How did Ryan Reynolds' father's Parkinson's disease impact the actor?

Ryan Reynolds learned that his father James' Parkinson's disease included lesser-known symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, which Reynolds has since worked to raise awareness about through a partnership with the "More to Parkinson's" educational campaign.

What did Ryan Reynolds do to find closure after his father's death?

Reynolds shared that he wrote a letter to his father about five months before his passing, reflecting on the positive moments they had shared, which he is grateful he did as it provided a sense of closure.

How did Ryan Reynolds' relationship with his own children help him heal after his father's death?

Reynolds explained that the "healing for me really comes more through my relationship with my own kids," as he is able to show up for them in ways his father was unable to, helping him process his own grief.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ryan Reynolds Reflects on Grief After Father's Parkinson's-Related Death

Ryan Reynolds Reflects on Grief After Father's Parkinson's-Related Death

12 Oct

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Summary

Ryan Reynolds' father James died in 2015 at age 74 after living with Parkinson's disease
Reynolds experienced grief "hitting him at weird times", like during a TV interview
Reynolds learned his father's Parkinson's included lesser-known symptoms like hallucinations

Ryan Reynolds Reflects on Grief After Father's Parkinson's-Related Death

In 2015, actor Ryan Reynolds' father James passed away at the age of 74 after living with Parkinson's disease for nearly 20 years. Now 48 years old, Reynolds has recently opened up about the grief he experienced following his father's death, explaining that it "hits you at weird times."

Reynolds shared that he once had an episode during a television interview with Jimmy Fallon where he lost his train of thought, despite his father having died several years prior. He described the experience as grief hitting him "like a freight train." While most people may not have noticed the moment, Reynolds emphasized that grief can surface unexpectedly, even long after a loss.