Ryan Hamilton

Ryan Hamilton (born 1976) is an American stand-up comedian who uses observational, sarcastic, and self-deprecating humor. He is known as a clean comedian and his material focuses on his own experiences, including his single life, skydiving, hot air balloons, and his huge smile. He was named one of Rolling Stones Five Comics to Watch in 2012, and also has made standout appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, The Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, and Showtime.

Early life Hamilton was born in 1976 in Ashton, Idaho, a small potato farming community. He attended BYU-Idaho, receiving an associate degree in journalism and public relations. He then transferred to Brigham Young University and earned a bachelor's degree in public relations.

Stand-up comedy career Ryan started performing in Salt Lake City, Utah clubs. He also lived and performed in Seattle and performed often in Boston, all of which he considers his "comedy homes". He has appeared in several festivals and competitions including winning the Sierra Mist "America's Next Great Comic" search in 2005 and joining their national tour. He has been a regular performer at the Just for Laughs Comedy festivals, including Montreal and Sydney, and was a two-time semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing. He has also performed stand-up on Conan, Comedy Central, and Showtime. Hamilton also opened for Jerry Seinfeld on his 2019 Live tour.

His one-hour special, Happy Face, became available on Netflix on August 29, 2017. On June 23, 2026, his stand-up special, This Just Hit Me, was released on Netflix.

Filmography Film and television appearances Year Title Role Notes 2026 This Just Hit Me Himself Netflix stand up special 2019-23 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Himself 2 episodes 2017 Ryan Hamilton: Happy Face Himself Stand up special 2016 The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Himself 1 episode 2015 The Late Late Show Himself 1 episode 2014 Inside Amy Schumer Himself 1 episodes (2.08) 2011-14 Conan Himself 2 episodes 2011 Comedy.tv Himself 1 episode (1.21) The Ha!ifax Comedy Fest Himself and writer Caroline Rhea & Friends Himself TV movie 2010 Detroit International Comedy Festival Himself Documentary Last Comic Standing Himself Semi-finalist 2007 Live at Gotham Himself 1 episode (2.6) Last Comic Standing Himself Semi-finalist

Personal life Hamilton resides in New York City. He recovered at his family home in Idaho.