If you are watching The Abandons on Netflix, you might find yourself staring at the screen, trying to place the actor playing Miles Alderton. The character is a settler in Jasper Hollow who initially fears that Fiona Nolan’s defiance will bring disaster to them all. The face is unmistakably familiar because the actor is Ryan Hurst, a performer with a long list of iconic roles in movies and television. His new part reunites him with Kurt Sutter, the creator of The Abandons, who previously worked with Hurst on the hit series Sons of Anarchy.
From the Football Field to the Motorcycle Club
Long before he was a settler in the 1850s, Ryan Hurst made a significant impact in two very different, beloved roles. For many fans, their first memory of Hurst is from the 2000 sports film Remember the Titans. He played Gerry Bertier, the charismatic and determined captain of the football team. The role showcased his ability to portray strength and leadership, making him a recognizable face to a wide audience.
However, Hurst’s career-defining role came in 2008 when he was cast as Harry “Opie” Winston in Kurt Sutter’s FX series Sons of Anarchy. Opie was the loyal, tough, and tragically fated best friend to Charlie Hunnam’s Jax Teller. His performance as the gentle giant with a fierce protective streak left a permanent impression on viewers and established him as a standout actor in gritty, dramatic television.
Facing Zombies and Voicing Gods
After Sons of Anarchy, Hurst continued to take on memorable characters in popular series. He joined the expansive world of The Walking Dead in its ninth season, portraying Beta. Beta was the silent, intimidating, and ruthlessly loyal second-in-command to the leader of the Whisperers. The role, which required him to wear a mask made of walker skin, demonstrated his skill in creating a menacing presence with physicality.
Hurst’s talents extend beyond live-action. In 2022, he lent his voice to a legendary character in the video game God of War Ragnarök, portraying the Norse god Thor. His performance was powerful enough to earn him a BAFTA Award nomination, proving his versatility across different mediums.
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The Secret Life of Miles Alderton in The Abandons
In The Abandons, Ryan Hurst plays Miles Alderton, a fellow homesteader and a voice of caution in the town of Jasper Hollow. He worries that Fiona Nolan’s open war against the powerful Van Ness family will get everyone killed. As the season progresses, it is revealed that Miles is hiding a dark past that could destroy the fragile peace and his relationship with his daughter, Samara.
“Miles’ actual name is Adam Winston, a wanted fugitive who used to run with a gang,” a secret that comes to light in the season finale.
This hidden identity forces his daughter into a difficult position and changes the course of the land war between Fiona and Constance Van Ness. This complex role allows Hurst to play a man seeking peace while being haunted by a violent history, a tension the actor is well-suited to portray.
The series, which premiered on December 4, 2025, features an all-star cast including Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson as the rival matriarchs at the center of the conflict. Other notable cast members include Nick Robinson, Lucas Till, and Diana Silvers. For Hurst, the project marks another collaboration with creator Kurt Sutter, following their successful work on Sons of Anarchy.
Looking ahead, Ryan Hurst is set to appear in director Christopher Nolan‘s upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey. From the football field to the Old West, and from motorcycle clubs to mythological realms, his career continues to be defined by powerful, memorable performances.
