Ryan Reynolds' Full Biography
Ryan Reynolds' journey from a Canadian teen drama to Hollywood stardom is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and determination. With his versatile acting skills and natural charisma, he has earned a devoted fan base and the respect of the entertainment industry.
Whether he's delivering witty one-liners as Deadpool or showcasing his dramatic range in various films, Reynolds continues to captivate audiences and solidify his position as one of Hollywood's most beloved and bankable stars. As he continues to explore new creative ventures and use his platform for good, Ryan Reynolds' legacy as a versatile actor and entrepreneur will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
Early Life/Education
Ryan Reynolds, a Canadian-American actor, producer, and entrepreneur, is known for his wit, charm, and versatility on screen. Born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to James Chester Reynolds, a food wholesaler, and Tammy Reynolds, a retail saleswoman.
He is the youngest of four siblings, with two older brothers and an older half-sister from his father's previous marriage. Raised in a middle-class family, Reynolds attended Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver.
Ryan Reynolds' interest in acting emerged at a young age, and he began pursuing a career in the entertainment industry while still in high school. In the early 1990s, he landed his first acting gig on the Canadian teen drama Hillside (also known as Fifteen). The show provided him with valuable acting experience and exposure to the industry.
Career
With aspirations of making it big in Hollywood, Ryan Reynolds moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s. Initially, he faced challenges, and his first few attempts at establishing himself in Hollywood were met with limited success. He appeared in various TV shows and movies, including Two Guys and a Girl (originally titled Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place), where he played one of the lead roles.
In 2002, Reynolds had his breakthrough role in the comedy film Van Wilder: Party Liaison. His portrayal of the charismatic and witty title character showcased his comedic talents and led to wider recognition in the entertainment industry. Van Wilder became a cult classic and solidified Reynolds' reputation as a rising star in Hollywood. Since then, Ryan Reynolds went on to make quite a few movies that grossed over $100 million at the box office.
Ryan Reynolds' career continued to gain momentum, with a series of successful films showcasing his versatility as an actor. He starred in a variety of genres, including romantic comedies like Just Friends (2005), action films like Blade: Trinity (2004) and Smokin' Aces (2006), and dramas like Definitely, Maybe (2008) and The Nines (2007). His ability to seamlessly transition between genres endeared him to audiences and filmmakers alike.
One of Ryan Reynolds' most iconic and career-defining roles came with the Marvel character Deadpool. He first portrayed Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), though the character was not well-received in that iteration. However, Reynolds was determined to do justice to the beloved character, and after years of persistence, he finally got the opportunity to star in the standalone film Deadpool (2016).
Deadpool was a massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time. Reynolds' irreverent and witty portrayal of the foul-mouthed antihero was praised by fans and critics alike, solidifying his status as the perfect embodiment of Deadpool. The success of Deadpool led to a sequel, Deadpool 2 (2018).
Reynolds showcased his incredible versatility in various film roles throughout the years. In House (2012), he portrayed a CIA agent dedicated to safeguarding a criminal, demonstrating his ability to bring intensity and complexity to the character.
Similarly, in 6 Underground (2019), he captivated audiences as a billionaire leading an audacious mission to topple a dictator, displaying his adeptness at portraying determined and charismatic protagonists.
Most recently, in the science fiction comedy Free Guy (2021), Reynolds brought his trademark charm and wit to the role of a bank teller who discovers his true identity as a character in a video game. Taking on yet another compelling character, Reynolds tackled the complex role of a time traveler in The Adam Project (2022).
| Ryan Reynolds Top Starring Roles | Grossed: Worldwide Box Office |
|---|---|
| Deadpool 2 | $786 Million |
| Deadpool | $782 Million |
| The Croods | $573 Million |
| Pokémon: Detective Pikachu | $429 Million |
| Free Guy | $323 Million |
Source: The Numbers
Business Ventures
Beyond his acting career, Ryan Reynolds is also involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. DarkFire is a production company based at 20th Century Fox TV that specializes in creating comedy series for television. It was founded in 2012 by Reynolds and screenwriter Allan Loeb. He also co-owns the Aviation American Gin brand and acquired a significant ownership stake in the company in 2018.
Reynolds, along with actor Rob McElhenney, made a savvy investment in 2021 by acquiring Wrexham AFC, a Welsh soccer team, for approximately $2.5 million. Furthermore, Reynolds is the proud owner of Maximum Effort, a content company that specializes in creating an array of entertainment including movies, TV series, content, ads, and even cocktails.
Additionally, in a significant cash and stock agreement, Mint Mobile was successfully acquired for a staggering $1.35 billion. The deal was structured as 39% cash, amounting to an impressive $526 million, and 61% stock, valued at $823 million. It has been reported that Ryan, who holds a 25% stake in Mint Mobile, stands to gain immensely from the transaction.
Based on this ownership percentage, his share in cash would amount to approximately $131 million before taxes, leaving him with an estimated after-tax sum of around $70 million. Additionally, it is believed that he received T-Mobile stock worth approximately $205 million as part of the deal.
Personal Life
In 2008, Ryan Reynolds married actress Scarlett Johansson, but the couple divorced in 2011. In 2012, he married actress Blake Lively, and the couple have since become known for their amazing relationship and displays of affection. They have four children together.
Net Worth
It's not surprising that Ryan Reynolds has a massive net worth. He claims $350 million as of 2023. According to Forbes, Reynolds makes $20 million per movie.
Activism
Reynolds is a passionate environmentalist and dedicated activist, and has been actively involved with multiple charitable organizations throughout his career. In a heartfelt tribute to his late father, who had bravely battled Parkinson's disease since the early 1990s, Reynolds took part in the esteemed 2008 New York City Marathon to raise funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
His commitment to the cause led him to serve on the board of directors for the foundation, where he continues to make a profound impact.
Reynolds, is also known for his involvement as the executive producer and narrator of the Canadian environmental documentary The Whale (2011), actively joined forces with the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council.
His aim was to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and encourage the adoption of alternative energy sources. Furthermore, he played a significant role in supporting relief efforts following the tragic 2010 Haiti earthquake by actively participating in fundraising endeavors.
