Thomas Jay Ryan is an American actor known for his career in independent film and theater. His fame is particularly linked to his collaboration with director Hal Hartley, for whom he played the iconic lead role in the film *Henry Fool* (1997), a character he reprised in the sequels *Fay Grim* (2006) and *Ned Rifle* (2014). His filmography also includes roles in films such as *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind* and *The Legend of Bagger Vance*. Parallel to his film career, Ryan has cultivated an extensive stage career, especially in the New York Off-Broadway scene, where he has distinguished himself in numerous productions. He has received several accolades for his stage performances, including Obie Awards. In 2024, he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his performance in *Uncle Vanya* on Broadway, cementing his status as a versatile and critically acclaimed actor.