Ryan Reynolds Opens Up About Grief, Parkinson’s Disease Impact on Family
LOS ANGELES, CA – Actor Ryan Reynolds recently shared poignant reflections on navigating grief and the unexpected ways it resurfaces, connecting his personal experience to his father’s decades-long battle with parkinson’s disease. The revelation underscores the often-overlooked emotional complexities faced by families dealing with neurodegenerative illnesses and highlights Reynolds’ ongoing advocacy work.
Reynolds paused during a recent discussion to process his emotions before deflecting with humor, acknowledging that grief “just catches you at the strangest times.” His openness comes as awareness grows regarding the less-publicized symptoms of Parkinson’s, including hallucinations and delusions, which significantly impacted his father, James Reynolds, prior to his death in 2015 at age 74. James lived with Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years.
Following his father’s passing, Reynolds learned more about the disease’s broader effects, prompting him to collaborate with the ‘More to Parkinson’s’ educational campaign. The initiative provides vital resources for patients and thier caregivers, aiming to improve understanding and support.
Reynolds has previously described his father as a “tough man,” while also recognizing his inherent goodness. he also revealed that growing up in his household wasn’t always easy, and that he has “had anxiety his whole life,” a sentiment he shared in a 2018 interview with Mr Porter and again with ‘CBS Sunday Mornings’ in 2022. He recalled a childhood marked by tension, noting that anxiety manifested in various ways throughout his life.
Despite these challenges, Reynolds maintains a strong bond with his family, including his mother, Tammy, who publicly supported him at the American Cinematheque Award ceremony in November 2022. He is one of four sons – alongside brothers Patrick, Jeff, and Terry – born to James and Tammy Reynolds.
Today, Reynolds is a father of four children with wife Blake Lively: James, 10, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and Olin, 2. His advocacy and willingness to discuss personal struggles offer a powerful message of resilience and the importance of acknowledging the multifaceted nature of grief and chronic illness.
