Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974 in Dunwoody, Georgia) is an American radio and television personality, most famous as the host of the reality-television talent-search series American Idol.
Seacrest began his broadcasting career aged 16 while still in high school as an evening radio host for WSTR FM. Seacrest attended the University of Georgia, where he majored in journalism, and hosted an afternoon radio program on the Los Angeles radio station KYSR, Star 98.7, from 1995 to 2003.
Ryan's first television job was as a reporter for a weekend morning show created by CNET, that showcased new technology. Later he was a co-host, with MTV's Maria Sansone, of the syndicated Gladiators 2000. During college, Seacrest hosted ESPN's Radical Outdoor Challenge program; this led him to a series of television hosting jobs which culminated in the position as co-host of the hit reality TV series American Idol in 2002 with Brian Dunkleman. The following year, Seacrest became the sole host. In 2003, he also hosted the spin-off show American Juniors.
In January 2004, Seacrest launched a daily entertainment/variety/talk syndicated television program, On Air With Ryan Seacrest. However, due to low ratings, the show was cancelled and aired its last episode on September 17, 2004. Also in 2004, Seacrest created a new sign-off phrase for himself, "Seacrest... OUT", with hopes that it would become a catch phrase. Unfortunately the response was less than expected as the saying only became much derided and lampooned.
On January 10, 2004, Seacrest became the new host of the legendary radio program American Top 40, created and formerly hosted by Casey Kasem, syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks. Prior to taking over as host, Ryan was a substitute host four times in 2003 during the final months of Kasem's tenure.
In February 2004, Seacrest became host of popular Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM's morning show, replacing long-time host Rick Dees. This show, also named On Air With Ryan Seacrest, remains on the air.
In late April 2005, Seacrest received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at the age of 30. In contrast to the numerous legendary Hollywood stars that populate the walk, this honor to the former DJ was viewed as a dubious and controversial one by many. As a result, in May 2005 a generous amount of media attention focused on an anonymous blogger using the pseudonym of "Assistant Atlas" who offered an Internet contest with a prize of $50 to anyone who could successfully defecate on Seacrest's Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
In August 2005 it was announced that Seacrest would become executive producer and co-host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and that he would eventually become Clark's successor. On December 31, 2005, Seacrest did much of the hosting duties on the show, with Clark's role limited due to speech and mobility challenges following his recovery from a stroke.
Seacrest also occasionally serves as a substitute host on the cable television program Larry King Live.
In January 2006 E! announced a three-year deal for Seacrest to host and produce various programs including its red carpet awards show coverages. An AP profile portrayed Seacrest as using both this and the Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve involvement as a springboard towards a long-lasting career in television production and ownership. He continues to live in L.A.
Seacrest has his own line of designer clothes, called the R Line.
American Top 40 - Host
Click - Host
Gladiators 2000 - Host
Wild Animal Games - Host
The New Edge - Host
Ultimate Revenge - Host
Reality Check - Jack Craft, who was stuck into a computer.
The NBC Saturday Night Movie - Host
American Idol - Co-host, then Host
American Juniors - Host
On Air with Ryan Seacrest - Host
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve - Co-host
