Growing up with celebrity parents might sound like a dream, but Ryan Muñiz, son of music icon Marc Anthony and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, recently revealed that it wasn’t always easy. In fact, the 22-year-old admitted that as a kid, he often lied about what his father did for a living. The reason is that he wanted people to see him for himself.
In a candid interview with Magacín, a lifestyle magazine from Puerto Rico’s El Nuevo Día, Ryan confessed that when classmates or new acquaintances asked what his parents did, he avoided telling the truth. “When I was a kid, people would ask me what my family did for a living, and I used to say that my dad worked at Best Buy,” he admitted.
© Emma McIntyreThe reason behind this innocent fib was surprisingly mature. “It was also a way to find out which people were genuine in my life and which ones just wanted to take advantage,” Ryan explained. While life in Los Angeles offered some anonymity, he shared that Latinos who recognized his father’s name would still occasionally ask for photos.
The Pressure of Being “Marc Anthony’s Son”
It’s no secret that Marc Anthony is one of the most successful Latin music stars in history, with a career spanning decades and hits that defined salsa and pop crossover. Add in Dayanara Torres’ fame as a television personality and former Miss Universe, and Ryan’s heritage is undeniably star-studded. But that kind of spotlight comes with a price.
© @dayanaraprRyan admitted he sometimes fears being overshadowed by his parents’ success. “A little, yes. I don’t want to be known only as ‘the son of.’ I want to have my own name,” he said. That desire for independence is driving his next moves, which have nothing to do with hiding anymore.
Building His Own Future
Ryan has been quietly building a presence of his own. On social media, he shows a natural ease in front of the camera, and he’s now stepping into the modeling world. While music isn’t completely off the table, his mom revealed he studied Music Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and still loves playing instruments like drums, guitar, bass, and piano—Ryan is embracing modeling as his main focus for now.
© @xdamn_ramx“He loves it, he’s fascinated with the modeling world,” Torres shared during an appearance on Hoy Día. She proudly pointed out that while Ryan may have been the shyest member of the family, something shifts when a camera is in front of him: “He poses so naturally.” She also teased that his looks are a clear inheritance from her.
A Proud Mother Watching Her Son Soar
Dayanara couldn’t hide her excitement about Ryan’s determination. “I’m so happy, happy, because he’s starting his own journey and flying… It’s beautiful to see my son doing what he loves,” she said. On Instagram, she echoed that pride with heartfelt words: “My heart overflows with pride seeing my Ryan succeed in modeling, working so hard, opening his own path, and conquering new challenges!”
© Getty ImagesRyan Muñiz’s confession about lying regarding Marc Anthony is a glimpse into the struggle of growing up under the shadow of fame. Now, instead of hiding, he’s ready to step into his own spotlight. Whether through modeling or music, Ryan is proving that while he’ll always be Marc Anthony and Dayanara Torres’ son, he’s also determined to be simply Ryan Muñiz.
