Ryan Newman is a young performer who has built a multi-faceted career as an actress, model, singer and dancer. Her growing fan base exceeds two hundred thousand on Twitter, a milestone that reflects the momentum behind her rise. Her credits include popular titles such as Zeke and Luther, Hannah Montana, and Big Time Dreams, a star-studded Nickelodeon movie that served as the culmination of the Big Time Rush series.
Currently, Newman headlines alongside Scott Baio and Ramy Youssef in Nickelodeon’s See Dad Run. The show follows David, a former TV star who returns home to become a stay-at-home dad while his wife returns to acting. Newman plays Emily Hobbs, the oldest child, a sharp-witted daughter navigating family life as she grows up. With more exciting projects on the horizon, Newman remains a talent to watch.
A recent interview touched on Big Time Dreams, the experience of working with Zac Efron, and summer fashion.
In Big Time Dreams, Newman guest stars as herself, sharing the screen with James Maslow and the other members of Big Time Rush. “It was very cool,” she said. “I was excited to work on Big Time Dreams because I had the chance to collaborate with James Maslow again on See Dad Run, and the other Big Time Rush members are incredibly kind. I had a blast and I got to play myself.”
On See Dad Run, Newman describes the show and her character Emily. The premise centers on a dad who once lived in the spotlight and is learning how to be a parent again as his children grow, offering viewers a look at evolving family dynamics.
When asked if she shares traits with Emily, Newman notes a strong overlap. “We have many similar characteristics and I feed off her energy. The main difference is that Emily is the oldest child, which changes how she relates to her siblings and her parents. Newman has an older sister in real life, which influences her perspective.”
Garry Marshall joined See Dad Run as a guest star, a moment Newman recalls as a dream come true. Other notable guests have included Tom Bergeron and Raven-Symone. When asked whom she would most like to invite to the show, she replies with her signature honesty, Zac Efron.
Describe a typical day on the See Dad Run set, and Newman explains the rhythm. Rehearsals start around 10 a.m., with line-by-line rehearsals and run-throughs that let producers and the network see the flow and make adjustments. Filming happens on Thursdays and Fridays, often at Paramount Studios, with occasional live audiences adding energy to the scenes.
The atmosphere on set is filled with laughter and spontaneity. Newman notes that working with Baio is especially enjoyable because their chemistry keeps the take light, and she can anticipate his reactions and pace.
Newman’s interest in acting began early. At two years old she started expressing a clear pull toward performance, inspired by anything on television. Her first major role came in Monster House, where she was the youngest performer motion captured. The process involved performers wearing motion-capture suits with reflective markers to capture every movement and facial expression, a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail that set Monster House apart from traditional animation.
If acting did not become her path, Newman envisions remaining in the entertainment industry in some form, whether it be fashion, beauty, hair and makeup, or directing. She even imagines other career avenues, including fields such as medicine or psychology.
Speaking about summer style, Newman says her go-to outfits are a cute dress or romper paired with booties. Given Los Angeles weather’s fickle nature, the outfit can quickly shift from sunny heat to a cooler evening, with a jacket ready to go.
Outside acting, she supports several causes. She recently highlighted The Farley Project, which focuses on anti-bullying efforts and promoting kindness. The group works in schools to spread messages of peace and respect. — Source: The Farley Project
For teens facing peer pressure and bullying, Newman offers practical guidance: confidence matters, and rising above negative comments helps remind them that bullies are often reacting to their own insecurities. The key is to stay true to oneself and not let others define worth.
Thank you to Ryan. While See Dad Run airs in the United States, it also reaches Canadian audiences, where it has been available on YTV, letting fans in Canada enjoy the show each week.