stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. I am lucky enough to be a Background/Extra in the show! Season 1 is streaming now and I’m so excited for season 2!
It’s an indescribable feeling of love and happiness being on a film set and going into an audition.
Since the age of 5, I have always known what I wanted to do and that was to be an actor. I feel as though I was born to be in this industry.
Other things I enjoy doing are singing, dancing, writing songs, photography, going to FanX in Salt Lake City, Utah, Listening to Katy Perry & Taylor Swift, and being around animals.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect is to be someone that others may look up to and to make an impact on people!
When watching a TV show or Movie, it’s always so incredible when the actor is able to make you feel for them. The first person who comes to my mind is Elizabeth Olsen! She is a spectacular actor who never misses!
One of the greatest performances that I have ever seen is James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano on The Sopranos! My dad got me absolutely hooked on that show and it became one of my favorite things to do with my dad. We would always binge watch the entire series at least once or twice a year.
The performance of James is immaculate. It’s very memorable and will forever remain a staple for me and many others! I think that is the biggest reward. To be able to make others more motivated to do the work that you are doing. To motivate others to follow their dreams and to make your mark on the world.
My dad and I would also always watch Three’s Company and so many other iconic shows. But I was always mesmerized by John Ritter. The way he was able to make so many people laugh and how he could do such an animated performance of physical comedy was just phenomenal. Shows and movies live on forever and to strive for the hope to one day become a staple in others lives, just like John and James did for me. To have other fathers introduce their sons and kids to a project that I have done, that makes them feel the same way that it made me feel. To be able to make people laugh the way those incredible actors could make my dad laugh.
To me, all of that would be and is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
On January 7th, 2021, my entire world was destroyed… My dad, Karl Marthaller passed away. He was only 50. I was 21 and my dad was 21 as well when he lost his dad. It’s a very vicious cycle.
That day, I didn’t just lose my dad… I also lost my hero, my best friend, my sidekick, my rock, my everything! My dad is/was the greatest person I have/ever will meet. Anyone who got to be around him and had the blessing to call him a friend, is beyond lucky.
He was/is my number 1 fan. He would bring me to every single theatre rehearsal. Even on days when I was tired or just not feeling up to it, he would push me to go and I would always be happy that I listened to him.
I can’t put into words how kind and selfless my dad was. He would always put everyone first, before himself. He would never say “no” – If he said he was gonna do something, he would do it. He is the strongest person that I have ever known! I’m beyond grateful that I get to call him my dad.
The day my dad went to heaven was the day that half of my heart truly broke. I feel like half of myself left with him. I know I’ll never be the same, but I also know that this pain is just temporary and that I’ll see him again!
I will continue to live for the two of us. His work ethic was phenomenal and he always encouraged me to never give up. Everything that I do in my career will also be for him. I know he is so proud of me and I will continue to make him even prouder.
That is why I’m also just so excited and proud to release my original song “Grief” out into the world. I hope it helps so many people! 
Contact Info:
- Website: http://ryanmarthaller.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanmarthaller/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ryanmarthallerofficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-marthaller-24b314231
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryan_marthaller?lang=en
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCIcAdOM9sedrpHr42xBU0bg
- Other: I will link all of the websites for my song Grief once they are available on June 2nd. :)
Image Credits
Harrison Ford Helen Mirren Paramount plus Paramount network 1923