Who Is Ryan O'Connell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ryan O’Connell was born on September 2, 1986, making him 38 years old as of 2025. He is an acclaimed American writer, LGBTQ+ advocate, and disability activist, best known for his work in both television and literature. O'Connell's writing often draws from his own experiences, tackling issues related to disability and queer identity. He gained widespread recognition for his Netflix series "Special," which was inspired by his memoir of the same name.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1986 |
| Age | 39 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country |
Popularity
Ryan O'Connell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall (173 cm), Ryan O'Connell maintains a fit physique. While his exact weight is not publicly disclosed, he is known for his healthy lifestyle. In 2025, O'Connell's body measurements reflect his active engagement with fitness and wellness.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Ryan O'Connell has kept much of his personal life private. However, he has been open about his relationships and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. While specific details about his dating status remain somewhat elusive, he has been linked to several partners over the years. O'Connell continues to navigate the dating scene, focusing on personal growth and his advocacy work.
Just as his second season with Awkward wrapped in 2015, his memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves was published. In April 2015, Jim Parsons, who had read O'Connell's Thought Catalog article, optioned the book through his company That's Wonderful Productions which he runs with husband Todd Spiewak.
O'Connell was assured with Parsons and Spiewak; he felt he could not trust a network with the gay content, fearing that they would let the project die after buying the option. In late 2015, O'Connell was named to the Out100 honoring LGBTQ icons.
Net Worth and Salary
Ryan O'Connell's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings stem from various sources, including his television work, writing projects, and speaking engagements. "Special" has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also contributed significantly to his financial success, allowing him to establish himself firmly within the entertainment industry.
Career, Business and Investments
O'Connell's career has been marked by his impactful storytelling across different mediums. After the success of his memoir, he moved on to create "Special," which explores the life of a gay man with cerebral palsy. This unique perspective has resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying his status as an important voice in today's conversation about disability and LGBTQ+ narratives.
Beyond television, he has engaged in various writing projects, contributing to several well-known publications. O'Connell is also known for his involvement in speaking engagements, utilizing his platform to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
O'Connell worked as a blogger for three years, first serving as editor of Thought Catalog in 2011. He contributed to Vice, BuzzFeed, and other publications including The New York Times and Medium. Some of his writing went viral and when he was 25, he was offered a book deal from Simon & Schuster. At the time, he kept his disability private.
In 2015, he wrote a column for Thought Catalog called "Coming Out of the Disabled Closet" about hiding his disability with the car accident. He later expanded the article into his book, which he publicly revealed his disability. While writing the book, he moved to Los Angeles and at 27, started his television writing career with MTV's Awkward.
Social Network
Ryan O'Connell is active on social media platforms, where he uses his voice to engage with fans and followers. His Twitter and Instagram accounts showcase his wit and humor, as well as provide insights into his advocacy work and personal life. As of 2025, O'Connell continues to cultivate a strong online presence, connecting with audiences worldwide.
- Instagram: @ryanoconn
- Twitter: @ryanoconn
"The moment I realized I was gay was—truly—[seeing] Ryan Phillippe's ass in Cruel Intentions. I remember seeing Ryan Phillippe's ass and being like, 'That's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.' And then being, like, 'Oh, fuck me: I'm gay and disabled; this is so rude.'"
Education
Regarding his educational background, Ryan O'Connell attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his skills in writing and communication. His time in Berkeley helped shape his perspectives and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in storytelling and activism.
In conclusion, Ryan O'Connell's journey up to 2025 exemplifies resilience, creativity, and dedication to social justice. As he continues to inspire many with his work, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this remarkable individual.
Growing up, O'Connell requested TV scripts for Christmas, and watched shows with the closed captioning on to learn more about writing. He would watch shows and attempt to figure out the A-Plot versus the B-plot, and the structure of the script. He loved performing as well, acting in all the middle-school and high-school plays.
Later on he suppressed this desire, seeing himself not represented in popular culture. He attended Foothill Technology High School.
