Ryan began his carer playing Billy Douglas, the first gay teenager in a daily soap opera, which began a buzz about him that started a cult following and led him to mainstream popularity. Each of his early starring film roles was sexier than the last: "Little Boy Blue," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "54," "Cruel Intentions." By the time he slipped on those go-go boy satin shorts in "54," America all but had a collective orgasm. His roles up to this point were all about Ryan's characters as sex objects. Indeed his role of Shane in "54" was like a magnified reflection of Ryan's real career to that point. In 2000, this trend changed dramatically. He took on more complex, dramatic roles that relied more on his skill as an actor than on his remarkable physical beauty. "The Way of the Gun," "AntiTrust," "Crash," and "Flags of Our Fathers" offered him bold, smart, powerful and thoughtful roles and the chance to transcend his Hollywood hunk status.
For your consideration is the original pair of silver satin shorts Ryan wore in "54" as sexy Shane O'Shea! We are aware of only 4 pairs of shorts ever authenticated by the studio for this character. 2 were extra small for a scene where he wears the shorts for the first time in the wrong size, and 2 pairs were for all of the other scenes in the film in a size that actually fit him. This pair is the last pair held by the studio and one of the 2 pairs that fit. This final pair was purchased at a live action hosted by Premiere Props in November of 2006. This pair of Shane's shorts comes with the original costumer's tag marked "2 pairs that fit" as well as 2 certificates of authenticity. These short shorts may have been custom made for this production from a man-made satin. They have no tags in them at all to indicate a maker or size. They do not appear to have been ever laundered as there is a faint stain on the inside front of the shorts from which you may draw your own conclusions. Otherwise, these shorts are in very good screenworn condition. They would make a superb display as an iconic piece of thrilling cinematic history or simply a shrine to a Hollywood star. $749
If you are considering a display, you might also be interested in the available matching shorts worn by his co-star and friend, Breckin Meyer.
