35 Facts About Ryan Reynolds

Early Life and Background

Ryan Reynolds, a beloved actor known for his wit and charm, has an interesting background that shaped his career.

1. Born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, Canada, Ryan Rodney Reynolds is the youngest of four brothers.
2. His father, James Chester Reynolds, was a food wholesaler, while his mother, Tammy, worked in retail.
3. Reynolds attended Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver, where he graduated in 1994.
4. He briefly attended Kwantlen Polytechnic University but dropped out to pursue acting.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Reynolds had humble beginnings in the entertainment industry.

5. His first acting gig was in the Canadian teen soap opera "Hillside," also known as "Fifteen" in the U.S.
6. Reynolds moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19 to further his acting career.
7. He initially struggled in Hollywood, taking odd jobs and small roles to make ends meet.
8. His breakthrough role came in 1998 when he starred as Michael Bergen in the sitcom "Two Guys and a Girl."

Rise to Fame

Reynolds' career took off with several notable roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.

9. In 2002, he starred in the comedy "Van Wilder: Party Liaison," which became a cult classic.
10. He played a vampire hunter in the 2004 film "Blade: Trinity," showcasing his action-hero potential.
11. Reynolds starred alongside Sandra Bullock in the 2009 romantic comedy "The Proposal," which was a box office hit.
12. He received critical acclaim for his role in the 2010 thriller "Buried," where he played a man trapped in a coffin.

Deadpool and Superhero Stardom

Reynolds' portrayal of Deadpool catapulted him to superhero stardom and cemented his place in Hollywood.

13. He first appeared as Wade Wilson/Deadpool in the 2009 film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
14. Reynolds fought for years to get a standalone Deadpool movie made, which finally happened in 2016.
15. "Deadpool" was a massive success, grossing over $780 million worldwide.
16. He reprised his role in "Deadpool 2," which was released in 2018 and also became a box office hit.

Personal Life

Reynolds' personal life is just as fascinating as his professional career.

17. He was previously engaged to singer Alanis Morissette, but they ended their relationship in 2007.
18. Reynolds married actress Scarlett Johansson in 2008, but they divorced in 2011.
19. He married actress Blake Lively in 2012, and they have three daughters together.
20. Reynolds and Lively are known for their playful and humorous interactions on social media.

Business Ventures

Beyond acting, Reynolds has ventured into various business endeavors.

21. He became a co-owner of Aviation American Gin in 2018.
22. In 2020, Diageo acquired Aviation Gin for $610 million, with Reynolds retaining an ongoing ownership interest.
23. Reynolds is also a co-owner of Mint Mobile, a budget-friendly wireless carrier.
24. He and Rob McElhenney, co-creator of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," purchased the Welsh football club Wrexham AFC in 2020.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Reynolds is known for his charitable efforts and advocacy work.

25. He has been a longtime supporter of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
26. Reynolds and Lively donated $1 million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
27. He is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety.
28. Reynolds and Lively have also donated to organizations supporting racial justice and equality.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known facts and trivia about Ryan Reynolds that might surprise you.

29. He is a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers and even narrated a documentary about the team.
30. Reynolds has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, which he received in 2011.
31. He was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2010.
32. Reynolds is known for his love of pranks and once filled Hugh Jackman's trailer with chickens.
33. He has a fear of flying, which he developed after a skydiving accident.
34. Reynolds is fluent in French, having learned the language during his school years.
35. He has a tattoo of a cannon on his left wrist, which is a tribute to his hometown of Vancouver.

Ryan Reynolds: A Glimpse into His World

Ryan Reynolds isn't just a talented actor; he's a fascinating individual with a rich tapestry of experiences. From his early days in Canada to becoming a Hollywood A-lister, his journey is packed with interesting facts. He's not only known for his acting skills but also for his wit, humor, and philanthropy. Reynolds has a knack for turning heads, whether through his roles in blockbuster films or his clever social media presence. His dedication to his craft and his family makes him a relatable and admired figure. As you dive deeper into his life, you'll find a man who balances fame with authenticity, always staying true to himself. So, next time you watch one of his movies or see a tweet, you'll know a bit more about the man behind the screen.