Ryan Reynolds Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Ryan Rodney Reynolds |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1991-present |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Blake Lively (2012-present) |
| Children | 4 |
| Net Worth | ~$380 million |
| Known For | Quick-witted leads, entrepreneurial ventures |
Early Life & Background
Reynolds grew up in Vancouver as the youngest of four brothers. After early TV gigs like Hillside and a brief stint at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time, enduring years of sitcom starts and stops before breaking out.
Career Journey
Comedy Climb
Reynolds gained attention on ABC's Two Guys and a Girl (1998-2001) and parlayed that charm into comedies such as Van Wilder and Just Friends. His mix of deadpan wit and athleticism set him apart in action-comedy hybrids.
Deadpool Phenomenon
After years championing the character, Reynolds helped craft Deadpool (2016), which shattered R-rated records and redefined superhero marketing. He reprised the role in Deadpool 2, cameoed in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and continues shaping Marvel's irreverent antihero narrative.
Producing & Business Ventures
Reynolds co-founded Maximum Effort, producing Free Guy, The Adam Project, and the FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham. His investments in Aviation American Gin and Mint Mobile led to lucrative exits, while his 2020 purchase of Wrexham AFC with Rob McElhenney revitalized the Welsh club.
Recent and Upcoming Work
Recent credits include Spirited, Red Notice, and voice work in Detective Pikachu. In 2026 Reynolds releases Deadpool & Wolverine 2, co-stars with Blake Lively in the sci-fi romance Quantum Hearts, and expands Maximum Effort Channel internationally.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Van Wilder | Van Wilder | Cult comedy |
| 2009 | The Proposal | Andrew Paxton | Rom-com hit |
| 2011 | Green Lantern | Hal Jordan | DC entry |
| 2016 | Deadpool | Wade Wilson/Deadpool | R-rated blockbuster |
| 2018 | Deadpool 2 | Deadpool | Producer and star |
| 2019 | Detective Pikachu | Pikachu (voice) | Live-action Pokemon |
| 2021 | Free Guy | Guy | High-concept hit |
| 2022 | The Adam Project | Adam Reed | Netflix success |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical or Comedy | Deadpool | Nominated |
| 2016 | Critics Choice Awards | Best Actor in a Comedy | Deadpool | Won |
| 2022 | People's Choice Awards | People's Icon | Career | Won |
| 2024 | Sports Emmy Awards | Outstanding Documentary Series | Welcome to Wrexham | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$380 million (2026)
Income streams include acting salaries, profit participation on Deadpool films, Maximum Effort production fees, Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile payouts, Wrexham AFC merchandising, and brand partnerships with Samsung, Peloton, and Canva.
Personal Life
Reynolds resides in upstate New York with Blake Lively and their four children, prioritizing privacy and humor-laden parenting. He holds dual citizenship, enjoys aviation, and frequently jokes about his fear of flying despite being a licensed pilot-in-training.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
The couple donates millions to Feeding America, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and SickKids Foundation. Reynolds also champions organ donation awareness and funds the Foundation for Inclusivity in Marketing to support diverse storytellers.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Twitter: @vancityreynolds is known for quick wit, Wrexham updates, and playful exchanges with Blake Lively and Hugh Jackman.
- Facebook: Shares long-form statements, philanthropic campaigns, and Maximum Effort ads.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Reynolds co-wrote many of Deadpool's marketing stunts, including the 12 Days of Deadpool campaign.
- He learned American Sign Language to communicate with deaf fans at Comic-Con.
- Reynolds owns a 19th-century Welsh pub outside Wrexham with co-chair Rob McElhenney.
- He and Lively secretly fund tuition for aspiring Canadian Indigenous filmmakers.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Reynolds is shooting reshoots for Deadpool & Wolverine 2 in Vancouver, expanding Wrexham AFC's stadium, and launching Maximum Effort Studios Montreal to incubate Canadian sci-fi comedies. He was recently named to TIME's 100 Climate Leaders for leveraging Aviation Gin's carbon-negative initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Ryan Reynolds?
Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian-American actor, producer, and entrepreneur best known for playing Deadpool and co-owning Wrexham AFC.
What is Ryan Reynolds most famous for?
He is most famous for the Deadpool franchise as well as The Proposal, Free Guy, and viral marketing campaigns tied to his business ventures.
Is Ryan Reynolds active on social media?
Yes. Reynolds is extremely active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he mixes comedy, philanthropy, and promotional content.