When Ryan Lino joined Family Law in its second season, he didn’t know the role would become “the biggest blessing in my acting career so far.” Now, with Season 4 having premiered last month on The CW, the Vancouver-based actor reflects on his early passion for performing, his journey in an unpredictable industry, and why authentic Filipino storytelling is part of his future.
From Manila to Vancouver
Ryan Lino was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada when he was eight years old. “I grew up in Vancouver for most of my life… so I’m a proud Filipino, but also a proud Vancouverite as well.”
His love for performing started young. “Performing is just baked into the Filipino DNA… we are such a communal culture… that’s a big part of how we share our feelings and celebrate life is really just enjoying life and communicating through song and dance.”
One of his earliest memories was in prep school at age five, when he played José Rizal, the Philippine national hero. “I was the smallest of the class… but for some reason, being on stage… I just remembered really loving being on stage and kind of loving that experience and that interaction with the audience… I think I enjoy performing and being another character.”
Growing up in a Filipino household also meant plenty of informal “performances.” “I’m sure every Filipino kid can relate to this… going to a Christmas party and being forced by your parents to… sing in front of your aunts and uncles… a big performative experience as an actor.”
Choosing Acting in a Culture of Stability
Even with that early spark, Lino says he wrestled with the idea of pursuing acting full-time. “It’s scary, and there is a sense of shame to admit you want to be an artist and label yourself as an actor… I knew that was what my passion really was but I had to think of backup ways… something more stable.”
He explored careers in film production, editing, and even law school. But, he says, “it was pretty clear, deep down, that acting was the only way… that was the only way I was gonna be able to survive creatively and emotionally and mentally. When people ask me if there’s an alternate job I can do, I honestly don’t have an answer to give because I’d rather not do anything besides being an actor.”
He also understands why immigrant parents might hesitate to see their children enter such an uncertain profession. “You want the best for your kids. You want stability… the acting journey is… not an upward sort of trajectory… sometimes you won’t work for years, and that’s… part of the life that you choose as an actor.”
Life on Family Law
Since Season 2, Lino has appeared in every episode while maintaining flexibility between seasons. “I have pretty free reign after the show ends… After every season ends, I’m always like, ‘I need to book something because I don’t know what the next thing is.’ It’s that scarcity mindset… you are always fearful that this is the last thing you’re ever gonna work on.”
That anxiety, he says, is eased by the relationships he’s built on set. “When I met them… they were the warmest and most generous and welcoming group of people. They all welcomed me with literal open arms.”
Over the years, he’s gained not only screen time, but perspective. “I learned so much being on that set… I gained a lot of confidence as an actor, but also really appreciated… the kindness that they would show… and thinking like this is how you properly treat other people in the industry… that’s something I’m gonna forever take with me when I go to another set. It was almost like going to acting school in many ways.”
Stepping back into his role each season feels natural. “\[My character] Winston, his essence is buried deep inside me somewhere… I can relate to him as a character quite easily… Even if you do feel awkward, it’s okay… we’re just having fun.”
Building Filipino Stories
Recently, Ryan Lino starred in 3 Ates and a Wedding, a Filipino short film with an all-Filipino cast and predominantly Filipino crew currently in the festival circuit. “That experience really reminded me the importance of relating with other people who… understand that similar experience as you as a Filipino creative.”
For him, representation isn’t just a talking point—it’s a responsibility. “You can only really harp on the industry for so long… I had to really humble myself and learn… I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t… help with the progress of our community being represented.”
“Being around other Filipino creatives, you really have this camaraderie… you all get what the struggles are, but also the joy of being a Filipino… that’s something I hope to really explore further… being able to create work that really speaks true to the Filipino experience… as authentic and as unapologetically Filipino as possible.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Asked to sum up his advice for young actors in ten words or less, Lino offered five: “Patience, resilience, humility, joy and kindness.”
You can see Ryan Lino in Family Law, airing new episodes Wednesdays at 8pm ET on The CW
