Rising Star Ryan Ali On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry

An Interview With Guernslye Honoré

You have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. Your belief in yourself will be contagious. In fact, when I left engineering my parents were shaken to the core. Looking back, I believe they were scared and wanted to protect me. Today, they are my biggest supporters.

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ryan Ali.

Ryan Ali is a fast-rising actor captivating audiences with his unique blend of cultural influences that infuse depth into his acting having immigrated from Syria to Montreal, Canada not once, but twice.

His first big break came when he was cast opposite Salma Hayek and Alexander Skarsgard in Kim Nguyen’s feature film The Hummingbird Project. The film made its world premiere at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. Since then, Ryan has amassed a significant body of work on major film and television productions including 19–2, Rencontres, The Detectives, SkyMed and Foundation. Most recently, Ryan landed his biggest role yet as the titular lead in the new feature film Queen Tut. The film is currently making its film festival rounds.

Coming up next, Ryan is set to reprise his role as Reese in the second season of the highly acclaimed medical drama series SkyMed.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

So glad I get to do this, thank you for having me! I was actually born in Syria, and my parents and I immigrated to Montreal when I was only 3. However, we moved back to Syria when I was 13, and that’s where I spent my high school years. When I turned 18, I moved back to Canada for university. Lots of back and forth!

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

Absolutely. I think what initially sparked my curiosity was seeing kids my age in movies, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Over the years, I think growing up in such drastically different parts of the world really emphasized the importance of “perspective” for me. I think that’s probably what fuels my desire to act the most — putting myself in someone else’s shoes and understanding their perspective.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

There’s been so many. One that I think was pivotal was early on in my university years. I enrolled at Concordia University to study Civil Engineering at that time. I was so new to the country, and I did not know how to go about pursuing a career in acting. But little by little, I started taking steps towards this childhood dream of mine and before I knew it, I landed my first professional role on a Television series — SyFy’s “Ascension”. The role was offered to me last minute and was meant to film the next morning — except I had one of my final exams in engineering at that same exact time. It was the first time I had to choose between acting and engineering.

I had been studying so hard for my exam, but deep down I knew that what I really wanted to do was act. I asked my Middle Eastern mother what I should do, and she said that obviously I should go to my exam.

I ended up skipping my exam and going to set to film a scene in a space ship with Brian Van Holt and Tricia Helfer. One of the best decision I have ever made. Didn’t tell my mom until a year later.

It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I’m a big believer in “Everything happens for a reason”. Or maybe it’s just my way of turning things into a silver lining. I think every step I took in my career has led me to where I am today. Some days make you smile, and some days make you cry, and it’s important to feel all of it. And it’s also important to learn from all of it. My biggest lesson I’ve learned has probably been to be present for it all. Happiness to me is when I feel present in every moment.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I just freshly moved to Los Angeles, California and that has been a project in and of itself. I absolutely love this town. I grew up on the Mediterranean partly and so I feel like I’m thriving in this climate. I’m excited to expand my career in all sorts of new directions from here, while promoting my two latest projects, Skymed and Queen Tut, which are releasing in the next couple of weeks.

As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?

I try to remember where I started, and how I never thought I’d be able to do the things that I’m doing today. There’s this advice I heard recently that goes: “Remember that you don’t have to do this; you get to.”

I also think it’s important to surround yourself with loved ones, wether it’s relatives or chosen family. The people around me have been a big support system that has been invaluable throughout my career.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

You know, when I was a kid, I thought that it was actually not “possible” for me to be an actor because I was Arab. I even shared that thought with my mom. She then pointed out an actor named “Salma Hayek” and told me that Salma was of Lebanese descent. That simple truth unlocked a world of possibilities in me that I thought I wasn’t allowed to tap into.

So, three reasons:

1. Everyone deserves to be seen. My parents might never get to see stories they can relate to told on screen if the pool of Arab talent doesn’t grow from what it looks like today.
2. There’s a beauty in understanding that, even with all our differences, no matter where and how we grew up, our humanity is universal and connects us all.
3. And thirdly, I might’ve never become an actor! Just kidding, but — we might be missing out on some amazing talent out there because they think somehow their “otherness” makes them ineligible to participate.

Art has always shaped and challenged society and culture, and so I believe it’s important to make sure that all those voices out there have a platform and can be heard.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. People will always tell you this or that is “impossible”. The more you grow and accomplish unfathomable things, you will realize that these people made themselves believe it was impossible. My first acting teacher told me I’d never find an agent, never become a union member and never get a US work visa — I did all three.
2. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. Your belief in yourself will be contagious. In fact, when I left engineering my parents were shaken to the core. Looking back, I believe they were scared and wanted to protect me. Today, they are my biggest supporters.
3. One bad day will not ruin your career. We will all have bad days. Every actor you know has had that one audition that they totally BOMBED. We get back up, we learn, and continue. It’s about consistency.
4. As cheesy as it is, trust your instincts. No one is wearing your shoes but you. Take time to hear people’s advice, but only take what applies to you and resonates. Your instincts will be your guiding light.
5. And finally, go to therapy. Seriously. Or find your own way of connecting with yourself and doing that work. Whatever works for you. Being grounded and present are not only great qualities to possess, but they also help tremendously as an actor.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Pamper yourself. Listen to your body, take a break, go for a long walk. Dance in the rain. We all want to be super human and say things won’t get to us, but we’re all human, and it can catch up to us if we don’t take the time to really take care of ourselves.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

My brain goes in so many directions with this question. There’s so much good in us that can be shared. I want to spread love through a hug and I want to give the older generations the attention and care they deserve…

Maybe it starts with just finding what it is that you are meant to do. The things that you love to do. Share it with the world. I hope my presence in this industry inspires at least one other person to pursue something they never thought they could. We need to hear your voice. Take that first step.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

That would be my mother. My mother is one of the most resilient and strongest people I know. I get that from her. My mother gave me and my sisters some of our happiest memories during some of the toughest years of her life. I’ll forever be grateful.

She also paid for my first acting class when she didn’t have anything of her own. And for all of that, I owe her the world.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

I’ll share some of my mother’s love with you all. She always says to me: “All in due time”. And that has carried me this far in my life and in my career. It reminds me to enjoy the journey that I’m on and believe that I’ll get to my destination in due time.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Just one?! This is so hard. I think I would choose Rupaul. I’m sure it would be a most joyful time. Rupaul has taught and inspired many generations of artists, and he is so rich in knowledge, culture and history — I’m sure that meeting would be extremely enriching and empowering.

How can our readers follow you online?

As for me, dear readers, you can find me on most social media platforms under the handle: @ryanali23.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.