Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor, producer, and entrepreneur who has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Reynolds began his career in the entertainment industry in the early 1990s as a teenager.
Reynolds' first major breakthrough came in 1998 when he starred in the Canadian teen drama "Hillside," which was later aired in the U.S. as "Fifteen." The show was a hit in Canada and helped to launch Reynolds' career. He went on to star in several other Canadian television shows and films before making the jump to Hollywood.
In 2002, Reynolds landed a starring role in the comedy "National Lampoon's Van Wilder." The film was a moderate success at the box office and helped to establish Reynolds as a leading man in Hollywood. He followed up with roles in several other films, including "Blade: Trinity," "The Amityville Horror," and "Smokin' Aces."
Despite his early success, Reynolds struggled to find his footing in Hollywood. He was often cast in films that failed to connect with audiences, and his talent as an actor was frequently overlooked. However, Reynolds refused to give up on his dreams and continued to work hard to establish himself in the industry.
In 2008, Reynolds landed the role that would change his career. He was cast as the Marvel Comics character Deadpool in the film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Although the film was not well-received, Reynolds' performance as Deadpool was widely praised by fans. He brought the character to life with a mix of humor, wit, and irreverence that resonated with audiences.
Reynolds' portrayal of Deadpool was so popular that it led to the creation of a standalone film, "Deadpool," which was released in 2016. The film was a massive success and became one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time. Reynolds' performance as the foul-mouthed, fourth-wall-breaking antihero was widely praised by critics and fans alike.
Since the success of "Deadpool," Reynolds has become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. He has starred in several other blockbuster films, including "The Proposal," "Green Lantern," and "Detective Pikachu." He has also lent his voice to several animated films, including "The Croods" and "Turbo."
In addition to his acting career, Reynolds is also a successful producer and entrepreneur. He founded the production company Maximum Effort Productions in 2018, which has produced several successful films, including "Deadpool 2" and "Free Guy." He has also launched several businesses, including the gin brand Aviation Gin, which he purchased in 2018. Most recently he co-purchased Wrexham football club in North Wales.
Reynolds is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the SickKids Foundation. He has also used his platform to raise awareness for various causes, including mental health, environmental issues, and social justice.
Despite his success, Reynolds remains humble and grounded. He is known for his quick wit and self-deprecating humor, which has endeared him to fans around the world. He is also a devoted husband and father, and he frequently shares photos and stories about his family on social media.
The Wrexham Story
In November 2020, it was announced that Ryan Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney had purchased Wrexham AFC, a football club based in North Wales. The news came as a surprise to many, as neither Reynolds nor McElhenney had any previous experience in professional sports ownership.
The story behind how Reynolds came to own Wrexham begins with a tweet. In 2020, Wrexham fan and filmmaker Rhys ap William tweeted at Reynolds and McElhenney, asking if they were interested in buying the club. To the surprise of many, Reynolds and McElhenney responded, saying that they were indeed interested.
Over the next few months, Reynolds and McElhenney worked to learn more about Wrexham and the world of professional football. They spoke with club officials, fans, and other football experts to gain a better understanding of what it would take to run a successful club.
In November 2020, the club's 2,000 members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the takeover, giving Reynolds and McElhenney control of the club. The duo promised to invest in the club, both on and off the field, and to work closely with fans to ensure that Wrexham remained a community-focused club.
Since taking over the club, Reynolds and McElhenney have made several high-profile moves. They hired former Liverpool executive Peter Moore as the club's new chairman, and they brought in several new players during the summer transfer window. They have also invested in the club's infrastructure, including upgrading the stadium and training facilities. All of this has paid off, with Wrexham winning promotion to the Championship league.
Reynolds and McElhenney's ownership of Wrexham has been met with excitement and optimism among fans. Many see it as an opportunity to bring new energy and investment to the club, and to put Wrexham on the map as a serious football team.
For Reynolds, owning Wrexham is more than just a business venture. In interviews, he has spoken about his love for the sport of football, and his desire to be a part of a community-focused club that has a positive impact on its fans and the surrounding area.
