Ryan Gosling Bio
Ryan Thomas Gosling (born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor known for his diverse roles in both independent films and mainstream productions. He gained widespread recognition for his performance in The Notebook and has received multiple accolades including a Golden Globe Award and nominations for Academy Awards. Gosling began his career at a young age on Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club and has continued to impress audiences with his skills in both dramatic and comedic roles, while also pursuing music and producing.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Thomas Gosling was born on November 12, 1980, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada, to Thomas Ray Gosling, a travelling salesman for a paper mill, and Donna, a secretary. Both of his parents are of part French Canadian descent, along with some German, English, Scottish, and Irish. He and his family were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which influenced every aspect of their lives. Due to his father’s work, they moved frequently, living in Cornwall and Burlington, Ontario. His parents divorced when he was 13, and he and his older sister, Mandi, lived with their mother, an experience Gosling has credited with shaping his perspective on life. Gosling was educated at Gladstone Public School, Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School, and Lester B. Pearson High School. He was inspired to become an actor after watching Dick Tracy as a child. He struggled socially during his early years, facing bullying and feeling isolated until he was around 14 or 15 years old. He eventually dropped out of high school at age 17 to focus on his acting career.
Path to Hollywood
Gosling’s acting career began at the age of 12 when he attended an open audition in Montreal for Disney Channel’s revival of The Mickey Mouse Club. After successfully auditioning, he was given a two-year contract as a Mouseketeer and moved to Orlando, Florida. Although he appeared on-screen infrequently, he described the experience as the greatest two years of his life. Fellow cast members included Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, with whom he formed a close friendship. After the show ended in 1995, Gosling returned to Canada and continued to work in family entertainment television series, including Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps. He later transitioned to film, seeking more serious acting roles. His breakthrough role came in 2001 with The Believer, where he portrayed a Jewish neo-Nazi. This performance garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for his future success in Hollywood.
Ryan Gosling Career
Early Career (1992–2003)
Gosling’s early career included roles in various television series and films. After his stint on The Mickey Mouse Club, he appeared in the football drama Remember the Titans and the psychological thriller Murder by Numbers. His performance in The Believer was particularly noteworthy, as it showcased his ability to tackle complex characters. Despite the film’s commercial failure, it won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and established Gosling as a serious actor. He continued to take on challenging roles in films like The United States of Leland and Half Nelson, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Breakthrough (2004–2011)
Gosling gained mainstream attention in 2004 after starring in The Notebook, opposite Rachel McAdams. The film became a cultural phenomenon and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. He followed this success with critically acclaimed performances in films like Lars and the Real Girl and Blue Valentine. In 2011, Gosling starred in three major films: Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Ides of March, and Drive. His role in Drive, where he played a Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a getaway driver, was particularly well-received and showcased his versatility as an actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Gosling’s signature work includes The Notebook, which grossed over $115 million worldwide, and La La Land, which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from romantic dramas to action thrillers, has made him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
Ryan Gosling Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Gosling has received numerous award nominations, including three Academy Award nominations and six Golden Globe nominations. His performances in films such as Half Nelson, La La Land, and Barbie have been recognized by various award bodies, highlighting his talent and versatility as an actor.
Ryan Gosling Awards Won
Ryan Gosling has won several prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his role in La La Land. His performances have also garnered nominations for Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, showcasing his impact on the film industry.
Ryan Gosling Family
Ryan Gosling is in a long-term relationship with actress Eva Mendes, with whom he has two daughters, born in 2014 and 2016. The couple has been together since 2011 and maintains a relatively private family life.
Personal Life
In addition to his acting career, Ryan Gosling is a co-owner of Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various social causes and organizations, including PETA and Invisible Children. Gosling has traveled to regions affected by conflict to raise awareness and promote peace initiatives.
