Why Ryan Reynolds Broke the Rules for a 13-Year-Old Fan—and Would Do It Again in a Heartbeat

In April 2016, actor Ryan Reynolds took to Facebook to honor the memory of Connor McGrath, a 13-year-old Canadian boy whose courage, humor, and love for Deadpool left a permanent mark on the Hollywood star’s life. Connor, who had battled cancer for three years, first met Reynolds through the Make-A-Wish Foundation—a meeting that blossomed into a genuine friendship and led to an extraordinary experience: Connor became the very first person to watch Deadpool, even before its official release.

Reynolds’ moving tribute, shared just days after Connor’s passing on April 26, 2016, resonated across the internet and media outlets like TIME and Variety. “I’m grateful I got to orbit Connor’s world for a brief time,” Reynolds wrote, expressing deep appreciation for the bond they forged. Their relationship was peppered with playful nicknames—Reynolds was “Bubba2” to Connor’s “Bubba”—and a shared sense of humor that mirrored the irreverent spirit of Deadpool himself.

“We met because he loved Deadpool. In a certain sense he WAS Deadpool. Or, at least everything Deadpool aspires to be; balancing pain, fearlessness, love and a filthy (filthy!) sense of humor in one body. I wish he could’ve stuck around a lot longer… See ya down the road, Bubba,” Reynolds shared in his post, highlighting Connor’s remarkable resilience and wit.

The friendship was possible thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which arranged for Connor to see a rough cut of Deadpool—unfinished effects and all. Reynolds later joked about defending his choice to show an R-rated film to a 13-year-old, saying Connor “already knew every curse word known to man,” likening his language skills to a “British chef.”

Their connection went beyond a single meeting. Earlier that year, Reynolds had spotlighted Connor on social media, calling him “quite possibly the biggest Deadpool fan on earth” and rallying support for his treatment. The pair kept in touch through text messages, swapping jokes and encouragement, creating memories that would outlast Connor’s brief but impactful life.

Connor’s story and spirit lived on even after his passing. In Deadpool 2, a heartfelt nod to him appears during a conversation about baby names—“Connor” is mentioned, a subtle but significant tribute. For Reynolds, Connor was more than a fan: he was a real-life hero, an inspiration, and a reminder of the powerful connections that can form between celebrities and the people who look up to them.

In honoring Connor McGrath, Ryan Reynolds not only shared the story of a remarkable young fan but also reminded the world of the humanity behind the superhero mask—a lesson in empathy, courage, and the importance of cherishing every orbit, no matter how brief.