Renowned Hollywood personality, Ryan Reynolds, has once again given the residents of Wrexham cause for celebration. With the football club earning a remarkable third successive promotion to the Championship spot under his ownership, admiration for the actor is palpable. Reynolds, in collaboration with another cinema celebrity, Rob McElhenney, has drawn one step closer to their shared aspiration — a coveted place in the Premier League. Their ambitious endeavor has necessitated heavy investment, draining millions from their respective wealth ever since the unexpected takeover of the club back in 2021.
Through this journey, it appears Reynolds has developed a profound affection for Wales, considering it as a crown jewel in his vast array of accomplishments. His illustrious life, filled with the high tides of Hollywood success and business ventures contributing to his substantial fortune, seems enriched with this personal victory. Their astounding success roots back to Reynolds’ humble origin story.
Brought to life in Vancouver, British Columbia, in October 1976, Reynolds was the youngest of four boys in an Irish Catholic family. His innate passion for acting ignited at a tender age of 13, which led him to land parts in several television shows, prominent among which were The Odyssey, a Canadian series, and Hillside, a program aired by Nickelodeon. His early acting career comprised several minor roles in numerous series.
The turning point in Reynolds’ career rolled out with the 2002 film produced by National Lampoon, ‘Van Wilder,’ signifying the genesis of his journey to stardom. Although a few initial film roles did not garner the expected response, Reynolds soon discovered his calling in the realm of romantic comedies. Some noteworthy titles include ‘Just Friends,’ ‘Definitely, Maybe,’ and ‘The Proposal.’,
Despite its promising prospects, his lead role in the DC superhero film, ‘Green Lantern,’ was confronted with widespread criticism. This film marked a low point in his career, contributing to one of the most notorious blunders in box-office history. However, demonstrating his unwavering resilience, Reynolds bounced back, stealing the show with his role in the blockbuster ‘Deadpool.’
‘Deadpool,’ produced with a modest budget of $58 million, amassed an impressive $782.6 million, securing its place among the highest-earning R-rated films of all time. Its sequel was equally successful and warranted further expansion of the franchise.
Together, Reynolds and McElhenney have infused upwards of £20m into Wrexham, a significant investment that has triggered an exponential rise in the club’s turnover. With their latest promotion, they are expected to reap an additional £8m in television revenue.
Reynolds’ personal life, too, underwent a transformative phase when he encountered Gossip Girl VIP, Blake Lively, during the filming of Green Lantern. Their on-set romance eventually blossomed into an enduring relationship, and the duo eventually tied the knot in 2012. Their marriage has given birth to four beautiful children, marking them as one of the most admired pairs in the Hollywood galaxy.
Reynolds and Lively cemented their relationship at a private ceremony that took place in South Carolina, specifically at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. This venue, however, is tainted with a sorrowful history of slavery.
They confronted backlash for their choice of venue, facing accusations of romanticizing a location marred by a heinous past. Moved by the criticism, they expressed their genuine regret and issued an apology, acknowledging their mistake and expressing sincere remorse for their decision.
While keeping the specific date under wraps, the couple later commemorated their union with a private, secret wedding at their residence. The two are known for their playful attitude and their warm relationship with Wrexham fans.
With a knack for light-hearted humor, Reynolds and Lively often interact with their fans. Lively once advised a fan at the Racecourse Ground to part ways with her boyfriend, indicative of their humorous exchanges. Reynolds echoed the same bantering spirit when he teasingly instructed player Ollie Palmer to put on a shirt in the presence of his wife.
The collaboration of Reynolds and Lively with Wrexham has not just been limited to the board rooms or the field, but also extents into the stands. The power couple made their presence felt at a recent Saturday’s match against Charlton, which culminated in securing their promotion.