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Crime & Justice • Murder

Ryan Grantham

Ryan Grantham is a Canadian former actor who was convicted of murdering his mother in 2020.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ryan Grantham is a Canadian former actor who was convicted of murdering his mother in 2020. He had small roles in film and television before his arrest and guilty plea, including appearances in "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Riverdale". He was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 14 years.

Early life and acting career

Ryan Grantham was born in British Columbia in 1998 and began acting as a child. His credits included minor roles in productions such as "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Riverdale," "iZombie," and "Supernatural".

Mother’s killing and arrest

On March 31, 2020, Grantham killed his mother, Barbara Waite, in Squamish, British Columbia. He was later charged with first-degree murder and ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Sentence and imprisonment

In September 2022, a British Columbia Supreme Court judge sentenced Grantham to life in prison, with no parole eligibility for 14 years. That makes him eligible for parole in 2036, though release is not guaranteed.

Public attention

The case drew broad attention because Grantham had worked in recognizable television and film productions before the killing. Media reports also noted his stated plans for other violence, which were discussed during sentencing and coverage of the case.

Key facts

  • Ryan Grantham was born on November 30, 1998.
  • He worked as a child and teen actor in Canadian film and television.
  • He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2022 for killing his mother, Barbara Waite.
  • He was sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 14 years.
  • He remains incarcerated and is not eligible for parole until 2036.
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Canadian context

Grantham is a Canadian case that drew national attention in British Columbia and across Canada because it involved a former Canadian child actor and the killing of his mother in Squamish, British Columbia.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ryan Grantham?
Ryan Grantham is a Canadian former actor who became known publicly after being convicted of murdering his mother.
What did Ryan Grantham do?
He killed his mother, Barbara Waite, in 2020 and later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
What happened to Ryan Grantham?
He was convicted in British Columbia and sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 14 years.
How old is Ryan Grantham?
Born on November 30, 1998, he is 27 years old as of July 23, 2026.
Where is Ryan Grantham now?
He is serving a life sentence in prison in Canada and is not eligible for parole until 2036.
What was Ryan Grantham's sentence?
He received life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 14 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Grantham
    Supports: Birth date, Canadian former actor status, murder conviction, sentence, parole eligibility date, and basic career information.
  2. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63005840
    Supports: Sentence, guilty plea to second-degree murder, victim identification, and parole ineligibility period.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm2566096/
    Supports: Birth date, acting credits, Canadian origin, and early acting career details.
  4. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/23/arts/television/ryan-grantham-riverdale-murder-mother.html
    Supports: Sentence, guilty plea context, age at sentencing, and parole eligibility period.