Ryan Grantham has worked in various movies and TV shows. He started his career from a very young age and worked in the movie adaptation of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules”. This movie was released in 2011. At the time, he was just only 15 years old. However, his first project was quite recognisable but his role was minor. He did it with complete enthusiasm and devotion.
Furthermore, Grantham played the role of a tree in the school play. The character was a kind and helpful person, who helps the protagonist of the film. However, in the movie adaptation, his character seems nerdy. That is how Grantham took the start of his career. After that, Grantham amassed an outstanding record of performing credits in film and television during his youth and teens despite the tragic end to his once-promising career.
Introduction to Ryan Grantham’s Life and Acting Career
Canadian actor Ryan Grantham was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1997. Around the age of 10, he started acting professionally after participating in TV advertisements and attending auditions as a young child.
At the age of 10, Grantham received his first acting assignment in the 2007 Leo Award-winning short film Riverwash. After that Grantham worked in multiple projects. All in all, Grantham racked up nearly 30 credits in a career that spanned 2007 to 2019 before being cut short by tragedy. He appeared in dozens of TV shows and films, often in guest or recurring roles. His promising career ended abruptly in 2020 when he murdered his mother, Barbara Waite.
Ryan Grantham’s Work in Feature Films and Movies
However, Ryan Grantham did a lot of his early acting in television, some of his best roles were in big-budget movies. The following are some of the most notable films he appeared in throughout his brief career:
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Grantham played one of his first parts in this Terry Gilliam-written and -directed fantasy. A stellar cast, including Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, and Johnny Depp, is featured in the film. Grantham serves as Anton’s friend and has a little role.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
This major hit based on Jeff Kinney’s bestselling illustrated novels made Grantham a star. As the conniving and cruel older brother of Rodrick Heffley, Grantham got to showcase both comedic and villainous sides that wowed critics and audiences alike.
Radio Free Albemuth (2010)
In this indie adaptation of a Philip K. Dick sci-fi novel, Grantham plays the young neighbour of an average guy who starts receiving messages from extra-terrestrial intelligence.
Cowgirls n’ Angels (2012)
Grantham co-stars as Justin, a young boy who helps the protagonist learn horseback riding, in this uplifting family film about a spirited girl chasing her rodeo dreams.
The Short Game (2013)
This documentary focuses on 7-year-old golfers at the World Championships of Junior Golf. Grantham provides voiceover narration, bringing the story to life.
The Drop Box (2014)
Grantham again lent his voice talent, this time to this documentary exploring the work of Pastor Lee Jong-Rak and his Dropbox for abandoned infants in Seoul, South Korea.
A Sunday Horse (2015)
Playing Ben in this family drama, Grantham joins Nikki Reed in telling the story of a determined teen fighting to save a horse from slaughter.
Leo Da Vinci: Mission Mona Lisa (2018)
This Italian animated film featured Grantham as the voice of Lorenzo, alongside other big names like Christopher Lloyd, James Franco, and Alfred Molina.
Television Series and Shows Starring Ryan Grantham
While the movies provided some prominent roles, Ryan Grantham’s early acting work and experience came predominantly on the small screen. He appeared in dozens of TV shows, mainly in guest or recurring parts. Here are some highlights:
The 4400 (2008)
This USA Network sci-fi series about 4,400 missing people reappearing gave Grantham his first acting credit in a one-episode role.
Supernatural (2008)
Grantham briefly played a young Dean Winchester in a flashback sequence during the fourth season of this hit CW series.
The Troop (2009-2010)
Nickelodeon cast Grantham in four episodes of this comedy/horror series about teenagers fighting monsters and other threats. He plays Russell Bunkle.
R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour (2010)
Appearing in the anthology horror series based on R.L. Stine’s works, Grantham got to show off creepier acting abilities as a troubled child.
The Dead Zone (2009-2010)
Grantham had a recurring part in the final season of this supernatural USA/Sci-Fi drama, playing the role of Jeremy.
Riverdale (2017-2019)
It was his last project. In this, Grantham played Jeffery Augustine over six episodes during the first three seasons of Riverdale.
Ryan Grantham’s Other Filmography Projects
Beyond his roles in movies and TV shows, Ryan Grantham stayed active in acting by participating in various short films and other projects:
Glass Slippers (2008) – Grantham plays Prince Alexander in this magical short film updating the Cinderella story.
The Boy at the Door (2010) – He takes on an unsettling lead role in this short thriller about a home invasion.
The Secret of the Nutcracker (2011) – This made-for-TV short fantasy featured Grantham in the ensemble cast.
The Big Fiddle (2012) – Grantham portrays infamous outlaw Jesse James in this comedic musical short about starting a band.
The Corps: Phase One (2012) – He landed the lead part of Jeff in this independent sci-fi short film project.
Voiceover work – Grantham contributed voice acting to shorts like The Engine Leader (2010) and commercials.
The End of Ryan Grantham’s Career: The Murder of His Mother
After Ryan Grantham killed his mother, Barbara Waite, on March 31, 2020, his promising acting career came to an unexpected and sad end. Their residence in Squamish, British Columbia, was the scene of the murder.
In addition, he made horrific recordings confessing to the crime and expressing violent intentions to kill Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada. However, Grantham drove away from Vancouver in the other direction from those threats. Eventually surrendered to authorities on April 1 in Hope, British Columbia.
In March 2022, Grantham pled guilty to second-degree murder, ending any hopes of returning to acting. Moreover, he showed remorse for his actions. However, the brutal crime still shocked the entertainment industry and ended his promising career as a young actor.
