Born: October 23, 1976
Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian-American actor, producer, and entrepreneur known for his roles in a variety of genres, particularly for his portrayal of the Marvel Comics character Deadpool. His quick wit, charm, and versatility have made him one of Hollywood’s most popular and bankable stars.
Family and Early Life:
Ryan Rodney Reynolds was born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is the youngest of four brothers. His father, James Chester Reynolds, was a food wholesaler, and his mother, Tamara Lee (née Stewart), worked in retail sales. Reynolds grew up in a Roman Catholic household. He attended Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver, where he was more interested in sports and drama than academics. After high school, he briefly attended Kwantlen Polytechnic University before deciding to pursue a career in acting.
Early Acting Career:
Reynolds began his acting career in television, landing a role in the Canadian teen soap opera “Hillside” (also known as “Fifteen”) in the early 1990s. He later moved to Los Angeles and took on a variety of small roles in TV series such as “The Outer Limits” and “The X-Files.” His first significant break came with the sitcom “Two Guys and a Girl” (1998-2001), where he played Michael “Berg” Bergen.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame:
Reynolds transitioned to film with notable roles in comedies such as “Van Wilder: Party Liaison” (2002), “Just Friends” (2005), and “The Proposal” (2009). His comedic timing and charismatic screen presence made him a favorite in the romantic comedy genre. However, Reynolds sought to expand his range, taking on more diverse roles in films like “Buried” (2010), “Safe House” (2012), and “Mississippi Grind” (2015).
Deadpool and Major Success:
Reynolds achieved global fame and critical acclaim with his role as the wisecracking anti-hero Deadpool in the eponymous 2016 film. His dedication to the character, including a long campaign to bring Deadpool to the big screen, paid off when the film became a massive hit, both commercially and critically. Reynolds reprised the role in “Deadpool 2” (2018), further cementing his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. His performance was lauded for its humor, irreverence, and depth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
Beyond acting, Reynolds has ventured into business. He is a co-owner of Aviation American Gin, which gained significant market share and popularity under his ownership. In 2020, he and his partners sold the company to Diageo for a deal worth up to $610 million. Reynolds also co-owns Mint Mobile, a telecommunications company, and has invested in various tech startups. Additionally, he is involved in Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club, as part of a high-profile ownership duo with actor Rob McElhenney.
Awards and Recognition:
Reynolds has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including a Golden Globe nomination for his role in “Deadpool.” He has also been honored with the People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal Life:
Reynolds was previously married to actress Scarlett Johansson from 2008 to 2011. He married actress Blake Lively in 2012, and the couple has three daughters. Reynolds and Lively are known for their playful interactions on social media and their strong partnership both personally and professionally. They often collaborate on charitable endeavors and support each other’s projects
