At the onset of his acting career, Ritchson initially found himself stereotyped in roles portraying a superhero, law enforcement officer, or a character akin to the heartthrob in Magic Mike. Notably, in the series Blue Mountain State, he embodied the persona of Thad Castle, a prominent figure as a college football captain. However, his breakthrough arrived in 2005 when he secured the role of Aquaman in Smallville. Reflecting on this opportunity, he recalls being the sole individual among approximately 3,000 auditionees who opted for a natural portrayal devoid of affectations. “I relied on my innate instincts to exude authenticity. Although his character was a superhero, at the core, he was just an ordinary guy.”
This innate quality that Ritchson possesses renders him an ideal fit for the role of Reacher. Over time, the parallels between him and Reacher have only multiplied. Similar to Reacher, Ritchson, accompanied by his high school sweetheart turned wife and their three sons, has led a nomadic existence, traversing from one filming location to another without establishing permanent roots. Moreover, he exhibits a penchant for vigilantism and is dedicated to leveraging his stature and influence to aid others. “I’m the individual who willingly confronts perilous situations head-on,” he asserts. Recalling an incident where a thief attempted to pilfer his belongings while he exercised in a park, the perpetrator swiftly regretted his actions when Ritchson intervened. “If faced with a threatening scenario, I am prepared to take charge,” he nonchalantly remarks. “I firmly believe in promoting peace,” he emphasizes. “Hence, I strive to embody that principle.”
While Reacher navigates the world with almost sociopathic composure, resorting to physical confrontations, Ritchson, in contrast, exhibits a more heartfelt demeanor and is unafraid to exhibit his emotions during conversations. When discussing his work ethic, his voice rises, and his fists clench in determination. Noteworthy is the arduous process that recently entailed 16 hours to tattoo his forearm. “I may not be the most gifted, but I am resolute in my dedication,” he proclaims. Operating six days a week, dedicating five days to rigorous gym sessions, and meticulously memorizing scripts in their entirety prior to filming, Ritchson epitomizes diligence. A self-proclaimed “supertaster” by genetic disposition, he consumes “thousands” of Listerine tabs daily, driven by a fear of halitosis during scenes. “I approach my craft with utmost seriousness, expecting the same level of commitment from others,” he asserts. “It baffles me how many individuals, despite being compensated as professional artists, fail to exhibit preparedness. It’s disheartening, and I’ve reached my limit.”
During his rare moments of respite, Ritchson delves into reading, composing music, and updating his YouTube channel. Additionally, he cherishes his role as a father and relishes spending quality time with his sons. Preferring autonomy, he adopts a hands-on approach to various aspects of his life, including cutting his own curly hair, which he meticulously styles daily. “Unbeknownst to many, without my trusty [Dyson], my hair would resemble Bozo the Clown’s,” he quips. “If given the chance, I would opt for a shaved head in an instant.”