Early Life and Education of Ryan Reynolds: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ryan Reynolds, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian-American actor, producer, and entrepreneur, renowned for his roles in comedic and superhero films. He achieved the distinction of being the world's second-highest-paid actor in both 2020 and 2024. His work has earned him several accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and nominations for two Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Films in which he starred as a leading actor have collectively grossed $6.6 billion globally, marking his significant impact on the film industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1907: Gustav Klimt painting

In 2015, Ryan Reynolds portrayed E. Randol Schoenberg, a young lawyer who assists Maria Altmann in her legal fight to recover her family's stolen Gustav Klimt painting, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I from 1907.

1961: Publication of James and the Giant Peach

In May 2020, Reynolds joined a group of celebrities in reading an installment of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, which was originally published in 1961.

James and the Giant Peach

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1990: First married Hollywood couple to have separate films leading the box office since Bruce Willis and Demi Moore in 1990

In August 2024, Ryan Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, became the first married Hollywood couple since Bruce Willis and Demi Moore in 1990 to have separate films leading the box office on the same weekend.

2008: Ran the New York City Marathon

In 2008, Ryan Reynolds ran the New York City Marathon for Team Fox to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

2009: Joined the board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation

In 2009, Ryan Reynolds joined the board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation and continues to support research for a cure for Parkinson's disease.

2015: Death of Father

Ryan Reynolds's father, James, died in 2015 following a twenty-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

May 2020: Reading of James and the Giant Peach for charity

In May 2020, Ryan Reynolds joined other celebrities in reading an installment of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach to support Partners In Health in combating COVID-19.

James and the Giant Peach

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July 2020: Offered reward for stolen teddy bear

In July 2020, Ryan Reynolds and George Stroumboulopoulos offered $5,000 for the return of a stolen teddy bear containing a recording of a deceased mother's message. The bear was recovered.

2020: American Citizenship and First Vote

Ryan Reynolds attained American citizenship around 2018, and voted for the first time in the 2020 presidential election.

October 2021: Announced sabbatical after Spirited

In October 2021, Ryan Reynolds announced he was taking "a little sabbatical" from his work after the production of "Spirited".

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March 2022: Donation to Water First

In March 2022, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donated $500,000 to Water First, an organization providing Indigenous communities in Canada with access to clean water.

October 2022: Received Humanitarian Award and donated to Feeding America

In October 2022, Ryan Reynolds was honored with the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's Humanitarian Award. The couple also donated $1 million to Feeding America.

2022: Pledged donation match for Ukrainian refugees

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively pledged to match donations of up to $1 million for Ukrainian refugees.

August 2023: Donated to SAG-AFTRA Foundation

In August 2023, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively joined several other Hollywood couples in donating $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's financial assistance program.

October 2023: Donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross

In October 2023, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donated $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support children affected by the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

October 2024: Donation to Feeding America

In October 2024, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donated $1 million to the non-profit organization Feeding America to aid relief efforts in Florida and other U.S. regions affected by the hurricanes Helene and Milton.