You probably know the face. It is that classic, jaw-sculpted, "I definitely played football in college" look that Hollywood loves. And honestly? He did. Before Ryan McPartlin was saving the day in Burbank or solving crimes in Los Angeles, he was a walk-on tight end for the Illinois Fighting Illini. That transition from the gridiron to the screen isn't just a fun piece of trivia; it basically defines his entire vibe. He has this rare ability to play the "perfect guy" while being totally in on the joke.
If you’ve spent any time on NBC or scrolled through the Hallmark and Lifetime holiday grids, you've seen him. But there is a lot more to the Ryan McPartlin movies and shows list than just "hunky guy in a Christmas sweater." He’s a veteran of the industry who survived the soap opera trenches, auditioned for Superman, and eventually became one of the most beloved sidekicks in cult TV history.
The "Captain Awesome" Phenomenon
Let’s talk about Chuck. If you haven't seen it, stop what you’re doing. It’s a 2007-2012 action-comedy masterpiece. McPartlin played Devon Woodcomb, better known as "Captain Awesome." Originally, the writers didn't plan on keeping him around.
In fact, the early scripts for Season 1 had a much darker path for Devon. He was supposed to be a villain—potentially a Russian spy—who was just using Ellie to get close to the Bartowski family. But Ryan McPartlin was just... well, too awesome. His chemistry with the cast and his earnest delivery of the word "awesome" made the producers pivot. Instead of a traitor, he became the moral compass. He was the first civilian to learn Chuck’s secret, and his reaction wasn't fear—it was pure, unadulterated excitement.
Devon Woodcomb isn't just a character; he’s a masterclass in how to play a "perfect" person without being annoying. He’s a cardiothoracic surgeon, an expert at every extreme sport known to man, and a devoted husband. Most actors would make that guy insufferable. McPartlin made him the guy you desperately wanted to be friends with.
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From Passions to Peak TV
Before the Chuck fame, McPartlin did the hard yards. He replaced Dalton James as Hank Bennett on the supernatural soap opera Passions. If you know Passions, you know it was absolutely unhinged. There were talking dolls and witches. It was the perfect training ground for a young actor to learn how to keep a straight face during the most ridiculous scenarios imaginable.
He also worked with Fran Drescher—twice. First, a tiny role on The Nanny, and later as the lead in Living with Fran. Playing a much younger boyfriend to a sitcom legend requires a specific kind of comedic timing. He held his own.
The Career Pivot: L.A.'s Finest and Beyond
A lot of people think actors like McPartlin just disappear after their big show ends. Not true. He jumped into L.A.'s Finest alongside Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union. Playing Patrick McKenna, the husband of Alba’s character, allowed him to lean into a more mature, slightly more grounded role while still maintaining that "solid guy" energy.
Then there are the movies. You’ve probably seen him in:
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- Hunter Killer (2018): A gritty submarine thriller where he played Matt Johnstone. It’s a huge departure from his sitcom days.
- J. Edgar (2011): He worked under Clint Eastwood’s direction, playing Lawrence Richey.
- The Right Kind of Wrong (2013): A rom-com where he plays the "perfect" guy who is, for once, the antagonist (kinda).
The King of the Holiday Movie Universe
We have to address the Hallmark and Lifetime elephant in the room. Some actors are snobby about TV movies. McPartlin? He leaned in. And he’s great at it. He doesn't just act in them; he produces them. He even co-wrote The Holiday Fix Up (2021) with Jana Kramer.
There is a genuine craft to these films. They require a specific kind of sincerity that is hard to fake. Whether it’s A Very Vermont Christmas (2024) or Once Upon a Main Street, he brings a level of professional polish that elevates the material. He isn't just showing up for a paycheck; he’s building a brand.
His recent 2025 project, Double Scoop, continues this trend. He plays James, a character that fits perfectly into his wheelhouse of charming, dependable, and slightly over-achieving. It’s what he does best.
Why He Almost Became Superman
Here is a detail most people miss: Ryan McPartlin was one of the final contenders for the lead in Superman Returns. He lost out to Brandon Routh. Honestly, looking at him, you can see why he was in the running. He has the "Big Blue Boy Scout" look in spades.
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While he didn't get the cape, that "Superman" quality is exactly why he works so well in everything else. He represents a certain type of classic American masculinity that is rare in modern Hollywood—the guy who is strong but sensitive, capable but humble.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often categorize him as "just a pretty face." That's a mistake. If you watch his guest spots on shows like Mad Men (where he played a brief love interest for Betty Draper) or his voice work in Monsters at Work, you see the range. He can do "smarmy" just as well as he can do "earnest."
He’s also a certified personal trainer in real life. He and his wife, Danielle Kirlin, started a meal delivery business called Plate Therapy. He isn't just playing a healthy, active guy on TV; he’s actually living it. That authenticity bleeds into his performances. When he’s playing a doctor or an athlete, you believe him because he actually knows the lifestyle.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Viewers
If you want to explore the best of Ryan McPartlin's work, don't just stick to the newest releases. Here is how to actually digest his filmography for the best experience:
- Start with Chuck (Seasons 1-5): This is mandatory. Focus on the "Angel de la Muerte" episode in Season 3 to see his best comedic and physical work.
- Watch the "Clusterfunke Christmas" (2021): If you think holiday movies are cheesy, watch this parody. McPartlin plays "Chancington Winterthorpe V," and it is a hilarious send-up of every trope he’s ever played.
- Check out his voice work: His role as Clutch Powers in Lego: The Adventures of Clutch Powers is a hidden gem for families.
- Follow his production work: Pay attention to the credits on his newer Lifetime movies. He’s increasingly involved in the writing and producing side, which usually means the scripts are a bit sharper.
Ryan McPartlin has carved out a career that is remarkably consistent. He didn't become a one-hit-wonder after his biggest show ended. Instead, he diversified. He became a staple of the "cozy" movie genre while still popping up in prestige dramas and action flicks. He’s the ultimate "utility player" of Hollywood—someone who makes every project better just by being in the frame.
To get the most out of his current work, look for Double Scoop on the 2025-2026 rotation, which showcases his evolution into a leading man who can handle both romance and the subtle complexities of middle age. Keep an eye on his production company for more creator-driven content in the coming years.