Ryan De Villiers

EARLY LIFE

Ryan de Villiers was born on 30 November 1992 in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He grew up between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. He is the son of conservationist Div de Villiers and teacher Annette de Villiers. He has a sister, Lauren, and a brother, Keith. He attended Rivermead Preparatory School and Stirling High School in East London. He discovered a passion for acting during high school. He enrolled at Rhodes University intending to study Accounting and Economics but switched after two years to Drama combined with Political and International Studies — a decision he has described as the best of his life. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with distinctions in 2015 and also studied abroad at Willamette University in Oregon, USA.

CAREER

De Villiers began his professional career on stage in South Africa around 2017. Stage highlights include: The Woods (2017, as Grimm) at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg Jack and Jill (as Jack) at the National Arts Festival Measure Up with FTH:K Significant Other (2018, multiple roles: Will / Tony / Conrad) at the Fugard Theatre, Cape Town Matilda the Musical (2018–2019, as Miss Trunchbull) on the international tour — the role that brought major recognition Film and television: Moffie (2019, directed by Oliver Hermanus) as Dylan Stassen — his breakthrough screen role in the critically acclaimed drama about apartheid-era military conscription and homophobia The Kingdom (2021, TV mini-series) as Foxie Hag (2025) as Rowan Wanted: Dead or Alive (2025, TV series/docudrama) as John Dillinger Blood of a Countryman He is represented in industry profiles as a versatile performer working across South African and international projects.

PERSONAL LIFE

De Villiers maintains a relatively private personal life. He is based between Cape Town, South Africa, and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Outside acting, he has pursued studies and work in sustainable development. He has taught yoga and previously held various jobs (including waiting tables and tutoring) while building his career. He has expressed interests in reading, movies, plants, and dogs.

Beyond acting, he has engaged in sustainability work, including a research, collaboration, and innovation internship at PlanAdapt (focused on climate adaptation). He has also contributed writing/research for social-impact consultancies.