Ryan O'Connell

4.5 out of 5

Emmy Award-Winning Star & Creator of "Special"; Author, LGBTQ Activist & Disability Advocate

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Ryan O'Connell Biography

Ryan O’Connell is a two-time Emmy Award winner known for creating "Special," a four-time Emmy-nominated and Writers Guild Award-winning short-form series on Netflix, which he wrote and executive produced for two seasons. The series, also executive produced by Jim Parsons, draws from O’Connell’s experiences as a gay man with cerebral palsy. He has received a Special Recognition Award from GLAAD and a Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign.

O’Connell served as co-executive producer and star of the "Queer as Folk" reboot on Peacock. His writing credits include NBC’s revival of "Will & Grace," MTV’s "Awkward," and Netflix’s "The Baby-Sitters Club."

In addition to his work in television, O’Connell is an author. His memoir, "I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves," was published by Simon & Schuster. His debut novel, "Just By Looking At Him," was published by Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. O’Connell is also involved in the film adaptation of his novel with FilmNation and Berlanti Productions.

O’Connell is recognized for his advocacy and public speaking on disability representation and LGBTQ+ issues, contributing to ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

BOOK Ryan O'Connell

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 12/02/2025.

Ryan O'Connell Videos

'Special' Creator Ryan O'Connell Is Changing Hollywood

'Special' Creator Ryan O'Connell Is Changing Hollywood

One of Ryan O’Connell’s biggest pet peeves is when strangers on the street stop to ask him if he’s “OK.” But O’Connell, a gay man with...

Meet Ryan O'Connell From “Special”

Meet Ryan O'Connell From “Special”

We sat down with queer writer and actor Ryan O'Connell to discuss his new Netflix+Stage13 show, "Special."

  • How do I book Ryan O'Connell to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ryan O'Connell for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Ryan O'Connell, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ryan O'Connell or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Ryan O'Connell

    Speaking fees for Ryan O'Connell, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ryan O'Connell are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ryan O'Connell, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ryan O'Connell speak about?

    Ryan O'Connell is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Author, Celebrity, Civil Rights, College, Comedian, Disability, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainment, Inspirational, LGBTQ, Social Activism, Television & Film
  • Where does Ryan O'Connell travel from?

    Ryan O'Connell generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Ryan O'Connell’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Ryan O'Connell for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ryan O'Connell for your next private or corporate function.
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Ryan O'Connell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ryan O'Connell for your event is available upon request. Ryan O'Connell generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Geena Rocero, Alok Vaid-Menon, Daniel Franzese, Karamo and Janet Mock. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ryan O'Connell for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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