Paul Ryan Rudd

Paul Ryan Rudd (born Paul Kenneth Rudd; May 15, 1940 – August 12, 2010) was an American actor, director, and a professor. He appeared as the title character in a 1976 production of Shakespeare's Henry V, opposite Meryl Streep as his love interest. Though best known for his live theatre performances, such as those on Broadway and the New York Shakespeare Festival, he also appeared in the 1978 film The Betsy and on television in the 1975 short-lived series Beacon Hill as Brian Mallory, the scheming Irish chauffeur.

Biography

Early life

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 15, 1940. He attended Boston Latin School and later Assumption Preparatory School, graduating in 1958. He obtained a degree in psychology from Fairfield University.

Originally named Paul Kenneth Rudd, he adopted Ryan as his middle name from his mother’s maiden name, whose name had become Kathryn Rudd after marriage. He studied for the Roman Catholic priesthood but parted with mutual consent from his seminary. At some point, he married Joan Mannion, whom he later divorced.