Ryan Guzman, 37, has opened up about the lasting impact of his breakout role in the 2015 erotic thriller The Boy Next Door, in which he starred alongside Jennifer Lopez. The film, which featured Guzman as a seductive 19-year-old named Noah, has left a lasting impression on audiences—and on Guzman’s career.

In a recent interview, Guzman reflected on how the film’s steamy scenes contributed to the public’s perception of him. He acknowledged that while the movie brought him fame, it also led to his frequent sexualisation in the media and among fans.

The film centers around a forbidden affair between Guzman’s character and Lopez’s, a high-school teacher. Their intense on-screen chemistry and the provocative nature of the story became a major talking point at the time of the film’s release.

Guzman noted that the attention wasn’t limited to the film’s promotional period. He continues to be recognized primarily for that role, often overshadowing his other work in television and film. “People still bring up that one scene,” he said, referencing the intimate moment with Lopez.

While Guzman appreciates the opportunities the role gave him, he expressed concern about being reduced to a sex symbol rather than being seen for his acting range and talent. He emphasized the difference between playing a role and being stereotyped by it.

The actor has since taken on various roles in both action and drama genres, including his long-running part on 9-1-1, but admits that breaking away from the image created by The Boy Next Door has been a challenge.

Guzman also touched on how male actors, like their female counterparts, face objectification in Hollywood. “It happens more than people think,” he said, encouraging more open conversations around the issue.

His comments add to the ongoing discussion about typecasting and the long-term effects of being sexualized in the entertainment industry, shedding light on how one breakout role can define—and sometimes limit—a career.