Ryan Murphy Bio
Ryan Patrick Murphy (born November 9, 1965) is an American television writer, director, and producer. He has created and produced numerous hit television series including Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story. Notably, Murphy has received multiple awards including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. His influence on television storytelling has been significant, often focusing on inclusive narratives and marginalized characters. Ryan Murphy continues to actively shape the landscape of modern television with several ongoing projects.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Murphy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was raised in a Catholic family. His ancestry includes Irish and Danish roots. He attended Catholic school from first through eighth grade and graduated from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Murphy has described his mother, J. Andy Murphy, as a beauty queen who dedicated her life to raising her two sons. She wrote five books and worked in communications for over 20 years. His father worked in the newspaper industry as a circulation director before retiring after 30 years. After coming out as gay at age 15, Murphy sought therapy, which he described as a positive experience. He performed with a choir as a child, which later influenced his work on Glee. Murphy attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he majored in journalism and was a member of the Singing Hoosiers vocal ensemble. He interned at The Washington Post in 1986, gaining valuable experience in the media.
Path to Hollywood
Ryan Murphy began his career as a journalist, writing for several prominent publications including The Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times, and Entertainment Weekly. He transitioned to scriptwriting in the late 1990s, notably when Steven Spielberg purchased his script Why Can’t I Be Audrey Hepburn?. Murphy’s television career began with the teen comedy series Popular, which he co-created with Gina Matthews. The show premiered on The WB on September 29, 1999, and ran for two seasons. During this time, his production company, Ryan Murphy Productions, signed a deal with Warner Bros. Television. He then created the FX drama series Nip/Tuck, which premiered on July 18, 2003, earning him his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series in 2004.
Ryan Murphy Career
Early Career (1999–2008)
Murphy’s early career was marked by the success of Nip/Tuck, which ended after six seasons in 2010. In 2006, he wrote and directed the feature film adaptation of Augusten Burroughs’ memoir, Running with Scissors. His work on Nip/Tuck established him as a significant figure in television, paving the way for future projects.
Breakthrough (2009–2017)
On May 19, 2009, Murphy’s musical comedy-drama series, Glee, premiered on Fox. Co-created with Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, Glee was critically acclaimed in its early seasons and won Murphy his first Primetime Emmy Award for directing the pilot episode. The series concluded in 2015 after six successful seasons. Murphy also co-executive produced the reality television series The Glee Project, which premiered in 2011. In 2011, he launched the anthology series American Horror Story, which featured a recurring cast in different roles each season, further solidifying his reputation as a creative powerhouse in television.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Murphy’s signature works include Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story, all of which have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. His innovative storytelling has brought marginalized characters to the forefront of television, earning him recognition as one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Ryan Murphy Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Murphy has received numerous nominations for his work in television, reflecting his impact on the medium and his commitment to storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.
Ryan Murphy Awards Won
Ryan Murphy has won several prestigious awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.
Ryan Murphy Family
Ryan Murphy has been married to photographer David Miller since July 2012. The couple has three sons, all born via surrogacy.
Personal Life
While Murphy grew up in a Catholic household, he has distanced himself from the Church, although he occasionally attends services. He is actively involved in charitable organizations supporting the LGBTQ community and has made significant contributions to promote inclusivity in Hollywood.
