Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, after graduating from Proviso West Highschool he joined the United States Marine Corps following in his father's footsteps (MgySgt. Andrew J. Ryal) and began serving an eight year enlistment reaching the rank of Sergeant/E-5. Sean later graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BFA in Acting/Theatre studying under Kathryn Gately-Poole and Gene Terruso. Years after moving to Hollywood he later met friend and mentor legendary director Spike Lee.