December 24, 1974 - Dunwoody, Georgia.
In 2004 interview with Larry King: "When I moved to Hollywood, one of the first people I ever wanted to meet wasn't a movie star. It was a disc jockey, it was Casey Kasem."
Ryan Seacrest grew up in the Atlanta, Georgia area. At the age of 16 and while still a high school student, he applied for an internship at Atlanta's WSTR radio station. The station was impressed by his talent and offered him a 7 p.m. to midnight slot which became one of the station's most popular shows. Seacrest continued to work for WSTR while completing his high school education.
After completing high school, Ryan Seacrest attended the University of Georgia as a journalism major. He hosted an afternoon show on radio station KYSR. As a college freshman he was hired to host ESPN's Radical Outdoor Challenge. A series of television hosting opportunities including Wild Animal Games, The New Edge, and The Click ultimately led to Ryan Seacrest being asked to co-host American Idol with Brian Dunkelman.
Ryan Seacrest was named one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful people for 2003.
For the first season of American Idol in 2002, Ryan Seacrest was co-host with comedian Brian Dunkelman. Many critics and fans of the show alike criticized the co-hosts and their banter. As the season came to a close and the show proved to be a major hit, word came out that Dunkelman would not return and Ryan Seacrest was left as sole host. Many have noted significant hosting improvements with Seacrest flying solo through 3 more seasons of American Idol.
After completing college, Ryan Seacrest was offered the position of co-host of the afternoon drive-time show Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home with Lisa Foxx at Los Angeles' KYSR. During his 6-year run, Seacrest's show became the top-rated drive time show in Los Angeles. After substituting for Casey Kasem numerous times in 2003, Ryan Seacrest took over as host of the venerable American Top 40 radio pop music countdown show in January, 2004.
In February, 2004, the month after taking over as host of American Top 40, Ryan Seacrest was offered the morning show at KIIS, Los Angeles' leading top 40 radio station, replacing the legendary Rick Dees. A television venture that began in January, 2004 was not so successful. On Air With Ryan Seacrest, an entertainment/talk show, was cancelled by September due to poor ratings.
Ryan Seacrest has quickly become one of the most sought after hosting personalities on both radio and TV. He recently signed a multi-year contract to co-host New Year's Rockin' Eve, Dick Clark's New Year television tradition. The assumption is he will one day take over Clark's responsibilities. In addition, Seacrest is executive producer of the program.
At the relatively young age of 30, Ryan Seacrest was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in early 2005. The award was somewhat controversial and was greeted with derision in some quarters.
Beyond his television and radio success, Ryan Seacrest is also an entrepreneur. He is part owner of the Sushi Roku and Boa restaurants in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Recently, Seacrest also launched a clothing brand, the R Line.
At the present time Ryan Seacrest's biggest responsibility is helping put together the 5th season of the blockbuster American Idol talent show to begin January 17, 2006.
