Ryan Jacob Paevey-Vlieger, better known as Ryan Paevey, is an American model and actor, best known for his role as Nathan West on the ABCsoap operaGeneral Hospital.
Early life
Paevey was born in Torrance, California and was raised in Los Angeles as the son of Les Vlieger and Linda Paevey. He has a younger sister Kaitlyn, with whom he is very close. Paevey ran track and cross country in high school. His hobbies include video games, surfing—which he did with his dad as a child—and cooking, and his favorite food is sushi. Paevey makes jewelry in his spare time. Paevey can speak some French and Japanese and can read Japanese. Paevey is of Dutch and Indonesian ancestry on his father's side. Paevey is a self-proclaimed "nature boy." Paevey also briefly lived in Harlem. Though Paevey did not plan to go into the entertainment industry, while in high school, he was scouted for modeling which eventually led to commercial acting. Paevey grew up working in construction with his father and bartending. Paevey explained that he initially turned down the modeling opportunities but eventually decided to act on one.
Career
As a model, Paevey has worked opposite Katy Perry and Cher. He also worked as body double for Robin Thicke during production of the music video for Thicke's "Sex Therapy." He also appeared in Christina Aguilera's 2012 music video for Your Body as he had previously worked with the video director. He also shot a campaign for Izod. Paevey has also appeared in a Corona commercial. After working as model for quite sometime and booking commercials, Paevey was encouraged to try his hand at acting. In December 2013, Paevey joined the cast of the ABC soap opera General Hospital in the contract role of Nathan West. The gig was Paevey's first series regular role. In October 2014, Paevey joined Extra as a guest co-host. In 2015, Paevey was cast as the lead in the Hallmark Channel original movie Unleashing Mr. Darcy which premiered on January 23, 2016. In 2017, he was cast as Will Nash in the Hallmark Channel original movie Harvest Love. In 2018, he starred as Mac in the Hallmark original movie, Hope at Christmas. In January 2018, Paevey announced his decision to depart General Hospital. In 2019 he was cast as a lead in the Hallmark Channel original movie Christmas at the Plaza where he played "Nick".
Personal life
In 2016, Paevey launched a brand called Fortunate Wanderer, selling custom prints of photography from his travels, handmade jewelry, and outdoor gear. He has a motorcycle that he named "Lilith." In July 2015, Paevey was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with a shattered wrist.
