Q and A with Ryan Hurst

Ryan Douglas Hurst (born June 19, 1976) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Gerry Bertier in Disney’s Remember the Titans, and as Opie on the FX network series Sons of Anarchy.

Growing up in a Hollywood family, Hurst made a very early start in the show business, with a recurring role in the NBC comedy, Saved by the Bell: The New Class.^[5] Hurst also gained recognition as Allison’s half-brother, Michael, in Medium. Additionally, he played the football player Lump Hudson in the film The Ladykillers (2004), appeared in We Were Soldiers as Sgt. Savage, and starred in the TNT show Wanted. In Saving Private Ryan, Hurst portrayed a paratrooper who, because of temporary hearing loss, could not understand Captain Miller’s questions about sighting Private Ryan, which forces Miller (played by Tom Hanks) to ask the questions in writing.

Hurst’s biggest break came in FX’s show, Sons of Anarchy. Originally a recurring cast member in Season 1, he was promoted to main cast member in Season 2, since he became a fan favorite. His character, Opie Winston, newly released from a five-year prison stint and “living right”, but not making ends meet, gets back into SAMCRO to provide for his family, despite his wife’s objections and his knowing the risks. Hurst’s portrayal of Opie earned him a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Hurst also voiced Jedidiah in the Box-Office hit Rango (2011).