Alan Ritchson (born November 28, 1982, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.) is an American actor and model. He studied at Northwest Florida State College and began with modeling and singing, gaining early visibility on American Idol before transitioning into television roles like Smallville, building his screen career.
He gained recognition as Thad Castle in Blue Mountain State and achieved wider fame as Jack Reacher in Reacher, alongside roles in Titans and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Known for commanding physical presence and action-driven performances, he transitioned into a leading figure in action television.
He has continued leading Reacher while expanding into writing, directing, and producing, developing projects across film and television. With strong audience appeal and growing creative control, he remains a prominent figure shaping modern action entertainment and streaming success.