50 Facts About Ryan Murphy

Early Life and Education

Ryan Murphy's journey to becoming a television powerhouse began in the Midwest. His upbringing and education played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Ryan Murphy was born to a Catholic family in Indianapolis, Indiana. His ancestry includes Irish, Italian, and Danish roots.
2. Murphy attended Catholic school from first through eighth grade and graduated from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis.
3. He later studied journalism at Indiana University Bloomington, where he honed his writing skills.

From Journalism to Screenwriting

Before making waves in television, Murphy started his career in journalism. His early experiences in this field influenced his storytelling style.

4. Murphy worked as a journalist for various newspapers, including The Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
5. His interest in screenwriting was sparked during his time as a journalist.
6. Murphy's first screenplay, Why Can’t I Be Audrey Hepburn?, was purchased by Steven Spielberg in the late 1990s, although the project was never completed.

Breakthrough with Popular and Nip/Tuck

Murphy's first major successes came with the creation of two groundbreaking TV shows that set the stage for his future endeavors.

7. Murphy co-created the teen comedy series Popular with Gina Matthews. The show premiered on The WB in 1999 and ran for two seasons.
8. In 2003, Murphy created the FX drama series Nip/Tuck, which followed the lives of two plastic surgeons. The show was critically acclaimed and ran for six seasons.
9. Nip/Tuck earned Murphy his first Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series in 2004.

Awards and Personal Life

Murphy's talent has been recognized with numerous awards, and his personal life has also been a topic of interest.

10. Murphy has won six Emmy Awards and received 38 Emmy nominations.
11. He won a Tony Award for producing the 2018 revival of The Boys in the Band.
12. Murphy married photographer David Miller in 2012. The couple has three children born via surrogacy.

Commitment to Inclusive Storytelling

Murphy is known for his dedication to inclusive storytelling, bringing marginalized characters to the forefront.

13. Murphy's shows often feature diverse casts and storylines, reflecting real-life experiences and challenging stereotypes.
14. His commitment to inclusive storytelling has significantly contributed to his success and influence in the industry.

Notable Television Shows

Murphy has created several iconic television shows that have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

15. Some of Murphy's notable television shows include Glee, American Horror Story, Feud, Pose, and Monster.
16. Glee became a cultural phenomenon, blending music and drama in a high school setting.
17. American Horror Story is one of Murphy's most successful franchises, with multiple seasons exploring different themes and settings.
18. Feud focuses on real-life feuds between famous women, receiving numerous awards and nominations.
19. Pose is set in the 1980s ball culture scene, exploring themes of identity, community, and acceptance.
20. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story explores the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, despite its controversial reception.

Film Adaptations and Netflix Deal

Murphy has also ventured into film adaptations and secured a groundbreaking deal with Netflix.

21. Murphy directed several film adaptations, including Running with Scissors (2006), Eat, Pray, Love (2010), The Normal Heart (2014), and The Prom (2020).
22. In 2018, Murphy signed a development deal with Netflix reportedly worth as much as $300 million, one of the largest such deals in television history.

Impact on Modern Television

Murphy's influence on modern television is undeniable, with his innovative storytelling and character development.

23. Murphy has been described as "the most powerful man" in modern television due to his influence on the industry.
24. His work has become culturally significant, influencing not only television but also film and literature.

Hollywood Series and Real-Life Inspirations

Murphy's Hollywood series explores themes of equality in 1940s Hollywood, blending fiction with real-life inspirations.

25. Hollywood is an underdog triumph that highlights the industry's lack of diversity during that era.
26. The main cast includes fictional characters like Jack Castello and Camille Washington, alongside real individuals like Rock Hudson and Anna May Wong.
27. Rock Hudson's character is based on a real person whose sexuality was a mystery in Hollywood.
28. Anna May Wong was Hollywood's first Chinese star, who lost out on the starring role in The Good Earth to Luise Rainer.

Passion for Music and First Emmy Win

Murphy's passion for music and his early success with Glee are noteworthy aspects of his career.

29. As a child, Murphy was part of a choir and later joined a vocal ensemble called Singing Hoosiers while attending Indiana University Bloomington.
30. Murphy's first Emmy nomination was for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for Nip/Tuck in 2004.
31. He won his first Emmy Award for directing Glee in 2010.

Documentaries and Multiple Projects

Murphy's versatility extends to documentary filmmaking and working on multiple projects simultaneously.

32. Murphy has ventured into documentary filmmaking, often tied to his deal with Netflix.
33. Due to his immense demand from streaming services and big-name platforms, Murphy often works on multiple projects simultaneously.

Influence on LGBTQ+ Representation

Murphy has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media, contributing to a more inclusive television landscape.

34. Murphy's shows often feature complex and diverse LGBTQ+ characters.
35. His commitment to representation has had a profound impact on the industry.

Procedural Dramas and Collaborations

Murphy's work also includes procedural dramas and collaborations with other notable creators.

36. Murphy created the procedural drama series 9-1-1 and its spin-off 9-1-1: Lone Star.
37. He has collaborated with creators like Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan on successful projects such as Glee and American Horror Story.

Tackling Social Issues

Murphy's shows often address social issues, contributing to the national conversation on topics like racism, sexism, and homophobia.

38. Murphy's work tackles social issues, bringing these topics to the forefront.
39. His shows have contributed significantly to the national conversation on these issues.

Cultural Significance and Philanthropy

Murphy's work has become culturally significant, and he is also involved in philanthropic efforts.

40. Murphy's ability to create complex characters and narratives has set a new standard for storytelling in the entertainment industry.
41. In addition to his Emmy Awards, Murphy has received a Tony Award and two Grammy Award nominations.
42. Murphy supports various organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.

Family Background and Personal Experiences

Murphy's family background and personal experiences have influenced his work and career.

43. Murphy's mother, J. Andy Murphy, was a beauty queen who left her career to raise her two sons.
44. Murphy’s father worked in the newspaper industry as a circulation director for 30 years.
45. Murphy came out as gay at the age of 15, significantly influencing his later work.
46. After coming out, Murphy saw his first therapist, who found nothing wrong with him other than being "too precocious for his own good."

High School Life and Creative Process

Murphy's high school experiences and creative process have shaped his unique storytelling style.

47. Murphy secretly dated "a lot of football players" in high school and performed with a choir, which later influenced his work on Glee.
48. Murphy’s experience as a journalist researching plastic surgery in Beverly Hills inspired the signature line "Tell me what you don't like about yourself" from Nip/Tuck.
49. Murphy’s creative process often involves pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable on television.
50. Murphy often collaborates with other writers and directors to bring his vision to life, leading to some of his most successful projects.

Ryan Murphy's Lasting Impact

Ryan Murphy has undeniably transformed modern television. From his early days in journalism to creating iconic shows like Glee, American Horror Story, and Pose, his work has consistently pushed boundaries. Murphy's commitment to inclusive storytelling has brought marginalized characters into the spotlight, making TV more diverse and relatable.

His Netflix deal, worth a staggering $300 million, underscores his influence and demand. Murphy's shows often tackle social issues, sparking conversations and challenging norms. Despite facing some criticisms, his innovative approach has earned him numerous awards, including six Emmys and a Tony.

Murphy's legacy extends beyond his projects. He's inspired a new generation of creators to be bold and authentic. As he continues to shape the entertainment landscape, Ryan Murphy's impact will be felt for years to come.