Ryan Reynolds has recently opened up about a traumatic incident from his youth, revealing that he was struck by a drunk driver at the age of 18. In a candid interview for GQ, released on 9 June, Reynolds shared the harrowing details of the accident that resulted in severe injuries and a lengthy hospital stay.
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In the video, which features Reynolds assembling IKEA furniture alongside his *Welcome to Wrexham* co-star Rob McElhenney, the actor recalled the night of the accident. He had left a bar after having consumed a single beer and made the sensible decision not to drive home, choosing instead to walk the short distance. “Even if it’s four blocks home, absolutely not,” he said, underlining his commitment to abstaining from driving while under the influence.
However, despite his careful choice, Reynolds was nonetheless hit by a car driven by an intoxicated individual. He stated, “I spent four weeks in the hospital,” detailing the extent of his injuries. With surprising candour, he mentioned that he had “broken every bone in [his] left side,” and added that the impact was so severe that the vehicle which struck him was rendered inoperable.
Rob McElhenney expressed astonishment at Reynolds’ revelation, exclaiming, “What? That’s the first time I’ve heard that.” In response, Reynolds recounted with a mix of gravity and humour how he had been cared for by a doctor in a Canadian hospital. “Thanks to him for putting me back together so kindly,” he said, demonstrating gratitude for the medical attention he received during such a critical time.
This isn’t the first time Reynolds has discussed the life-altering accident. In a 2011 interview with CTV News, he shared a vivid memory of his father sitting by his hospital bedside, holding a vomit tray that had been heavily soiled during his uncertain state of consciousness. “He just soaked the man head to toe in my vomit,” Reynolds recalled, adding a layer of dark humour to his recollection.
Reflecting on the ongoing consequences of his injuries, Reynolds noted that he has since felt like a “rickety, broken mess,” which he described with a mix of jest and seriousness. Despite the enduring effects of such a serious incident, Reynolds has continued to take on physically demanding roles in films like *Deadpool*.
In a 2022 interview with *Variety*, the 49-year-old actor spoke about his approach to stunt work as he ages. “I think it’s important to do as much of [the stunt work] yourself as you can, but I’ll step aside when there’s something that’s just too gnarly and there’s a trained professional ready to go.” He acknowledged the physical toll that the years have taken on him, saying, “Things start to hurt,” and remarking that after turning 35, being thrown onto cement no longer felt amusing.
Looking ahead, Reynolds continues to be active in film, with his upcoming project *Mayday* set to be released on 4 September. He will also reprise his role as Deadpool in the highly anticipated *Avengers: Doomsday*, which is scheduled for release on 18 December. Meanwhile, fans can catch new episodes of *Welcome to Wrexham*, airing every Thursday at 9 p.m. on FXX and available for streaming on Hulu.
As Reynolds reflects on his past, it is clear that he has emerged from a life-threatening situation with resilience and a sense of humour. His willingness to share these experiences serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential impacts of careless decisions.