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With Deadpool & Wolverine quickly approaching, let’s learn more about one of the leading men.

Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor, producer, and entrepreneur best known for his charismatic personality and versatile acting skills. Born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Reynolds began his acting career in the early ‘90s in a Nickelodeon series, Fifteen (1990). After numerous roles in small TV movies, he landed a role in Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place (1998—2001), which placed him more firmly on the Hollywood map. Some other minor roles in his past include:

• Red Shoes in We All Fall Down (2000)
• Van Wilder in Van Wilder (2002)
• Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity (2004)
• George Lutz in The Amityville Horror (2005)
• Mike Connell in Adventureland (2009)

His comedic talent and charming demeanor quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics alike.

Reynolds gained widespread fame for his portrayal of the anti-hero Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The character, first introduced in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), became a pop culture phenomenon when he headlined his own film, Deadpool, in 2016. The film was notable for its irreverent humor, action-packed sequences, and breaking the fourth wall, earning Reynolds critical acclaim and solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

The film’s success led to a sequel, Deadpool 2 (2018), further expanding his fanbase and cementing his legacy in the superhero genre.

Beyond his role as Deadpool, Reynolds has demonstrated his range as an actor in various genres. He has starred in romantic comedies like The Proposal (2009) opposite Sandra Bullock, action films such as 6 Underground (2019), and dramatic roles in movies like Mississippi Grind (2015).

His other popular projects include:

• If (2024)
• Free Guy (2021)
• The Adam Project (2022)
• Red Notice (2021)
• Green Lantern (2011)
• R.I.P.D (2013)
• Life (2017)
• The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
• Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)

In addition to acting, Reynolds is a savvy entrepreneur. He co-founded the Aviation American Gin brand (with Christian Krogstad), which gained popularity and was later sold to Diageo, a British-based beverage maker, for a substantial profit. He is also a spokesperson for and previous owner of Mint Mobile, a wireless provider now owned by T-Mobile, and co-owns Wrexham FC, a Welsh football club, with fellow actor Rob McElhenney. According to his LinkedIn profile, he is also:

• co-founder of the Group Effort Initiative, which “exists to create a pipeline for members of underrepresented communities to establish long-term careers within the entertainment industry”
• co-founder of Maximum Effort, a film production company and digital marketing agency
• Chief Creative Officer of MNTN, a performance-based TV advertising agency
• co-founder of The Creative Ladder, a non-profit that makes “creative careers more accessible”

His business acumen and sense of humor have made him a notable rising entrepreneur, attracting attention for his films and strategic ventures. According to this Yahoo!Finance article, Reynolds “opts for strong companies that have room to grow in terms of storytelling, which he often reiterates is the key to his marketing success and what makes his approach unique.”

Reynolds is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Along with the non-profits he co-founded, he supports various charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the SickKids Foundation, and other partner initiatives to combat discrimination and advocate for mental health awareness (while also being pretty transparent about his own struggles with mental health). His efforts resonate with many fans, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community.

In his personal life, Reynolds is married to actress Blake Lively, with whom he has four children. Their playful banter on social media often highlights their relationship, endearing them to fans and showcasing a strong partnership built on humor and respect.

Overall, Ryan Reynolds exemplifies a modern Hollywood star. His blend of talent, charm, business savvy, and philanthropic spirit has garnered him a dedicated following and a prominent place in the entertainment industry. With each new project, he continues to evolve as an actor and public figure, solidifying his impact on film and popular culture.