Robert Ryan at the March

Before delving into the research on my recent Robert Ryan video, I had a vague awareness of Ryan's involvement in numerous liberal and progressive causes. In contrast to the bigots and villains he portrayed on screen, Robert Ryan was profoundly socially conscious and served as an advocate for equal rights, free speech, nuclear test bans, and progressive education.

In the 1950s, both he and his wife played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Oakwood School. This institution welcomed children of all races, creeds, and colors. He was also an active participant in organizations that opposed the political overreach of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).

In 1959, Ryan costarred with Harry Belafonte in Odds Against Tomorrow. In the film, Ryan plays bigot Earle Slater. After the release of the film he penned an article for Ebony magazine in which he explained his own views versus those of his best known characters and why it was important that he play men like Earle Slater.