Ryan Seacrest is an American radio and television personality born on December 24, 1974 in Dunwoody, Georgia. Ryan Seacrest holds prominent positions in the worlds of broadcast television, nationally syndicated radio, local radio and cable. He is the host of the top-rated primetime talent showcase American Idol and the popular radio countdown show, "American Top 40," as well as the radio show for Clear Channel's 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles.
Ryan Seacrest began his career at the young age of 16 as a radio host WSTR FM in Atlanta Georgia. He graduated from Dunwoody High School in 1993, after which he attended University of Georgia where he majored in journalism. During his freshman year in college, Seacrest landed his first television show as the host of ESPN's "Radical Outdoor Challenge," in which athletes competed against one another for cash prizes. He dropped out of college at the age of 19 and moved to California to pursue a career in radio and television, where he landed a job as a radio host for KYSR in Los Angeles which he held from 1993 to 1995.
Television
Seacrest's first major television job was as host of The New Edge a short-lived weekend morning show created from the technology media company Cnet. The show discussed emerging science and technology. In 1994, Seacrest co-hosted the show Gladiator 2000 with the then 13 year old Maria Sansone. In Gladiators 2000, child competitors would team up with an American Gladiator coach and compete by running through a series of obstacles, and answering questions on various subjects along the way. The show lasted for 1 year with 52 weekly episodes.
Ryan Seacrest's big break-through in television came in 2002 when he was hired as co-host of the TV mega-hit talent show American Idol. His co-host, Brian Dunkleman, was co-host for the first season only, after which Seacrest became the single host of the show. In 2003, Seacrest hosted the American Idol spin off American Juniors. The show only lasted one season and aired in the summer of 2003.
Ryan Seacrest launched his own daily talk-show On Air With Ryan Seacrest on January 12, 2004. Despite a mass advertising blitz, the show never caught on and was cancelled September 17, 2004 due to low ratings.
In August 2005, Seacrest became executive producer and co-host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. He will become the successor of Dick Clark and will eventually host the show himself.
In January 2006, Seacrest landed a 3 year, $21 million dollar deal with the cable channel E!. As part of the deal, Seacrest will host and produce a variety of shows fo the channel, including co-hosting E! News and its coverage of various red-carpet celebrity events.
Seacrest occasionally substitutes for Larry King on Larry King Live.
Radio
During 2003, Ryan Seacrest served as substitute host for Casey Kasem's radio show American Top 40 four times during the year. On January 10th, 2004 Seacrest officially became the new radio host for the show. A month later in February 2004, Seacrest replaced Rick Dees as radio host of the popular Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM's morning show. This program was also named Italic text On Air With Ryan Seacrest''. Seacrest remains as radio host of both these popular programs.
Other Ventures
Seacrest's entrepreneur endeavors under the Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) umbrella include part ownership in many LA and Las Vegas hot spots. Currently Seacrest is a part owner at Katana, Sushi Roku and Boa. The R Line is a clothing venture with JEM sportswear which launched in summer of 2005.
Awards and Accolades
Hollywood Walk of Fame - April 2005
Daytime Emmy Award, Outstanding Special Class Special - April 2006
1 of 1 people found this review helpful Kathy Hogan,
Seattle
SEACREST OUT!, Sep 3, 2006
It's impressive that the guy makes the amount of money he does, but I have one qualm with him. I hate how he's catty to Guiliana DePandi on E! I don't care who Mystic Tans or which one of them is on a guest list for whatever party. That being said, regardless of people's personal views of him, you can't deny his success.
I don't like the way he speaks: too contrived and artificial. A poor substitute for Dick Clark hosting the New Year's "Rockin 'Eve." I shiver thinking of starting each New Year with Seacrest's countdown. Ick...
Ryan Seacrest is an American radio and television personality born on December 24, 1974 in Dunwoody, Georgia. Ryan Seacrest holds prominent positions in the worlds of broadcast television, nationally syndicated radio, local radio and cable. He is the host of the top-rated primetime talent showcase 
