About The Ryan White Story

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

The Ryan White Story is a biographical drama released in 1989. It revolves around the true story of Ryan White, an American teenager who contracted HIV/AIDS through a contaminated blood treatment. The movie follows Ryan's struggle against discrimination, social stigma, and his fight to attend school, ultimately becoming a spokesperson for AIDS awareness.

The film highlights Ryan's journey as he faces hate and fear, both from his community and the education system. It also showcases the heartwarming support he receives from his mother, Jeanne, and his best friend, Phil, as they confront the prejudices surrounding the disease in their small town.

Making / Production

The Ryan White Story was directed by John Herzfeld and written by Phil Penningroth. It was produced by Linda Otto and Michael Nelson. The movie was produced for television and originally aired on ABC on January 16, 1989.

The production of the film aimed to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and educate the public about the challenges faced by those living with the disease. The screenplay drew inspiration from Ryan White's own experiences, as well as the book "Ryan White: My Own Story" written by Ryan White and Ann Marie Cunningham.

Actors

• Ryan White - Played by Lukas Haas
• Jeanne White - Played by Judith Light
• Phil Donahue - Played by Phil Donahue
• Connie White - Played by Nikki Cox
• Claude - Played by George C. Scott

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Lukas Haas, who portrayed Ryan White, had previously worked with director John Herzfeld in the film "The Preppie Murder" (1989).
• Judith Light, who played Ryan's mother Jeanne White, won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special for her performance in the film.
• The Ryan White Story received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by people with HIV/AIDS and its impact on society.

Awards

The Ryan White Story won two Primetime Emmy Awards:

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special: Judith Light
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: George C. Scott

Quotes

• "I don't want to die. Being popular means more to me than dying." - Ryan White
• "How can my blood be bad if I'm still Ryan White?" - Ryan White
• "I just don't want to be remembered for having AIDS, but for being Ryan White!" - Ryan White

Music

The film featured a score composed by Mark Snow.

Soundtrack

The Ryan White Story does not have an official soundtrack release.