Ryan Duncan was born in Fort Devens, Mass and grew up in Woodbridge Virginia. His Father was in the military, so his family moved all over the world: Arizona; New Orleans; Germany; Kansas; and Spain. He went to College at the University of Salamanca in Spain where he studied foreign language. (Spanish and French) He fell in love with theater in the sixth grade and has been hooked ever since. He took two years of dance at the Broadway Dance Center and studied Ballet and Jazz dancing. He has starred in a few short films and can be seen on the VHI Celebrity reality spots. Ryan originated the role of Juan in Altar Boyz. .

I sat down with Ryan at Raku restaurant in Times Square to learn more about him. Ryan and I dined on spicy salmon rolls. Ryan loves spicy foods, just like his character, Juan. We each had our own extra spicy sauce on the side. I love a man who is spicy.

Ryan Duncan of Altar Boyz - Photo Credit Ray of Raku

Corine Cohen : Ryan, If you could change the world, what would you change and why?

Ryan Duncan: I would love to start an arts programs in other countries and communities in need here in the United States.  A friend of mine is working with a girl who started a program in Zambia and she asked me to be a part of it in the near future.  I think young people need an outlet for their creativity.

Corine Cohen: That is wonderful!  As Juan, you play the spicy, sexy, hot Latin lover. Are you anything like Juan?

Ryan Duncan: I'm not very much like Juan actually.  There are parts of me in the character of course, but Juan makes the first move...Ryan doesn't. 

Corine Cohen: You seem very sweet! Who do you admire most and why?

Ryan Duncan:  I don't know if there's one person I admire in particular.  I admire people who try to make a difference in the world when they don't have to - people with money who spread it around to help others.  In this business, I admire the people who write and produce their own projects, because they believe so much in the craft and in entertaining the masses.

Corine Cohen: Since your Mother was trying out for Survivor, did you ever think of doing it?

Ryan Duncan: I did think of doing Survivor for a very short time, but I would never want to steal her thunder.  Besides...millions of viewers get to see your worst days.

Corine Cohen: What do you do other than dancing eight times a week to stay in shape?

Ryan Duncan: I love jogging and I do go to the gym, but it's been tough with our schedule.  I try to eat as healthy as I can, stay hydrated and SLEEP.

Corine Cohen: Good advice! If you could have three wishes what would they be and why?

Ryan Duncan : Right now I'd wish to own a home/apartment or someplace that's mine that I'm not renting. My second wish would be to be at the beach. I'll be there on Monday. My third... hmm...for another great role like Juan to come along.

Corine Cohen : If Raku created a Juan roll, what would be inside?

Ryan Duncan: It would definitely be spicy and probably contain avocado - maybe salmon and fish roe.

Corine Cohen: Sounds great! If you could play any Broadway role, what would it be and why?

Ryan Duncan : I love the Princeton/Rod character in AvenueQ.

Corine Cohen : I could totally see you in that role! Do you have puppetry skills?

Ryan Duncan: I auditioned for it and I had a call back. I also had puppetry class with Jennifer Barnhart at Altar Boyz.

Corine Cohen: For the Lamb Chop scene? I love Jennifer.

Ryan Duncan: She is really great! All of the people I have met at Q are really nice.

Corine Cohen: They are a great group. I can totally see you in that. Additionally you have the same producers. Well, at least Robyn Goodman. I met her at a talk at Brandeis and she was great.

Ryan Duncan: She is.

Corine Cohen: You really need to be on Broadway!

Ryan Duncan: I hope so. I love working in the theater.

Corine Cohen: What are some of your favorite shows other than Altar Boyz?

Ryan Duncan: [I loved]: Bridge and Tunnel; The Color Purple; Avenue Q; and Spelling Bee. I also loved Title of Show!

Corine Cohen: We have very similar taste! You listed many of my favorites. I know your last show in Altar Boyz is on July 2nd. What will you be doing next?

Ryan Duncan: I will be in The Atrainplays on August 2nd. It is so much fun. We get the scripts the night before and have less than a day to learn the lines. It is so exciting, but also a bit scary.

Corine Cohen: Wow. Sounds really interesting. I want to go.

Ryan Duncan: I have been doing it for a few years now. I got some of my friends in it. Cheyenne, Stephanie D'Abruzzo. It should be great.

Corine Cohen: I will have to be there. I hope to see you on Broadway soon.

Ryan Duncan: I do too. I will be in a Fringe play this summer called Hermanas.

Corine Cohen: What is it about?

Ryan Duncan: Mexican Jews.

Corine Cohen: Sounds interesting. Is it spicy?

Ryan Duncan: You will have to check it out to find out.

Corine Cohen: I will! What is your favorite thing about New York City?

Ryan Duncan: The variety of everything; the food; the theater; the night life.

Corine Cohen: What is your favorite dish?

Ryan Duncan: Nachos and great guacamole.

Corine Cohen: What is your favorite dessert?

Ryan Duncan: Hagen Daz strawberry or vanilla ice cream or cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. I also love Amy's Bread.

Corine Cohen : Thanks, Ryan for taking time to talk with me. It was a pleasure meeting you. I was very impressed with your performance in Altar Boyz. I hope to see you on Broadway very soon. You have so much talent.

In spending time with Ryan, I learned that he is not very spicy, but very polite, funny and sweet. It was a pleasure dining with him.

For more information about Altar Boyz: http://www.altarboyz.com/