Ryan Reynolds has opened up about the complicated relationship he had with his father, James Reynolds, both before and after James was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The actor revealed that the diagnosis made their relationship even more difficult, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. James Reynolds passed away in 2015, and Ryan Reynolds has since reflected on their relationship and the emotions that came with his father’s illness.
Even before the Parkinson’s diagnosis, Ryan Reynolds described his relationship with his father as emotionally distant. While his father was present in his life and supportive, there was a lack of a strong emotional connection between them. The actor admitted that his father, who did not share his feelings, made it difficult for them to truly connect on a deeper level. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s only added to the strain in their already strained relationship.
Reflecting on their relationship after his father’s passing, Ryan Reynolds acknowledged his own shortcomings and expressed regret for not being more present for his father during his illness. Despite their complicated relationship, the actor cherishes the moments of connection they did share, such as a letter he sent to his father acknowledging his support during his childhood. Ryan Reynolds has learned from his father’s influence and strives to be a better parent to his own children by being more communicative and present in their lives.
Since 2008, Ryan Reynolds has been a public advocate for Parkinson’s disease, working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and later joining the board of directors. Through the More to Parkinson’s campaign, the actor aims to raise awareness about the lesser-known aspects of the disease, such as hallucinations and delusions, which his father experienced. By sharing his family’s experience, he hopes to help others affected by Parkinson’s better understand and manage these symptoms.
Ryan Reynolds has expressed his desire to bridge the gap between himself and his father, acknowledging that people are nuanced, including his father. While he wishes he had known James Reynolds better and understood his father’s thoughts and emotions more, the actor aims to break the cycle of silence by being more communicative with his own children. Thanks to his father’s influence, Ryan Reynolds believes he is a better parent than he ever imagined he could be, learning from both the challenges and the strengths of their relationship. Through his advocacy efforts and personal reflections, the actor honors his father’s memory and continues to bring attention to the impact of Parkinson’s disease on individuals and their families.
