Ryan Reynolds Opens Up About His Complex Relationship with His Father and the Impact of Parkinson’s Disease

Ryan Reynolds has spoken candidly about the complicated relationship he shared with his late father, James Reynolds. Raised in a working-class, blue-collar household, Ryan describes his father as a man of few words who often communicated through actions rather than conversation. This stoic approach created a dynamic where Ryan often felt like a “moving target,” caught between his father’s tough demeanor and his brothers’ protective nature.

James Reynolds was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1995, a battle that profoundly affected the family. While the illness was rarely openly discussed, Ryan reflects on how it ultimately brought them closer together. He also highlights the psychological challenges the disease imposed—hallucinations and delusions that complicated an already strained father-son bond.

After James passed away in 2015, Ryan found solace in writing a letter to his father, expressing regret and a heartfelt desire for reconciliation. Fatherhood, he says, has been a healing journey that helped him understand and forgive the shortcomings of his own father. The act of writing provided Ryan with a therapeutic means to process his emotions and find closure.

In 2008, inspired by his father’s fight, Ryan ran the New York City Marathon to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. Channeling feelings of anger and helplessness, he turned his energy into positive action, aiming to contribute to advancements in the fight against the disease.

Ryan’s experience with his father has deeply influenced how he approaches parenting. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and emotional availability, striving to break the generational cycle of suppressed feelings. As a father of four with actress Blake Lively, Ryan prioritizes being present and supportive, something he felt was often missing in his own childhood.

Despite his best efforts, Ryan has openly shared the pain of missing important milestones in his children’s lives due to his demanding career. This balancing act between work and family remains a challenge, underscoring the emotional cost of fame.

Growing up, humor became a vital coping mechanism for Ryan and his brothers, helping them navigate the difficulties of their father’s illness and the emotional complexities that came with it. This shared laughter fostered resilience and unity within the family during trying times.

As a board member of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Ryan actively raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease. He speaks candidly about the stigma surrounding the illness and stresses the need to address its psychological effects—hoping to break the silence and reduce the shame that often accompanies the diagnosis.

Despite the complexities of their relationship, Ryan acknowledges his father’s incredible strength and determination in facing Parkinson’s. He credits James’s stoicism and resilience with shaping his own outlook on life and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Through interviews and public appearances, Ryan has kept his father’s memory alive by sharing stories that honor him while offering a nuanced perspective on fatherhood, legacy, and the emotional layers within family bonds. His openness invites others to reflect on the often complicated ties that shape us and the healing power of forgiveness.