Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield recently had an intimate chat for Variety’s annual “Actors on Actors” segment, where they discussed films, upcoming projects, and their roles in the Marvel Universe. But during their conversation, Reynolds also opened up about a more personal topic: his complicated relationship with his father.
While Garfield reflected on how his mother’s warmth and love shaped him into a better person, Reynolds delved into the complex bond he shares with his dad. He joked, “It was my dad, Andrew—thank you for bringing that up. Does anyone have a crude sock puppet that I can use to explain this?”
Reynolds explained that growing up in a middle-class, blue-collar family, his father was of the “Clint Eastwood” generation—tough, stoic, and communicating with little more than simple grunts. The Deadpool star acknowledged how challenging it was to connect with his dad, which added layers of complexity to their relationship.
Reflecting on his own growth, Reynolds shared that questioning the nature of his relationship with his father led him to become more responsible, especially in his role as a family man. He explained, “People tell themselves stories, and we have some responsibility as we grow older to question that a little bit. I’ve done that a bit more in the last five years.”
Today, Reynolds is deeply involved with his wife, Blake Lively, and their four children, maintaining a close relationship with his mother as well. Despite the challenges with his father, he’s found a balance in his own family life, showing how personal growth has shaped his perspective on relationships.