Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling: From Canadian Roots to Hollywood Stardom

Early Life and Background

Ryan Thomas Gosling was born on November 12, 1980, in London, Ontario, Canada. He is the son of Thomas Ray Gosling, a traveling salesman, and Donna Gosling, a secretary. Raised in a family of French Canadian descent, Gosling spent his early years in Cornwall, Ontario, and later in Burlington. His parents divorced when he was 13, and he lived with his mother and older sister, Mandi. Gosling has credited being raised by his mother and sister with influencing his perspective and sensitivity. 

Entry into Entertainment

Gosling's entertainment career began at age 12 when he joined the cast of Disney Channel's The Mickey Mouse Club (1993–1995), alongside future stars like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Following this, he appeared in various family television programs, including Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps. He gained further recognition starring as the young Hercules in the series Young Hercules (1998–1999). 

Breakthrough and Acclaimed Performances

Gosling's film breakthrough came with The Believer (2001), where he portrayed a Jewish neo-Nazi, earning critical acclaim. He continued to build his reputation with roles in independent films like Murder by Numbers (2002) and The United States of Leland (2003). His performance in Half Nelson (2006) as a drug-addicted teacher earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He received further acclaim for roles in Lars and the Real Girl (2007) and Blue Valentine (2010).

Mainstream Success and Versatility

Gosling achieved mainstream success with The Notebook (2004), solidifying his status as a leading man. He demonstrated his versatility with performances in Drive (2011), The Ides of March (2011), and The Big Short (2015). In La La Land (2016), Gosling showcased his musical talents, earning a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. He continued to take on diverse roles in films like Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and First Man (2018). 

Recent Projects and Accolades

In 2023, Gosling starred as Ken in Greta Gerwig's Barbie, delivering a performance that combined humor and depth, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also starred in The Fall Guy (2024) and is set to appear in Project Hail Mary, scheduled for release in 2026. 

Personal Life

Gosling has been in a relationship with actress Eva Mendes since 2011. The couple met while filming The Place Beyond the Pines and have two daughters, Esmeralda Amada (born 2014) and Amada Lee (born 2016). They maintain a private family life, with Mendes stepping back from acting to focus on their children. 

Beyond Acting

Beyond acting, Gosling is a musician and part of the band Dead Man's Bones. He made his directorial debut with Lost River (2014), a film he also wrote and produced. Additionally, he co-owns Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills. 

Ryan Gosling's journey from a child actor in Canada to a Hollywood leading man is marked by his dedication to diverse and challenging roles, showcasing his range and depth as an artist.