Rider Strong, the iconic Shawn Hunter from the ’90s series ‘Boy Meets World’, became a symbol of teenage rebellion. At just 13 years old, Ryder was cast as the best friend of Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) on the hit ABC sitcom.
The series became famous for touching on deep themes throughout Shawn’s life, such as homelessness, his father’s alcoholism, and the complexities of an interracial relationship.
Despite the fame he gained from the series, Rider Strong wasn’t too happy about it. Since his life was constantly in the public eye, he decided to distance himself from everything to do with the entertainment industry and leaned towards a more private life.
Shortly after the series ended in 2000, he chose to pursue a university degree. He enrolled at the prestigious Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
During his apprenticeship, Ryder found the privacy he craved. He lived a quiet life in the East Village, concentrating on his studies and staying away from public life.
After completing his studies, he returned to California and stayed out of the limelight. Although he occasionally accepted one role or another, he preferred to keep a low profile.
Once in Los Angeles, he focused on his work as a writer and director and formed a creative team with his brother Shiloh.
In 2014, Rider returned to television to reprise his role as Shawn Hunter in “Girl Meets World,” the sequel to “Boy Meets World.” Although initially reluctant to join the project, he accepted on the condition that he be allowed to direct some episodes, which was the case until 2017, when the series was cancelled.
In 2019, Rider premiered his project Never Ever Land, a story that explores the trauma of fame and fortune, inspired by the case of Jordan Chandler, who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse.
In addition to his work in film and television, Strong became an active participant in the literary world. In 2012 he founded the podcast ‘Literary Disco’, together with Julia Pistell and Tod Goldberg, where they analyze and recommend books and discuss topics related to literature.
As for his personal life, he has been very discreet, but thanks to his social networks it is known that he is married since 2006 to Alexandra Barreto, mother of his 10-year-old son, Indigo, who is affectionately called “Indy. ‘.
Strong is also an active member of political demands, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, and an active participant in protests in Los Angeles in recent years, such as the March for Public Education and the March for Our Lives led by American high school and college students for supporting strict gun control policy and legislation;
In June 2022, Rider premiered with former “Learning to Live” co-stars Danielle Fishel (Topanga Lawrence) and Will Friedle (Eric Matthews), where the three rewatch episodes of the com and share memories behind the cameras and interviews other actors and producers who were involved in the series. The program lasted only one year, from 2023 the YouTube channel has no updates.
Today, Rider, 44, still acts occasionally, does voice-over work and devotes himself to writing and directing, all while maintaining a low-profile family life.
His most recent work, according to IMDB, was in the animated series Star vs. the Forces of Evil where he voiced the character of Tom Draconius Lucitor, the demon prince of the Underworld and former friend of Star Butterfly.
Source: univision
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
