New Age Sensitive Guy Brings Heart to the Beast

Auckland-born Jay Ryan, 32, “brings a deep-voiced sensitivity to Vincent”, in his role as the “Beast” in the CBS remake of the 1980’s TV show Beauty and the Beast starring Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton.

“Ryan portrays Vincent as being a little awkward, almost shy, and that’s part of his appeal. For this is a man who’s lost everything, friends, position, girlfriend, who’s hunted, afraid of who he might harm. But he’s also surprisingly gentle, though fiercely protective of [detective Catherine Chandler],” The Reporter writes in a review of the show, which is currently screening on Australia’s Eleven channel.

“Beauty and the Beast offers a dash of romance, action and fantasy. Throw in good looking actors, seriously unpleasant adversaries and this is an entertaining series.”

Since 2009, Ryan has played Kevin in the New Zealand comedy/drama series Go Girls. In 2011, he joined the cast of the Australian comedy/drama series Offspring.