Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor, producer, and entrepreneur best known for his iconic role as Marvel’s Deadpool. Born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, he began his career with TV shows like Hillside and rose to fame with Van Wilder and Two Guys and a Girl. His versatile filmography spans comedies (The Proposal), thrillers (Buried), and action hits (Free Guy, Red Notice). He co-owns Wrexham AFC, runs Maximum Effort, and is married to actress Blake Lively with whom he shares four children. Reynolds is also known for his philanthropy and smart business investments.
Ryan Rodney Reynolds is a Canadian actor, producer, and entrepreneur born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Known for his quick wit, charismatic presence, and versatile acting, Reynolds has become one of the most recognizable faces in global cinema. He rose to fame with the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl and became a household name after his game-changing role as the Marvel antihero in Deadpool (2016). With numerous blockbuster films, successful business ventures, and global recognition, Reynolds is a modern Hollywood icon.
Ryan was born into a working-class family. His father, James Chester Reynolds, worked as a food wholesaler, while his mother, Tammy, was a retail salesperson. He is the youngest of four brothers in an Irish Catholic household. He attended Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver and briefly studied at Kwantlen Polytechnic University before dropping out to focus on acting.
His acting journey began at age 13 when he landed a lead role in the Canadian teen drama Hillside (1991–1993), known as Fifteen in the U.S. He also appeared in shows like The Odyssey, The X-Files, and The Outer Limits, slowly building a presence in TV before moving to Los Angeles.
Reynolds gained early attention through Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place (1998–2001), a sitcom that showcased his comic timing and relatability. His breakthrough film role came in National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002), where he played a charming college slacker. Although the movie had mixed reviews, it developed a cult following and launched Reynolds into Hollywood.
In the years that followed, he explored a variety of genres — action (Blade: Trinity), horror (The Amityville Horror), comedy (Waiting, Just Friends), and drama (Buried). His ability to balance humor with emotional depth earned him roles in both indie films and major studio productions.
After a brief appearance as Wade Wilson in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Reynolds fought for a standalone Deadpool film for years. In 2016, Deadpool finally hit screens, and it was a global sensation. Made on a modest budget, the film grossed over $780 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated superhero film at the time.
His performance was praised for blending dark humor with emotional vulnerability, and he was nominated for a Golden Globe. Deadpool 2 (2018) followed, further solidifying the character’s place in pop culture. In 2024, Reynolds returns with Deadpool & Wolverine alongside Hugh Jackman, one of the most anticipated films of the year.
Ryan Reynolds has built a diverse filmography. His romantic comedies include The Proposal (2009) with Sandra Bullock and Definitely, Maybe (2008). He’s starred in action-thrillers like Safe House (2012), 6 Underground (2019), and Red Notice (2021). His voice roles in Detective Pikachu, The Croods, and Turbo also highlight his range.
Other successful films include:
Buried (2010) – critically acclaimed thriller
Free Guy (2021) – video game-inspired action comedy
The Adam Project (2022) – time-travel sci-fi family drama
Spirited (2022) – holiday musical with Will Ferrell
Hitman’s Bodyguard series (2017, 2021)
Upcoming projects include Animal Friends (2025), Mayday (2025), and Red Notice 2 (2025).
Reynolds began on Canadian television and returned occasionally for guest appearances. He hosted Saturday Night Live (Season 35) and appeared on Top Gear. He voiced himself on Family Guy and made memorable cameos in Ted and A Million Ways to Die in the West, often poking fun at his own fame.
A savvy businessman, Reynolds co-founded the production company Maximum Effort, known for its viral marketing and film production. He also invested in Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile, both of which became highly profitable ventures. In 2020, he and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC, a Welsh football club. Their journey is documented in the Emmy-nominated series Welcome to Wrexham.
Reynolds was previously engaged to Alanis Morissette and married to Scarlett Johansson (2008–2011). In 2012, he married actress Blake Lively. The couple now have four children and are known for their low-profile, humorous take on marriage and parenting, often playfully teasing each other on social media.
Ryan Reynolds is deeply involved in humanitarian and environmental causes. He has supported:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (Parkinson’s awareness)
COVID-19 relief (donating millions to food banks)
Children’s hospitals and Covenant House in Vancouver and Toronto
Environmental efforts and clean energy initiatives
Education for child soldiers in Uganda and orphans in Malawi
He also produced the documentary The Whale (2011) and frequently uses his platform for awareness and fundraising.
