Ryan Reynolds: Hollywood’s Charmer
Ryan Rodney Reynolds, born on October 23, 1976, is a Canadian-American actor, producer, and businessman. His career kicked off in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside (1991–1993) before landing the lead role in the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl from 1998 to 2001. Reynolds has showcased his talent in a variety of films, from comedies like National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) and The Proposal (2009) to dramatic roles in Buried (2010) and Woman in Gold (2015).
In the action genre, Reynolds took on roles in films such as Blade: Trinity (2004), Green Lantern (2011), 6 Underground (2019), Free Guy (2021), and The Adam Project (2022). He also lent his voice to animated features like The Croods film series (2013–2020), Turbo (2013), and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019).
Reynolds hit commercial gold with the 20th Century Fox X-Men films Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018), where he portrayed the title character. The success of Deadpool set numerous records for an R-rated comedy and earned Reynolds nominations at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.
Beyond his acting prowess, Reynolds was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2010 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. In the business world, he owns a stake in Mint Mobile, co-owns Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C., a story captured in the Emmy Award-winning series Welcome to Wrexham. In 2020, he sold his stake in Aviation Gin to Diageo for $610 million and serves on the board of the Match Group. As of 2023, Reynolds’ estimated net worth stands at $350 million.
The Early Life of Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Rodney Reynolds was born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, and he’s the youngest of four sons. His dad, James Chester Reynolds, started as a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman and later worked in the food wholesale business after retiring. His mom, Tamara Lee (née Stewart), had a career in retail sales. Reynolds, with two brothers in law enforcement, followed in the footsteps of his father and brother who served in the RCMP.
His grandfather, Chester Reynolds, was a farmer and a representative in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Reynolds, with Irish and Scottish roots, grew up in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood and later in Vanier, Ontario. Raised in the Roman Catholic Church, he has been part of the acting scene since he was thirteen.
Completing his education at Kitsilano Secondary School in 1994, alongside actor Joshua Jackson, Reynolds initially faced challenges in acting. He took a break at 19, briefly attending Kwantlen Polytechnic University. However, a chance encounter with actor Chris William Martin reignited his passion, leading him to give acting another shot and move to Los Angeles.
Ryan Reynolds’ Career Highlights
From 1991 to 2003, Ryan Reynolds kicked off his career in the Canadian soap opera “Hillside” and took on various roles, including a kid in “Ordinary Magic” and a medical student in “Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place.” Moving into the 2000s, he dipped into romantic comedies and action with films like “Van Wilder,” “The Proposal,” and “Blade: Trinity.”
Reynolds faced both critical and commercial success in 2016 with “Deadpool,” a film he championed for years. The movie, breaking records, paved the way for a sequel. His Hollywood stardom was officially recognized with a star on the Walk of Fame in 2016. The following years saw him in diverse roles, from the science fiction thriller “Life” to his return as Deadpool in the sequel.
In 2019, Reynolds expanded his repertoire with the live-action film “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” and a lead role in the Netflix action thriller “6 Underground.” His association with Marvel continued as he announced a Deadpool and Wolverine project within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Beyond acting, Reynolds ventured into producing and became an executive producer for ABC’s game show “Don’t.” In 2021, he showcased his versatility in films like “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” “Free Guy,” and Netflix’s thriller “Red Notice.”
In 2022, Reynolds starred in Netflix’s science-fiction adventure film “The Adam Project.” Despite his busy schedule, he took a brief break, a little sabbatical, after the production of “Spirited” in October 2021.
Ryan Reynolds in Film and Television
Ryan Reynolds, a Canadian actor and producer, began his acting journey on television in 1991 with the teen drama Fifteen. Two years later, he stepped into the world of feature films, debuting in Ordinary Magic (1993) as an orphan inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
Reynolds ventured into television with recurring roles in The Odyssey (1993) and appearances on The X-Files (1996) and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996). However, his breakthrough came with the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl, where he portrayed medical student Michael “Berg” Bergen.
In the early 2000s, Reynolds showcased his versatility by playing a slacker in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) and vampire hunter Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity (2004). He took on the role of a father in the horror film The Amityville Horror (2005) and later starred in successful romantic comedies like Just Friends (2005), Definitely, Maybe (2008), and The Proposal (2009).
In 2010, Reynolds delved into the psychological thriller genre with Buried, portraying a military contractor captured by terrorists. However, his career faced a setback with the superhero film Green Lantern (2011), which received criticism. The following years saw Reynolds voicing characters in animated films like Turbo (2013) and The Croods (2013).
A turning point in Reynolds’ career came with Deadpool (2016), where he not only played the titular antihero but also produced the film. Known for his irreverent comedic performance, Reynolds received acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination. Deadpool’s success continued with its 2018 sequel, Deadpool 2, and the film Detective Pikachu (2019), where Reynolds voiced Pikachu.
Reynolds’ journey is marked by highs and lows, but his charismatic presence and ability to navigate various genres have made him a notable figure in the entertainment industry.
Filmography of Ryan Reynolds
| Year | Film | Roles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Ordinary Magic | Jeffrey / Ganesh | – |
| 1997 | The Alarmist | Howard Ancona | – |
| 1999 | Coming Soon | Henry Lipschitz | – |
| 2000 | Boltneck | Karl | Originally known as Big Monster on Campus |
| 2001 | Finder’s Fee | Quigley | – |
| 2002 | Van Wilder: Party Liaison | Van Wilder | – |
| 2003 | The In-Laws | Mark Tobias | – |
| 2004 | Blade: Trinity | Hannibal King | – |
| 2005 | The Amityville Horror | George Lutz | – |
| 2006 | Smokin’ Aces | Richard Messner | – |
| 2008 | Definitely, Maybe | Will Hayes | – |
| 2009 | The Proposal | Andrew Paxton | – |
| 2010 | Buried | Paul Conroy | – |
| 2011 | Green Lantern | Hal Jordan / Green Lantern | – |
| 2013 | The Croods | Guy | Voice |
| 2016 | Deadpool | Wade Wilson / Deadpool | Also producer |
| 2018 | Deadpool 2 | Wade Wilson / Deadpool | Also producer and writer |
| 2019 | Detective Pikachu | Detective Pikachu / Harry Goodman | Voice and facial motion capture |
| 2021 | Free Guy | Guy | Voice and facial capture for Dude; Also producer |
| 2022 | The Adam Project | Adam Reed | Also producer |
| 2023 | IF† | The Man Upstairs | Post-production; Also producer |
| 2024 | Deadpool & Wolverine† | Wade Wilson / Deadpool | Post-production; Also producer and writer |
Television
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–1993 | Hillside | Billy Simpson | 13 episodes; aka Fifteen |
| 1993–1994 | The Odyssey | Macro / Lee | 13 episodes |
| 1994 | My Name is Kate | Kevin Bannister | Television film |
| 1995 | The Outer Limits | Paul Nodel / Derek Tillman | 3 episodes |
| 1996 | The X-Files | Jay “Boom” DeBoom | Episode: “Syzygy” |
| 1998–2001 | Two Guys and a Girl | Michael “Berg” Bergen | Main Cast |
| 2003 | Scrubs | Spence | Episode: “My Dream Job” |
| 2005 | School of Life | Michael “Mr. D” D’Angelo | Television film |
| 2019 | Saturday Night Live | Host / Himself | Episode: “Ryan Reynolds/Lady Gaga” (Host) |
| 2022–present | Welcome to Wrexham | Himself | Also co-creator and executive producer |
Off the Screen: Ryan Reynolds’ Ventures and Personal Life
Ryan Reynolds: Beyond the Screen
As a businessman, Ryan Reynolds holds a stake in Mint Mobile and co-owns the Welsh football club Wrexham A.F.C., a journey documented in the Emmy Award-winning TV series “Welcome to Wrexham.” In 2020, Reynolds sold his ownership in Aviation Gin to Diageo for a whopping $610 million.
Reynolds’ romantic history includes a relationship with singer Alanis Morissette, which ended in 2007. Following this, he entered a high-profile engagement and marriage with actress Scarlett Johansson, but the couple separated in 2010, finalizing their divorce in 2011.
The actor’s love story took a new turn when he met Blake Lively during the filming of “Green Lantern” in 2010. They started dating in 2011, eventually tying the knot in 2012. Reynolds and Lively, who faced controversy over their wedding venue’s historical ties to slavery, publicly apologized and later renewed their vows at home in New York after civil rights protests in 2020.
The couple now has three daughters born in December 2014, September 2016, and October 2019, and welcomed a baby in February 2023. They reside in Pound Ridge, New York, and are known for their close friendship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who even named characters in her song “Betty” after Reynolds and Lively’s daughters.
Beyond his public image, Reynolds has been candid about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, sharing in 2018 that he used the persona of Deadpool during interviews to cope with his fears. Additionally, he became a U.S. citizen around 2018.
Ryan Reynolds’ Work in Philanthropy
Vancouver’s beloved actor, Ryan Reynolds, has been recognized for his compassion and generosity. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television announced its 2023 Special Awards recipients, and Reynolds was among them.
These special awards honor individuals in Canada’s entertainment industry who have made exceptional contributions to society. Reynolds received the Humanitarian Award for his commitment to philanthropy throughout his career.
His generous donations to various charities, including a Canadian water charity supporting Indigenous youth, efforts to aid displaced families from Ukraine, and contributions to a Vancouver food bank, earned him this prestigious accolade. Additionally, his annual holiday campaign, featuring Seth Rogen this year, further demonstrated his dedication to giving back.
Beyond his charitable endeavors, Reynolds has also co-founded two organizations aimed at providing underrepresented communities with opportunities in creative fields: the Group Effort Initiative (GEI) and Creative Ladder.
Expressing his gratitude, Reynolds emphasized the significance of the award, rooted in the values instilled in him by his home country of Canada. He looks forward to accepting the award in person during Canadian Screen Week, which will be held in Toronto from April 11-16.
Other notable recipients of this year’s awards include Catherine O’Hara, Tracy Moore, Lisa LaFlamme, and Simu Liu, each recognized for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields.
Awards and Recognition of Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds: A Trailblazer Recognized
Ryan Reynolds’ contributions to the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed. His journey began with a Young Artist Award nomination in 1993 for his role in the Canadian drama series Hillside. However, it was his portrayal of Deadpool in the 2016 Marvel film that truly catapulted him into the spotlight.
The Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actor in a Comedy and a Golden Globe nomination were among the accolades he earned for his iconic role. Even the soundtrack of the 2018 sequel brought him a Grammy nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
Reynolds has a collection of awards, including three MTV Movie & TV Awards, three People’s Choice Awards, and a Saturn Award. Notably, he received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program for producing the series Welcome to Wrexham.
In 2021, Governor General Mary Simon honored Reynolds with a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. This prestigious recognition celebrated not only his artistic contributions but also his impactful philanthropic work, enriching Canada’s cultural life. Renowned figures such as Sandra Bullock, Morena Baccarin, Michael J. Fox, and Hugh Jackman expressed their support and congratulations through pre-recorded speeches.
Adding to his list of honors, Reynolds was appointed to the Order of British Columbia by his home province, with the announcement made on August 7, 2023. The ceremony, where Reynolds and fellow recipients would be presented with this honor, was scheduled for November 2023 in Victoria.
Ryan Reynolds: A Shower of Awards
American Cinematheque Award (2022):
- Received for Career Achievement.
Critics’ Choice Movie Awards:
- 2016: Nominated for Best Actor in an Action Movie (Deadpool) and Won Best Actor in a Comedy.
Critics’ Choice Super Awards:
- 2022: Nominated for Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie (Free Guy).
- 2023: Nominated for Best Actor in a Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie (The Adam Project).
Entertainment Weekly Entertainer of the Year Award:
- 2016: Won Entertainer of the Year.
Golden Globe Awards (2017):
- Nominated for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Deadpool).
Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017):
- Inducted for Motion pictures at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.
MTV Movie & TV Awards:
- Various nominations and wins including Best Comedic Performance and Best Fight for Deadpool.
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards:
- 2022: Nominated for Favorite Movie Actor (Free Guy and Red Notice).
- 2023: Nominated for Favorite Movie Actor (The Adam Project).
People’s Choice Awards:
- Numerous nominations, including Favorite Comedy Star and Favorite Movie Actor.
Primetime Emmy Awards (2024):
- Won Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program for producing Welcome to Wrexham.
Producers Guild of America:
- 2017: Nominated for Best Theatrical Motion Picture (Deadpool).
- 2024: Pending Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television (Welcome to Wrexham).
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards (2016):
- Nominated for Best Comedic Performance (Deadpool).
Saturn Awards:
- 2011: Nominated for Best Actor (Buried).
- 2017: Won for Deadpool.
Teen Choice Awards:
- Multiple wins including Choice Movie Scary Scene for The Amityville Horror (2005) and Choice Movie Actor: Action for Deadpool (2016).
Miscellaneous Awards:
- Includes honors like the Young Hollywood Awards (2003) and Hasty Pudding’s Man of the Year (2017). Also received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2021.
Ryan Reynolds continues to shine, not just on screen but also in the hearts of his fans and the industry, with a trail of well-deserved awards.
Ryan Reynolds’ Impact on Entertainment
In a rainy New York afternoon, a few days post-Thanksgiving, Ryan Reynolds, the actor known for his witty humor, takes a moment to contemplate his holiday season. Graciously, he acknowledges the joys of welcoming a second daughter with his wife, Blake Lively, in September, expressing the genuine focus on the joyous aspects of having young kids. However, true to his signature humor, he playfully adds, “The rest of the year they’re dead to me.”
Reynolds, 40, achieved significant success with Deadpool, a unique take on the Marvel comic character, Wade Wilson. The film, a project close to Reynolds’ heart that he tirelessly pursued for 11 years, exceeded expectations, opening with a record-breaking $132 million and becoming the highest-grossing X-Men universe film ever, with a global revenue of $783 million. When asked if he anticipated Deadpool’s massive success, Reynolds humbly admits, “No way.” He recognized its appeal to the core Deadpool fan base but credits its triumph to arriving at the right time, disrupting the prevailing superhero theme and injecting humor and unpredictability.
For his outstanding contributions, Entertainment Weekly has named Reynolds the “Entertainer of the Year.” This acknowledgment comes not only for his success with Deadpool but also for his overall impact on the entertainment industry in 2016. To explore more about Reynolds and other influential figures who shaped Hollywood in 2016, grab the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Witness Ryan Reynolds at the Critics’ Choice Awards, where he’s nominated for Best Actor in an Action Movie and Best Actor in a Comedy. Additionally, Reynolds will be honored as EW’s Entertainer of the Year. The Critics’ Choice Awards will be broadcasted live on A&E, a testament to Reynolds’ exceptional year and the widespread recognition of his talent.
Ryan Reynolds’ Filmography
Ryan Reynolds, a Canadian actor and producer, marked his entry into the entertainment world with his debut on the teen drama Fifteen in 1991. Transitioning to the big screen, he showcased his talent in Ordinary Magic (1993), portraying an orphan inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Reynolds gained recognition with a recurring role in The Odyssey (1993) and later made appearances in The X-Files (1996) and Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996).
His breakthrough came with the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl, where he played medical student Michael “Berg” Bergen. Reynolds diversified his roles, portraying a slacker in National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002) and vampire hunter Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity (2004). The horror genre saw him as the lead in The Amityville Horror (2005), while romantic comedies like Just Friends (2005), Definitely, Maybe (2008), and The Proposal (2009) showcased his versatility.
In 2010, Reynolds took on a challenging role in the psychological thriller Buried. However, his career faced a setback with the superhero film Green Lantern (2011), receiving mixed reviews. Despite this, Reynolds rebounded with successful voice roles in Turbo (2013) and The Croods (2013). Mississippi Grind and Woman in Gold (2015) added depth to his repertoire.
The turning point in Reynolds’ career came with the irreverent superhero film Deadpool (2016), which he not only starred in but also produced. The film earned praise for his comedic performance, leading to a Golden Globe nomination. Deadpool’s success continued with its 2018 sequel, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film worldwide. Reynolds showcased his vocal talent as Pikachu in Detective Pikachu (2019), contributing to his diverse and impactful career.