John Paul Ruttan was born in Toronto, Ontario. At a very young age, John Paul had an early love for films, watching 1980's movie classics over and over such as The Goonies, Star Wars, Home Alone and The Karate Kid. In 2007, when he was six years old, he meet with agent Norbert Abrams and booked his first audition he went to, for a kid's toy commercial. Being naturally comfortable in front of the camera and enjoying being on set, lead him steadily onto principal roles in both Television and Film. His most current acting role is as Joe, Tom Hardy's son, in This Means War, with Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. Television performances include: The Murdock Mysteries (2007), The Listener (2008), Degrassi: The Next Generation (2009), Mighty Mama CBC Kids (2009) and Doodlebops Rockin' Road Show (2010). In 2009, he played a young Jack Layton, recently deceased Canadian NDP leader, in the CBC Rick Mercer Report "Elections Kids". Ruttan's introduction to movie performances came at age seven, when he had roles in both the Lifetime Movies Will You Merry Me with Wendy Malik, followed by Two Mrs. Kissels with John Stamos. His first role in a Feature Film was in 2009, in Defendor, with Woody Harrelson. John Paul played the role of young Jack Carter, with the older role of Jack Carter played by Dakota Goyo. In 2010 he played young Jack in the short film Ninety-one written and directed by Jill Carter. Later in 2010, 20thCentury Fox cast nationwide for their feature film "This Means War" directed by McG of Charlie Angles and Terminator, starring Tom Hardy, Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon. John Paul was requested to meet with McG and actor Tom Hardy, to audition for the role of Tom Hardy's son in the film, after the meeting with them booked the part. The filming was a great experience acting with Reese Witherspoon and performing his own stunt work using his previous karate training. At ten years old John Paul has an innate understanding of the roles he plays and enthusiastically works hard. He is a grounded 10 year old, who in his spare time plays hockey, golf, baseball and skis.

Started taking Karate at age three, has a blue advanced belt.