Ryan Gosling, a versatile actor known for his roles in both independent films and major Hollywood productions, recently shared insights about his all-time favourite actor. Speaking during press events around his latest projects, Gosling named a comedy legend who has had a profound impact on his understanding of acting. The Canadian star, who began his career as a Mickey Mouse Club mouseketeer on the Disney Channel at age 12, continues to evolve his craft by drawing inspiration from past icons.
Ryan Gosling’s Diverse Career Path
Ryan Gosling gained widespread attention in the mid-2000s with notable performances in films like The Notebook, Blue Valentine, and Half-Nelson. Known for seamlessly shifting between genres, Gosling took on the action role of a stoic driver in Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 film Drive, which further showcased his range. Later, his starring role in the critically acclaimed musical La La Land marked a different but equally compelling chapter in his career. He continued to solidify his status in big-budget films with a powerful performance in 2017’s Blade Runner 2049.
Most recently, Gosling appeared in the action thriller The Gray Man, a film that met with mixed reviews but is set to have a sequel, continuing his streak in the genre. His next film, Barbie, will see him portray a real-life version of the iconic Mattel Ken doll, highlighting his willingness to embrace a wide variety of complex and contrasting roles.
Admiration for Action Star Sylvester Stallone
During interviews promoting The Gray Man, Gosling disclosed that Sylvester Stallone is his favourite action star. Praising Stallone’s blend of acting and action, he remarked,
“He’s such a good actor. […] You got action, but you’ve got these like amazing characters at the centre of it. It was just like, it was this beautiful marriage. I miss those days.”
– Ryan Gosling
This tribute underscores Gosling’s respect for actors who can balance compelling character work with physical roles, an ability he himself exemplifies.
Gene Wilder: Gosling’s Ultimate Acting Inspiration
Beyond action stars, Gosling revealed that his favourite actor of all time is the late Gene Wilder, the celebrated comedian and actor best known for his role as Willy Wonka in 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Wilder’s career launched with a role in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde and was soon marked by his acclaimed performance in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Wilder’s collaboration with Mel Brooks extended beyond acting, as they co-wrote the screenplay for Young Frankenstein, which received another Academy Award nomination. The actor also worked with Richard Pryor on comedies like Silver Streak and Another You, further showcasing his versatility.
Later in his career, Wilder appeared in television roles and narrated a 2005 documentary titled Expo: Magic of the White City. He passed away in 2016 due to Alzheimer’s disease but left a lasting legacy celebrated for his ability to blend humor with emotional depth.
Expressing his admiration, Gosling shared,
“Gene Wilder is my Marlon Brando. Gene Wilder will break your heart and make you laugh at the same time. And that’s deep. There’s something really profound about what he’s able to do. It’s transcendent. It’s everything. He gives you everything at once, and you have to decide what you feel about it.”
– Ryan Gosling
Wilder’s Impact on Acting and Comedy
Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka remains one of his most beloved performances, brilliantly balancing whimsy and darker undertones. His ability to shift from a playful eccentric to a stern, commanding figure in the film’s finale has been praised as a masterclass in acting. This talent to navigate complex emotional arcs is a quality that Gosling has frequently aimed to reflect in his own performances, transitioning smoothly between charm and deeper character development.
While not everyone may immediately cite Wilder as a primary influence, his impact on Ryan Gosling is unmistakable. The appreciation for such layered comedic acting demonstrates Gosling’s serious commitment to exploring characters fully, blending humor with poignancy to engage audiences deeply.
