VetFamily: Ryan Seacrest, The Hardest Working Man in Hollywood

Ryan Seacrest, the son of an Army Veteran, is often referred to as the “hardest-working man in Hollywood”, and he’s living up to his nickname - Seacrest recently moved to New York City to become Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host on the popular morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Ryan Seacrest already has a full professional plate. He hosts nationally-syndicated daily radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest, is the host and executive producer of ABC’s New Years’ Rockin Eve and E! Live from the Red Carpet, Produces Keeping Up with the Kardashians through his Emmy-winning production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, and will likely return as this season’s host of American Idol. Amazingly, Seacrest still has time to chair the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which allows children at pediatric hospitals across the country to express themselves through broadcasting and entertainment. We aren’t sure when he finds the time to sleep!

Where does Ryan get his ceaseless work ethic? It is no surprise that he comes from a military family. Both of his grandfathers fought in WWII, and his father, Gary Lee Seacrest, served in the United States Army. Gary trained at Fort Benning, on the Alabama-Georgia border. After he had finished Officer Candidate School, Gary received word that he would be stationed in West Berlin, Germany. It was 1969, during the Vietnam War, and he was in a serious relationship with Ryan Seacrest’s mother, Connie. “I wasn’t sure she should marry a soldier with the Vietnam War going on,” Gary said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “but we decided to do it and spend some time together before whatever would happen.”

The couple has now been married for 47 years. Ryan Seacrest, despite his many professional obligations, always makes time to visit with his parents and sister, Meredith. “I look at what my mom and dad have had for 40-plus years – a fantastic relationship and great marriage,” Seacrest said in an interview with People Magazine. “Someday I’d like that. They’re my role models.”

Ryan has supported the military through his involvement in Clear Channel’s iHeart Radio show “Show Your Stripes the largest public service program in the company’s history. Seacrest came together with celebs like Kelly Clarkson and John Legend to address the issue of veteran unemployment. “The men and women who have served our country have picked up qualities in the military that any employer would covet – loyalty, reliability, dedication and so many others,” said Ryan Seacrest in a radio spot.

We can see all of these military qualities he lists in his character, and it’s inspiring to see him helping to give other veterans the chance to find fulfilling work. Whether we call him “the next Dick Clark” or “the hardest working man in Hollywood,” his military roots are apparent in his dedication, work ethic, and willingness to give back to the military community.

Credit: Disney ABC Press photo

Credit: U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jim Greenhill