Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy (also credited as Ryan Patrick Murphy) is an American television creator, writer, director, and producer born on November 9, 1965, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the past two decades, he has become one of modern TV’s defining architects, known for bold tone shifts, genre-mixing, and headline-making cultural impact.

Murphy broke through with series such as Popular and Nip/Tuck, then expanded into blockbuster franchises including Glee, American Horror Story, American Crime Story, Pose, and the 9-1-1 universe. His screen work also includes directing high-profile adaptations like Running with Scissors, Eat, Pray, Love, The Normal Heart, and The Prom, underscoring his range across comedy, drama, horror, and true crime.

With multiple Emmy wins and dozens of nominations—plus a Tony Award and Grammy nominations—Murphy is frequently cited among the industry’s most influential showrunners, amplified by a record-setting Netflix development deal. He is widely recognized for pushing more inclusive storytelling into the mainstream, bringing marginalized perspectives to global audiences.

On-screen, he has appeared as himself in projects like The Glee Project, Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter, and Watch What Happens Live, and is credited in Glee: The Concert Movie as an uncredited voice role.