Who Is George Ryan? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, George Ryan is 91 years old. He served as the 39th Governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003 and is remembered for his significant contributions to state politics. Ryan, born in Chicago, has deep roots in the state, having dedicated much of his life to public service. His political career began in the Illinois House of Representatives, and he later served as Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor before ascending to the governor’s office.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1934 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Maquoketa, Iowa, US |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 May, 2025 |
| Died Place | Kankakee, Illinois, US |
Popularity
George Ryan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements are often overlooked in political bios, George Ryan stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His weight is not publicly detailed, reflecting the typical focus of public figures on their professional lives rather than personal dimensions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
George Ryan has been married to his wife, Lura Lynn Ryan, for many years. The couple has made headlines due to their enduring partnership and shared family commitments, but details regarding a boyfriend or girlfriend are not applicable as Ryan is a devoted husband. Together, they have three children and now enjoy the company of grandchildren.
After Korea, George Ryan worked for his father's two drugstores. Eventually, he built his father's pair of pharmacies into a successful family-run chain (profiting from lucrative government-contract business selling prescription drugs to nursing homes) which he sold in 1990.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, George Ryan’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Much of this wealth can be attributed to his long-standing career in politics, along with various investments and speaking engagements following his tenure as governor. Despite his political controversies and challenges, Ryan maintains a respectable financial standing.
The investigation finally reached the former governor, and in December 2003, Ryan and lobbyist Lawrence Warner were named in a 22-count federal indictment. The charges included racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering, and tax fraud.
The indictment alleged that Ryan steered several state contracts to Warner and other friends; disbursed campaign funds to relatives and to pay personal expenses; and obstructed justice by attempting to end the state investigation of the license-for-bribes scandal.
He was charged with lying to investigators and accepting cash, gifts and loans in return for his official actions as governor. On September 19, 2005, the case went to trial.
Career, Business, and Investments
George Ryan's political career is marked by significant achievements, including a focus on healthcare and education reform during his governorship. After leaving office, Ryan remained involved in community initiatives, often advocating for various causes. He has also made investments in real estate and has participated in educational programs that guide young political aspirants on governance.
Ryan began his political career by serving on the Kankakee County Board from 1968 to 1973 (his brother Tom J. Ryan was Mayor of Kankakee for 20 years from 1965 to 1985). He was then elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1972, where he served five terms. In 1976, he was elected House Minority Leader.
As Minority Leader, Ryan led Republicans to win a 91-86 majority in the House in 1980; he was subsequently elected Speaker in January 1981.
Social Network
Though George Ryan has largely stepped back from the public eye, he remains active on social networks to a certain extent. He occasionally shares insights on platforms like Facebook, where he engages with constituents and supporters. His contributions to public discourse continue to foster discussions on governance and ethics in politics.
Fawell, under pressure from prosecutors, became a key witness against Ryan and Warner. He agreed to a plea deal that cut the prison time for himself and his fiancée, Andrea Coutretsis. Fawell was a controversial witness, not hiding his disdain for prosecutors from the witness stand.
According to CBS Chicago political editor Mike Flannery, insiders claimed that Fawell had been "much like a son" to Ryan throughout their careers. At Ryan's trial, Fawell acknowledged that the prosecution had his "head in a vise", and that he found his cooperation with the government against Ryan "the most distasteful thing I've ever done".
Nonetheless, he spent several days on the witness stand testifying against Ryan and Warner. Once a tough-talking political strategist, Fawell wept on the witness stand as he acknowledged that his motivation for testifying was to spare Coutretsis a long prison sentence for her role in the conspiracy.
The jury was twice sent out of the courtroom so that he could wipe tears from his eyes and regain his composure.
Education
Ryan graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in industrial technology. His educational background laid the foundation for his career in politics, demonstrating the importance of solid educational credentials in public service.
The issue had garnered the attention of the public when a death row inmate, Anthony Porter, who had spent 15 years on death row, was within two days of being executed when his lawyers won a stay on the grounds that he may have been mentally disabled.
He was ultimately exonerated with the help of a group of student journalists at Northwestern University who had uncovered evidence that was used to prove his innocence.
In 1999, Porter was released, charges were subsequently dropped, and another person, Alstory Simon, confessed and pleaded guilty to the crime of which Porter had been erroneously convicted. Simon himself was later released after serving fifteen years for the crime, after it was proven that he, too, was wrongfully accused.
