Ryan Corr
Ryan Corr (born 15 January 1989) is an Australian actor best known for his television roles as Coby Jennings in the family drama series Packed to the Rafters (2009–2013) and Ser Harwin Strong in the fantasy series House of the Dragon (2022–present).[1][2] Born in Melbourne, Victoria, he is the son of Peter Corr, a longtime head coach of the Australian women's goalball team, a Paralympic sport for visually impaired athletes.[3][4] Corr began his acting career at age 13, debuting as Matthew McDougal in the children's series The Sleepover Club (2003).[2] He trained formally at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) in 2009.[5][6] His breakthrough came with Packed to the Rafters, where he appeared in over 60 episodes, earning acclaim for portraying the troubled nephew Coby Jennings.[2] Corr transitioned to film with supporting roles in Wolf Creek 2 (2013), directed by Greg McLean, and Russell Crowe's World War I epic The Water Diviner (2014), followed by the romantic drama Holding the Man (2015), based on Timothy Conigrave's memoir.[1] He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Lieutenant Manville in Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge (2016), a biographical war film nominated for six Academy Awards.[2] More recently, his role in HBO's House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones, has elevated his profile in global fantasy television, alongside his lead performance in the 2025 family comedy Kangaroo.[2][7]Early life and education
Family and childhood
Ryan Corr was born on 15 January 1989 in Melbourne's East Doncaster suburb, Victoria, Australia.[8] He grew up in Melbourne during a period marked by family challenges, including his parents' divorce when he was 11 years old, which contributed to a rebellious phase in his early adolescence.[8][9] Corr's family background emphasized service and community involvement. His father, Peter Corr, worked as a drama teacher and sports coach for youth with disabilities, including coaching Paralympic basketball and later serving as head coach of Australia's women's goalball team; this environment exposed Corr to themes of resilience and support from a young age.[8][10] His mother was an occupational therapist, and he has a younger sister, Alyce, who has mild cerebral palsy and pursued studies in psychology.[8][9] The family's dedication to helping others influenced Corr's perspective, as he has noted pride in their contributions to vulnerable communities.[10] Corr's early exposure to performing arts began in childhood through local school theatre in Melbourne. At age 6, he appeared in a school production of The Wizard of Oz at Camberwell Girls Grammar, playing the melted witch under his father's direction, marking his initial foray into performance.[8] By grade 5 (around age 10), he auditioned for and won the lead role of Sir Basil in the musical Kids at Sea at Milgate Primary School, where he performed with an English accent and delivered his first singing number—experiences that ignited his passion for acting amid Melbourne's vibrant educational and cultural landscape.[8][5] These formative moments in local theatre provided an outlet for his energetic personality, setting the stage for his professional pursuits.[9]Formal education
Corr grew up in Melbourne's East Doncaster suburb and completed his secondary education there before pursuing formal acting training.[8] At age 18, Corr relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to enroll at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), where he undertook intensive training in acting, voice, movement, and music as part of the Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) program.[5][6] During his studies, he participated in key student productions that honed his skills in classical and ensemble performance, including portraying Algernon Moncrieff in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest (2009), Angelo in William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure (2008), and Zamislov in Gorky's Summerfolk (2009).[11][12][13] These experiences, emphasizing Shakespearean techniques and collaborative ensemble building central to NIDA's curriculum, contributed to developing his versatile acting style capable of spanning dramatic and comedic roles.[14] Corr graduated from NIDA in 2009 with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting).[5][6]Professional career
Early roles
Corr made his professional acting debut at the age of 13 in the short film Opraholic (2003), directed by Kirsti Byrne, where he portrayed Simon Roberts, marking his entry into screen work as a young performer from Melbourne.[15] Following this, Corr secured his first television role in the children's series The Sleepover Club (2003), playing the supporting character Matthew McDougal across multiple episodes, which introduced him to Australian broadcast audiences. He then landed a lead role as Sheng Zamett in the science fiction series Silversun (2004), appearing in 40 episodes and gaining recognition for portraying a resourceful teen in a futuristic setting. These early roles helped establish his presence in Sydney's youth-oriented television scene during the mid-2000s. In 2006, Corr starred as surfer Eric Tanner in the second season of the ABC drama Blue Water High, a role that spanned 26 episodes and highlighted his ability to embody athletic, relatable teen characters amid the show's focus on coastal life and personal growth.[16] He had guest appearances including Zac Bronski in Blue Heelers (2005) before beginning formal training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney at age 17 in 2006, balancing his studies with roles such as Charlie Hoyland in Neighbours (2006).[6][17] These sporadic opportunities in Australia's emerging TV landscape from 2005 to 2008 allowed him to build experience while honing his craft through NIDA's rigorous program, culminating in his graduation in 2009.[6]Television breakthrough
Corr's television breakthrough came with his recurring role as Coby Jennings in the Australian family drama Packed to the Rafters from 2009 to 2013, where he portrayed Dave Rafter's troubled nephew, a "black sheep" character grappling with family estrangement, personal insecurities, and redemption through his integration into the Rafter household.[18][19] Appearing in 62 episodes, his arc evolved from a rebellious outsider to a loyal family member, earning praise for capturing the complexities of youthful vulnerability and earning an ensemble nomination at the 2012 Equity Awards for the series' dramatic ensemble.[20] This role marked his transition from guest spots to a central figure, boosting his visibility as a rising talent in Australian television.[21] In 2010, Corr expanded his dramatic range with a supporting role as Michael "Doc" Kanaan in the crime series Underbelly: The Golden Mile, appearing in the final four episodes as a young associate in the Kings Cross underworld, involved in escalating gang violence and police corruption.[22] His portrayal of the impulsive, street-smart punk highlighted a shift to edgier, high-stakes narratives, contrasting the familial warmth of Packed to the Rafters and demonstrating his versatility in intense, historical crime contexts.[2] Critics noted this appearance as an early indicator of his ability to handle morally ambiguous characters, further solidifying his reputation beyond lighthearted roles.[9] Corr's lead turn as Johnny Lowry in Love Child (2014–2015) further elevated his profile, playing a charismatic draft dodger and 1960s flower child in the historical drama set against Sydney's Kings Cross maternity scandals.[23] Across nine episodes spanning two seasons, his character's arc intertwined romance, evasion of the Vietnam War draft, and fatherhood responsibilities, showcasing Corr's nuance in period pieces with themes of social upheaval and personal sacrifice.[24] The role received positive reception for blending vulnerability with defiance, contributing to the series' acclaim as a poignant exploration of 1960s Australian society.[25] These television roles collectively propelled Corr to domestic stardom in Australia, transforming him into a recognized TV heartthrob among millennials, with fans often citing his Packed to the Rafters tenure as a formative crush that sparked widespread recognition.[26] Interactions with admirers frequently revolved around nostalgic references to his early characters, though Corr has discussed the challenges of typecasting as the "scrappy underdog," expressing a deliberate push toward diverse projects to avoid being pigeonholed in youthful, relatable archetypes.[21] This period cemented his breakthrough, fostering a loyal fanbase while highlighting his growth from supporting player to leading man in Australian broadcasting.[19]Film transition
Corr's transition to feature films began in 2013 with his debut major role in the horror-thriller Wolf Creek 2, directed by Greg McLean, where he portrayed Paul Hammersmith, a resourceful backpacker who becomes the primary target of the sadistic killer Mick Taylor.[27] This performance marked his entry into the horror genre, showcasing his ability to convey vulnerability and resilience under extreme duress, and represented a significant step away from his earlier television work in episodic dramas.[28] In 2014, Corr took on a supporting role in The Water Diviner, Russell Crowe's directorial debut, playing Art, the eldest son of the protagonist in a story centered on the aftermath of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.[29] The film provided international exposure, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival and achieving wide theatrical release across multiple countries, allowing Corr to collaborate with Crowe and contribute to a narrative exploring themes of loss and reconciliation in a historical context.[28] Corr's film career gained critical momentum in 2015 with his lead role as Timothy Conigrave in Holding the Man, directed by Neil Armfield and adapted from Conigrave's memoir about his 15-year relationship with John Caleo amid the AIDS crisis.[30] Praised for its emotional depth, Corr's portrayal captured Conigrave's journey from youthful romance to profound grief, earning acclaim for authenticity achieved through extensive research, including meetings with Conigrave's family and a rigorous 13-stage audition process that emphasized chemistry with co-star Craig Stott.[31] The film, an LGBTQ+ drama based on true events, received an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and resonated for its balance of tenderness and tragedy.[32] Throughout this period, Corr's collaborations with directors like Crowe and Armfield highlighted the challenges of shifting from television's fast-paced, segmented storytelling to film's continuous narrative demands, requiring intensive rehearsals and emotional immersion akin to theatre work.[30] Crowe, in particular, offered career guidance on pursuing opportunities in Los Angeles during downtime, underscoring the competitive nature of the transition.[28]Recent projects and international work
In 2016, Ryan Corr portrayed Lieutenant Manville, a fellow soldier and comrade to Desmond Doss, in Mel Gibson's war film Hacksaw Ridge, which marked a significant step in his international exposure through its U.S. production and wide theatrical release.[33][34] The film's success, including six Academy Award nominations, introduced Corr to American audiences and highlighted his ability to handle intense dramatic roles alongside stars like Andrew Garfield. Corr's international profile expanded further in 2022 with his role as Ser Harwin "Breakbones" Strong in HBO's House of the Dragon, the prequel series to Game of Thrones, where he depicted a knight and romantic interest to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen across multiple episodes.[35][36] This appearance in the globally streamed production, which premiered to record viewership, showcased Corr's versatility in high-fantasy settings and contributed to his recognition beyond Australian screens.[37] In 2025, Corr took the lead as Chris Masterman, a disgraced TV host who partners with a young Indigenous girl to rehabilitate orphaned kangaroos at a wildlife sanctuary, in the family comedy Kangaroo, inspired by the true story of Chris "Brolga" Barnes and filmed in Alice Springs.[38][7] Directed by Kate Woods and distributed by StudioCanal, the film emphasizes themes of redemption and connection to the Australian Outback, earning positive reviews for its heartfelt narrative and Corr's engaging performance.[39] That same year, Corr was cast as the male lead opposite Mallory Jansen in the romantic comedy Her Aussie Romance, directed by Colin Budds and set against Melbourne's landmarks, with production announced in August and focusing on a New York journalist's unexpected love story Down Under.[40] The Hallmark Channel project, featuring supporting roles by Dannii Minogue and Gyton Grantley, underscores Corr's continued pivot toward lighter, internationally appealing genres.[41] Corr also narrated key characters, including driver Finn Di Santis, in the Audible Original audiobook The Winning Formula by Cara Veloce, a sports romance set in the Formula 1 world that was released in March 2025 with a full Australian cast.[42][43] This audio production, praised for its immersive storytelling and ensemble narration, reflects Corr's broadening scope into voice work for global digital platforms.[44]Personal life
Relationships
Ryan Corr was previously in a relationship with Australian dancer and actress Kyla Bartholomeusz, whom he began dating in 2015 after meeting through mutual connections in the performing arts community.[45][46] The couple frequently appeared together at public events, including the 2015 GQ Man of the Year Awards in Sydney and the launch of the fashion film Love Thy Neighbour in 2016, where they were noted for their affectionate demeanor and shared passions for dance and theatre.[47][45] Bartholomeusz, known for her work as a dance captain in productions like Hamilton Australia, brought a creative synergy to their partnership, with Corr crediting her influence on his personal growth during interviews.[2][48] By late 2017, the relationship faced speculation of an end, as the pair ceased joint public appearances and removed each other from social media profiles.[49] Reports during the 2022 promotion of House of the Dragon, in which Corr starred as Ser Harwin Strong, described the romance as past, aligning with the lack of subsequent confirmations.[2] In 2023, unverified rumors briefly linked Corr to Australian media personality Abbie Chatfield following comments on her podcast, but no official relationship was substantiated.[50] As of late 2025, Corr remains single and career-oriented, with no publicly confirmed romantic partnerships. He has consistently maintained a private stance on his personal life, refraining from addressing speculation in interviews to prioritize his professional endeavors.[2][51]Legal issues
On May 27, 2014, Ryan Corr was arrested in a laneway in Bondi, Sydney, after police allegedly observed him smoking heroin and discovered a freezer bag containing 0.26 grams of the substance in his possession; he was charged with drug possession but not with intent to supply.[52][53] Corr appeared in Waverley Local Court on September 2, 2014, where he pleaded guilty to the possession charge; the magistrate imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond without recording a conviction, noting the small quantity involved and Corr's lack of prior offenses.[54][55] Following the court outcome, Corr issued a public statement through his lawyer expressing remorse for his actions, describing the incident as a "mistake" and stating he was "grateful" for the arrest as it intervened during a vulnerable period, while affirming his commitment to sobriety; he received support from family members and career mentors, including music manager Chris Murphy, who represented him in court.[56][48] The incident led to ongoing media scrutiny, particularly as it overlapped with Corr's filming of the television series Love Child in 2014, though it did not derail his professional commitments; in subsequent reflections, Corr highlighted the event as a pivotal lesson in personal responsibility, emphasizing its role in fostering greater self-awareness and accountability.[57][58]Theatre work
Early stage appearances
Ryan Corr made his stage debut during his studies at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2008, portraying Angelo in a production of William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Directed by Iain Sinclair, the production emphasized the play's exploration of power, morality, and hypocrisy. This role provided Corr with early experience in classical verse and character-driven ensemble work, foundational elements of his training at NIDA.[6] In 2009, as part of his final year at NIDA, Corr took on the role of Algernon Moncrieff in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Iain Sinclair. The production highlighted the play's witty satire on Victorian society. These NIDA stage appearances, occurring during his Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), allowed Corr to hone skills in improvisation, voice modulation, and physicality through intensive rehearsal processes typical of student productions.[14]Major productions
Corr's professional theatre career gained momentum in 2012 with his debut lead role as the charismatic blogger Ethan in Laura Eason's Sex with Strangers, staged by the Sydney Theatre Company at the Wharf 1 Theatre. The production, directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, delved into themes of modern intimacy, generational clashes in the digital age, and the commodification of personal experiences through Ethan's affair with an older novelist, portrayed by Jacqueline McKenzie.[59] In 2014, Corr was cast as the handsome soldier Christian in the Sydney Theatre Company's adaptation of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac, directed by Andrew Upton, opposite Richard Roxburgh as the titular poet. However, Corr withdrew from the production in August 2014 prior to rehearsals commencing, citing personal commitments including a film role, amid reports of legal issues; he was replaced by Chris Ryan. The role would have showcased his ability in romantic and poetic ensemble work, but the casting highlighted his rising profile in major Australian theatre.[60] Corr returned to the stage in 2016 as the tutor Septimus Hodge in Tom Stoppard's intellectually layered Arcadia for the Sydney Theatre Company, directed by Richard Cottrell at the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre. The play intertwines 19th-century romance and scientific discovery with contemporary academic intrigue, allowing Corr to embody a witty, amorous scholar navigating chaos theory and classical ideals. His performance was praised for capturing Septimus's intellectual charm and emotional depth, contributing to the production's exploration of time, determinism, and human folly.[61][62] Following Arcadia, Corr took a hiatus from theatre in the 2020s to focus on international screen projects, including roles in HBO's House of the Dragon and films like Hacksaw Ridge. He has reflected on theatre's foundational role in developing his craft, stating that it provides an "actors' medium" for deep textual exploration, contrasting with the rapid pace of television production, which hones immediacy but limits rehearsal depth. This stage training, he noted, equips performers with nuanced emotional range essential for film and TV authenticity. Corr is set to resume major theatre work in 2026, starring alongside Richard Roxburgh and Damon Herriman in Yasmina Reza's Art at the Roslyn Packer Theatre.[62][63]Filmography
Film
Ryan Corr made his screen debut in the short film Opraholic in 2003. Over the following two decades, he built a diverse film portfolio, transitioning from supporting roles in Australian productions to leads in independent dramas and international blockbusters. His breakthrough lead came in the romantic drama Holding the Man (2015), while supporting turns in war epic Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and historical drama Mary Magdalene (2018) elevated his profile globally.[64][65] The following table provides a chronological overview of Corr's film credits, including roles and directors where available, with annotations for lead or supporting status based on billing and awards recognition.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Opraholic | Unknown | Unknown | Short film debut. |
| 2009 | Where the Wild Things Are | Unknown | Spike Jonze | Minor role in fantasy adventure. |
| 2012 | Not Suitable for Children | Gus | Michael Dowse | Supporting role; nominated for AACTA Best Supporting Actor. |
| 2013 | Wolf Creek 2 | Paul Hammersmith | Greg McLean | Supporting role in horror sequel. |
| 2014 | The Water Diviner | Arthur Connor | Russell Crowe | Supporting role in World War I drama. |
| 2015 | Holding the Man | Timothy Conigrave | Neil Armfield | Lead role; nominated for AACTA Best Actor.[65] |
| 2016 | Hacksaw Ridge | Lieutenant Manville | Mel Gibson | Supporting role in biographical war film. |
| 2016 | A Few Less Men | Henry Taylor | Mark Lamprell | Lead role in comedy sequel. |
| 2017 | 1% (Outlaws) | Paddo | Damien Lay | Lead role; nominated for AACTA Best Actor. |
| 2017 | Ali's Wedding | Wazza | Jeffrey Walker | Supporting role in romantic comedy. |
| 2018 | Mary Magdalene | Joseph | Garth Davis | Supporting role in biblical drama. |
| 2018 | Ladies in Black | Rudi | Bruce Beresford | Supporting role; nominated for Australian Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actor. |
| 2019 | Below | Dougie | Maziar Lahooti | Lead role in sci-fi thriller. |
| 2020 | High Ground | Braddock | Stephen Johnson | Supporting role in Western drama. |
| 2023 | Catching Dust | Andy | Stuart Gatt | Supporting role in crime thriller. |
| 2024 | Sting | Ethan | Kiah Roache-Turner | Supporting role in horror film. |
| 2025 | Kangaroo | Chris Masterman | Kate Woods | Lead role in family comedy.[7] |
| 2025 | Her Aussie Romance | Zach | Colin Budds | Lead role in romantic comedy.[40] |
Television
Ryan Corr began his television career as a teenager with guest and supporting roles in Australian series, transitioning to more prominent parts in long-running dramas and miniseries throughout the 2010s. His work spans family-oriented shows, crime thrillers, and social dramas, with a notable shift toward international projects in the 2020s, including a recurring role in the HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon. Below is a chronological list of his television appearances, highlighting key distinctions such as miniseries (limited-run formats like Underbelly) versus long-runners (multi-season series like Packed to the Rafters).| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | The Sleepover Club | Matthew McDougal | Supporting/recurring role in the children's comedy-drama series (multiple episodes in season 1).[66] |
| 2005 | Blue Heelers | Zac Bronski | Guest role in the police procedural drama (1 episode: "Playing by the Book").[67] |
| 2006 | Blue Water High | Eric "Edge" Tanner | Series regular in season 2 of the surf drama (26 episodes).[68] |
| 2007–2009 | McLeod's Daughters | Felix | Recurring role in the rural drama (multiple episodes across seasons 7–8).[68] |
| 2009–2013 | Packed to the Rafters | Coby Jennings | Main role as a troubled family friend in the long-running family drama (81 episodes, seasons 2–5).[64] |
| 2010 | Underbelly: The Golden Mile | Michael Kanaan | Recurring role in the crime miniseries depicting 1990s Sydney underworld (3 episodes).[22] |
| 2011 | Underbelly: Razor | Barney Dalton | Supporting role in the historical crime miniseries (multiple episodes).[68] |
| 2012 | Redfern Now | Timmy | Guest role in the anthology drama series (1 episode).[69] |
| 2012 | Puberty Blues | Gary | Series regular in the coming-of-age drama (10 episodes, season 1).[70] |
| 2012–2014 | Tangle | Isaac Taylor | Recurring role in the family drama (multiple episodes across 2 seasons).[71] |
| 2014 | The Moodys | Henry Moody | Lead role in the family comedy miniseries (7 episodes).[68] |
| 2014–2017 | Love Child | Johnny Lowry | Main role as a draft-dodging musician in the historical drama (27 episodes across 4 seasons).[64] |
| 2016 | The Kettering Incident | Max Holloway | Main role in the mystery miniseries (8 episodes).[68] |
| 2016 | Wanted | Chris Murphett | Recurring role in the action thriller series (2 episodes, season 1).[72] |
| 2016 | Cleverman | Blair Finch | Recurring role in the Indigenous superhero drama (3 episodes, season 1).[64] |
| 2017 | Seven Types of Ambiguity | Sam | Supporting role in the psychological miniseries (6 episodes).[70] |
| 2018 | Bloom | Ellis Carlile | Main role in the sci-fi drama miniseries (6 episodes).[68] |
| 2018 | Harrow | Sgt. Ray Crowley | Guest role in the forensic drama (1 episode).[64] |
| 2019 | My Life Is Murder | Samuel "Sam" Morgan | Guest role in the crime drama (1 episode).[64] |
| 2019 | The Commons | Shay | Main role in the political thriller miniseries (6 episodes).[70] |
| 2020 | Hungry Ghosts | Ben Williams | Supporting role in the horror anthology miniseries (6 episodes).[64] |
| 2021 | Fires | Alex | Supporting role in the bushfire disaster miniseries (3 episodes).[70] |
| 2022 | House of the Dragon | Ser Harwin Strong | Recurring role as a knight and love interest in the international HBO fantasy series (5 episodes in season 1).[35] |
| 2022 | The Tourist | Lachlan | Guest role in the thriller series (1 episode).[70] |
| 2023 | In Limbo | Charlie | Main role in the comedy-drama miniseries (6 episodes).[70] |
Awards and nominations
Wins
Ryan Corr has received several accolades throughout his career, recognizing his emerging talent and standout performances in both television and film. These awards highlight his versatility and impact in Australian screen industries, from early breakthrough roles to ensemble contributions in acclaimed projects.| Year | Award | Work Recognized | Ceremony Date | Acceptance Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | IF Out of the Box Award | Underbelly: The Golden Mile | November 15, 2010 | N/A (award presented to acknowledge promising transition to film from TV roles)[73] |
| 2011 | Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship | Emerging talent | June 9, 2011 | "It's a huge honour... I'm thrilled to be heading to LA to further my career."[74] |
| 2013 | Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Not Suitable for Children | March 19, 2013 | N/A (win recognized his performance as Gavin)[75] |
| 2014 | Nocturna Madrid International Fantastic Film Festival Best Acting Award (shared with John Jarratt) | Wolf Creek 2 | N/A | N/A (award for standout performance in the horror sequel) |
| 2015 | GQ Australia Breakthrough Actor of the Year | Overall career, including Holding the Man | November 11, 2015 | "I've been knocking on the window of stardom for 14 years... Tonight feels like the window's finally opened."[76] |
| 2016 | Australian Film Critics Association (AFCA) Award for Best Actor | Holding the Man | February 29, 2016 | N/A (win recognized his portrayal of Tim Conigrave in the adaptation of the memoir)[77] |
| 2021 | Equity Ensemble Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Mini-series or Telemovie | Hungry Ghosts | May 4, 2021 | N/A (shared win with cast for the ABC/Binge thriller series)[78] |