8 The Times Magazine
Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds, 45, first found fame
in the 2016 Marvel blockbuster Deadpool. He also runs a
business empire that includes a gin company and dating sites,
and recently bought Wrexham football club. He was once
married to actress Scarlett Johansson, and now lives in
upstate New York with his second wife, actress Blake Lively,
and their three daughters.
My dad was tough. I had to work around that. One of the
things that helped me was Fawlty Towers. If I dropped
something my dad would shout, “Manuel!” and any
tension just disappeared. John Cleese simply looking
out of a window while twitching with rage is a comic
masterclass. I learnt so much from that guy.
I cry at films. If you want to see me rocking back and
forth sobbing, put me in front of the film Field of
Dreams. The father/son stuff gets me every time.
I was in a bad place in my thirties. There was just too
much conflict in my head. I saw a therapist. I read some
books. That’s a good time to work out your issues. I’m
proud of myself for doing that.
When your dad is a superhero, kids can get expectations.
Mine [James, 6, Inez, 5, and Betty, 2] know I’m famous
but I make clear to them I’m not actually Deadpool or
Pikachu. I want them to know when I fail. I think it’s
important for them to realise so much of success is built
on missteps. At bedtime I sometimes tell them, “Daddy
struck out today.”
It took me a while to learn the difference between love and
infatuation. Infatuation is like an incredibly powerful
drug, but eventually you see through it. I have learnt
empathy is the basis of love. Can you really put yourself
in the other person’s shoes? Can you imagine carrying
the sack of rocks they carry?
I’m taking time off from making movies. Next year
I’ll work on my businesses, including Wrexham AFC.
I don’t mind if I’m called an entrepreneur rather than
an actor. And I know I don’t invent things. I buy into
things that are already excellent. Wrexham was already
amazing when I came along.
I bought a gin company because I like gin. Deadpool prefers
tequila because he is self-confessedly trash and would
drink anything with a worm in it. I take more care with
what goes in my mouth.
Movies, drinks, dating and now Wrexham FC... No, I’m not
trying to take over your Saturday. I just see companies
that work and I think I can help be better. A lot of
celebrities just want to promote aspirational products.
What about things that are everyday and essential but
still great?
The fact that my wife doesn’t drink alcohol isn’t an issue.
She’s an accomplished mixologist. Baffling, I know,
but she makes a great drink.
Acquiring the tools for conflict resolution has been crucial
for me. If someone is angry with us we have an instinct
to fight back. Learning how to listen and empathise even
in the heat of confrontation was essential for me. It
changed my life.
I’ve spoken out about my anxiety issues. I hope it
helps people. I overthink, overwork, overworry.
I overcommit sometimes too. At home I wake up
at 4.45am to meditate. That’s pretty much the only time
I get to myself. The kids are up two hours later and then
they get 100 per cent of my attention. I walk them to
school then go to work. In the evenings I have a very
strict regime. I don’t care who’s on the phone. I’m with
my wife and family and I put my phone away. I’m in
bed by 9.30pm. Sorry, you’re not talking to a sexy
2.30am swinger here...
I hear they’re looking for a new James Bond. Could
you accept a Canadian sipping gin and tonic instead
of a martini? If so, I’m interested. nRyan Reynolds is the co-owner of Aviation Gin (aviationgin.com)INTERVIEW Michael Odell
What I’ve learnt
Ryan Reynolds