Ryan Stiles, the beloved comedian and improvisation genius, has entertained audiences for decades with his sharp wit and unique humor.
Whether you know him from Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Drew Carey Show, or his appearances on Two and a Half Men, Stiles is undoubtedly one of the great comedic figures of our time.
But aside from his humor and unmistakable presence, there’s one question that fans often ask—how tall is Ryan Stiles? His towering height makes him stand out on every stage and screen he graces, so let’s get into the details!
Who Is Ryan Stiles?
Before we address his height, let’s take a moment to understand who Ryan Stiles is and what makes him such an icon.
Ryan Stiles was born on April 22, 1959, in Seattle, Washington, but grew up in Vancouver, Canada. His comedic career began at a young age when he dropped out of high school to pursue stand-up comedy, eventually joining the prestigious Second City comedy ensemble in both Toronto and Los Angeles.
From there, Ryan went on to star in several shows that cemented his place in comedic history, most notably the British and American versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?. He also played memorable roles as Lewis Kiniski on The Drew Carey Show and Dr. Herb Melnick on Two and a Half Men.
What distinguishes Ryan, aside from his talent, is his physical stature. His incredible height, combined with his knack for physical comedy, has often become a part of his on-screen persona.
How Tall Is Ryan Stiles?
To answer the big question—Ryan Stiles stands at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches tall (198 cm). For context, the average male height in the U.S. is around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), making Stiles significantly taller than most. His height is so notable that it has frequently become a running joke in his professional work.
Stiles himself has joked about his towering presence, even modestly claiming to be 6’5″ on occasion, though most sources confirm his true height as 6’6″. When asked about his foot size (a U.S. size 14), Ryan humorously stated, “My mother was right when she said I’d look really stupid with small feet at this height.”
Why Does Ryan Stiles’ Height Stand Out?
Ryan’s 6’6″ stature often appears even more dramatic due to several factors.
1. His Slim Build
Ryan has a lean frame, which tends to make tall individuals look even taller. His slim silhouette, paired with his broad shoulders, gives him an elegant yet larger-than-life presence.
2. Height Comparisons in *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*
Part of the reason his height stands out is the contrast with the rest of the Whose Line Is It Anyway? cast:
- Colin Mochrie, well-known for his partnership with Ryan, is 6’2″.
- Wayne Brady, often referred to as “the short one” on the show, is 6 feet tall.
- Drew Carey, the host, is comparatively shorter at 5’10”.
On-stage, Ryan’s height sets him apart, and it has often been the subject of hilarious jokes. His physical comedy—whether exaggerating his movements or towering over his co-stars—adds an extra layer of humor to his performances.
3. Television Camera Angles
Television has a way of making tall people seem even taller. Certain camera angles emphasize Ryan’s height, especially when he’s standing next to shorter co-stars or leaning into physical comedy.
How Has His Height Impacted His Career?
Ryan Stiles’ height has been both a blessing and a unique feature in his comedic career.
1. Physical Comedy
His towering frame is a natural asset for physical comedy. From exaggerated gestures to goofy movements, Ryan uses his height to great effect on screen. Whether he’s bending down to talk to Drew Carey or towering over Colin Mochrie, his height often becomes part of the gag.
2. Iconic On-Screen Moments
Some of Ryan’s most memorable performances use his height as comedic fuel. For instance:
- His towering presence often adds hilarity to dances or skits on Whose Line Is It Anyway?.
- On The Drew Carey Show, his character Lewis Kiniski’s oddball antics were sometimes accentuated by his height.
- His role as Herb Melnick on Two and a Half Men often played on the visual contrast between Ryan and the much shorter Jon Cryer and Charlie Sheen.
3. Practical Challenges
Of course, being 6’6″ isn’t always easy. Ryan has humorously remarked on some of the practical challenges of his height, such as finding shoes that fit or squeezing into airplane seats. While these challenges are relatable to many tall individuals, Ryan always approaches them with humor.
Fun Facts About Ryan Stiles
To fully appreciate the towering comedic giant that is Ryan Stiles, here are a few fun facts worth sharing:
- Shoe Size: Ryan wears a size 14 shoe. Fittingly large for someone of his stature!
- Dislike for “Hoedown” Segments: On Whose Line Is It Anyway?, he famously disliked the musical segments, especially “Hoedown,” often rolling his eyes or jokingly sabotaging the songs.
- Improv Pioneer: When not filming, Ryan runs a small improv theatre in Washington, aptly named The Upfront Theatre, supporting improv comedy in his local community.
- Philanthropy: Ryan has raised over $500,000 for children with burn injuries and is actively involved in charitable causes.
Ryan Stiles’ Legacy: Standing Tall in Comedy
Ryan Stiles may be known for his towering height, but his contributions to comedy are just as impressive. From his improvisational brilliance on Whose Line Is It Anyway? to his unforgettable roles on network television, Ryan has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His height may set him apart physically, but it’s his humor, wit, and creativity that truly make him larger than life.
Who’s your favorite performer from Whose Line Is It Anyway?—and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
Are Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie still friends?
Yes! Ryan and Colin have remained close friends for decades. Their comedic chemistry, both on and off-screen, is a testament to their enduring friendship.
What is Ryan Stiles’ shoe size?
Ryan wears a U.S. size 14, befitting his 6’6″ frame.
Is Ryan Stiles married?
Yes, Ryan has been married to Patricia McDonald since 1988. They met at a comedy club where Patricia was working as a waitress. The couple has three children.
Are Ryan Stiles and Drew Carey friends?
Absolutely. Ryan and Drew have been friends since their days on The Drew Carey Show, and their collaborations have spanned years, including on Whose Line Is It Anyway?.
