Ryan Reynolds Shares the Unforgettable First Reaction Betty White Had When They Met—And Why It Still Makes Him Laugh Today
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Few friendships in Hollywood have been as endearing—or as unexpectedly hilarious—as the one between Ryan Reynolds and the late, great Betty White. Their bond, which began on the set of the 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal, quickly blossomed into a playful dynamic that audiences adored. For Reynolds, who had admired White long before working with her, their very first interaction remains unforgettable—equal parts surprising, heartwarming, and deeply funny.
A Legendary First Meeting
When Ryan Reynolds first met Betty White, he expected to encounter a Hollywood legend. What he didn’t expect was the sharp wit and mischievous humor that immediately came his way. Reynolds has recalled that White, never one to play by the rules of politeness, sized him up with her signature twinkle in her eye and delivered a remark so unexpected it caught him off guard. It was classic Betty—equal parts warm and wickedly funny—and it set the tone for a friendship defined by laughter.
That very first impression still makes Reynolds laugh today, not because it was grand or ceremonious, but because it was so quintessentially her. White had a gift for disarming people with humor, instantly creating a space where formality dissolved and genuine connection thrived.
Comedy Royalty on Set
On screen in The Proposal, White played Grandma Annie, the quirky, spirited matriarch of Reynolds’ character, Andrew Paxton. Her performance stole scene after scene, reminding audiences why she remained a comedic powerhouse well into her 80s.
But it was behind the scenes where White’s humor and kindness shone just as brightly. A blooper reel revealed her penchant for playful chaos—most memorably, squeezing Reynolds’ nipple during a hug, sending the cast and crew into fits of laughter. Reynolds himself often marveled at her ability to create joy on set, no matter the circumstances.
The “Feud” Fans Loved
What began as mutual admiration soon evolved into a mock rivalry that fans couldn’t get enough of. For White’s 99th birthday in 2021, Reynolds released a behind-the-scenes skit in which she jokingly berated him, calling him “Brian” and treating him like an incompetent assistant. Her profanity-laced tirade, delivered with impeccable comedic timing, left Reynolds in mock horror, dubbing her a “seething demon.”
Reynolds kept the gag alive for years, referring to White as his “ex-girlfriend” in playful birthday tributes. White, never one to miss an opportunity for a punchline, fired back in a 2021 People interview: “I’ve heard Ryan can’t get over his thing for me, but Robert Redford is The One.” This back-and-forth captured everything fans loved about her—her wit, her graciousness, and her joy in making others laugh.
More Than Just Jokes
Beyond the humor, Reynolds often emphasized White’s deeper qualities: her authenticity, her generosity, and her unmatched ability to connect across generations. For him, she wasn’t just a co-star—she was a friend and a mentor. “She was the funniest person on the planet,” he once said, underscoring the reverence he held for her both as a performer and as a human being.
Even after her passing on December 31, 2021—just weeks before her 100th birthday—Reynolds’ words revealed how profoundly she had touched his life. His tribute captured both his grief and gratitude: “The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough.”
A Lasting Legacy
Betty White’s first impression on Ryan Reynolds is just one small story in a lifetime filled with humor, generosity, and joy. Yet it perfectly encapsulates why she remains so beloved: she never wasted a moment to bring a smile, never missed a chance to make someone laugh.
For Reynolds, that first laugh she sparked continues to echo. And for fans, it’s a reminder that Betty White wasn’t just a star—she was a beacon of positivity who left the world brighter, funnier, and infinitely kinder.
Would you like me to frame this piece more as a celebrity profile (with a focus on White and Reynolds’ playful dynamic) or as a legacy tribute (centering White’s impact on Hollywood and beyond)?
