Ryan Reynolds Reflects on Father's Battle with Parkinson's Disease

Ryan Reynolds has opened up about the profound impact of his father's 20-year struggle with Parkinson's disease, which ultimately led to his passing in 2015. In a candid reflection, Reynolds shared that his father rarely acknowledged his diagnosis, often opting for denial and emotional suppression. "He said the word ‘Parkinson’s’ maybe three times as far as I knew — and one of them wasn’t to me," Reynolds recounted, highlighting the challenges his family faced as they navigated the complexities of the disease. Reynolds described his father as a tough individual, a former boxer and police officer, who was deeply present in his children's lives yet struggled to express his emotions. The actor recalled a time when he perceived his father's decline as a loss of sanity, noting that his father began to weave elaborate conspiracies that were far removed from the man he once knew. This shift left Reynolds grappling with feelings of confusion and helplessness. As he reflects on their relationship, Reynolds acknowledges his own shortcomings in understanding his father's struggles. "I wasn’t really accepting my own responsibility," he admitted, recognizing that he had distanced himself rather than meeting his father where he was emotionally. Now, as a father of four, Reynolds has gained a new perspective on parenting and emotional connection. He expressed a desire to fill the gaps left by his father's illness, stating, "I get to show up," emphasizing the importance of being present for his own children.