Ryan James Clark (born 9 April 1983) is an Australian lifeguard and former television and film actor. He became known for his portrayal of Sam Marshall in Home and Away over the course of a decade, from 1991 until 2001 before becoming a Waverley Council lifeguard on Bondi Beach and featuring in Bondi Rescue.
Early life Clark was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and was raised in the Sydney beachside suburb of Bronte. He was a member of Bronte Surf Club as a child.
Career
Acting Clark is best known for his role as Sam Marshall in the soap opera Home and Away. He auditioned for the series and secured the role in 1991, shortly after joining an actors agency at the age of seven. Clark was surprised at having been cast, as he had never undertaken acting classes. He was only allowed to film three days a week, so he could continue to attend school. However, he was provided with a tutor on set so he could keep up with his schoolwork.
Clark decided to leave the serial in 2000 in order to pursue a surfing career. He returned to the role in a guest capacity in 2001. In 2005, Clark reprised the role alongside several past cast members to celebrate the serial's 4000th episode.
Clark appeared as Pete, an Australian surfer in the 2000 direct-to-video film Our Lips Are Sealed, featuring the Olsen Twins. In 2003, he made a guest appearance in an episode of White Collar Blue, and in 2008, he played a minor role in the Australian film The Black Balloon. In May 2024 after more than a decade away from acting, Clark was named as part of the cast for feature film Kangaroo.
Bondi lifeguard In 2003, Clark began working as a Waverley Council lifeguard on Bondi Beach, and since 2006, has featured in the factual television programme Bondi Rescue. As a lifeguard, he is better known by his nickname 'Whippet'.
Filmography
Television Year Title Role Type 1991–2001,2002, 2005 Home and Away Sam Marshall TV soap opera, 615 episodes 2003 White Collar Blue Michael Spencer TV series, 1 episode 2006–2021 Bondi Rescue Himself Reality documentary series, 113 episodes 2008 Bondi Rescue Bali Self (Ryan 'Whippet' Clark) Reality documentary series, 7 episodes 2020 Freesurfer Series Two Host TV series, 2022 Surftag Championships 2022 Host TV special
Film Year Title Role Type 2000 Our Lips Are Sealed Pete Film 2008 The Black Balloon Dean Feature film 2013 Beach Bum Lifeguard Short film 2025 Kangaroo Lifeguard Jonesy Film
Personal life As of 2018, Clark and his wife, Gina, have two children.
References
External links
Ryan Clark at tenplay.com.au