Oklahoma -based actor Ryan Merriman , at 24, is hitting his stride in Hollywood with a 2006 starring role in "Final Destination 3,” an upcoming television mini- series with Val Kilmer and a movie due out next year in which he stars opposite Haley Joel Osment .

His success, however, may mean he finally has to tear himself from his Oklahoma roots and make a long-term move to Los Angeles .

"I love Oklahoma,...