Ryan Reynolds Reflects on His Father’s Struggle with Parkinson’s Disease
When Ryan Reynolds’ father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nearly 30 years ago, began having delusions, the actor didn’t know what to think.
“It really destabilized my relationship with him because I didn’t really know what was happening,” the 47-year-old admitted to People magazine recently.
Ryan Reynolds expressed that experiencing his father’s mental decline felt like watching him “lose his mind.” The onset of delusions, including eerie conspiracies and a warped sense of reality, was a slow, bewildering descent into confusion. He noted, “My father was really slipping down a rabbit hole where he was struggling to differentiate between reality and fiction.” Reynolds faced a harsh reality—his father, once a steadfast figure, was unraveling before his eyes.
The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
Delusions and hallucinations, rather common symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, affect between 20% and 40% of patients, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. This twist of fate not only impacted his father but also had a ripple effect on the entire family unit.
Reynolds’ father lived with Parkinson’s from 1995 until his passing in 2015. He had been just 22 when the diagnosis was made. “He said the word ‘Parkinson’s’ maybe three times in my presence—one of those times wasn’t to me,” Reynolds shared. This reflection paints a picture of a proud man, a quintessential “strong, silent type,” who struggled against vulnerability. His father’s emotional stoicism left a profound impact on the family, especially on Reynolds, who felt disconnected from the man he had looked up to.
The Hidden Battles of Caregivers
While Ryan’s mother, Tammy, played the role of primary caregiver, the emotional burdens often fell heavily on her shoulders. “My mom was living a life of true isolation with my dad for many, many years,” he recalled. Caregiver fatigue—a seldom-discussed but profoundly real side effect of chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s—took a toll on the entire family. “It broke her,” he admitted, recognizing the silent struggles that caregivers often endure.
In a heartfelt video for the “More to Parkinson’s” initiative, Reynolds reflected on the lack of preparation regarding the mental challenges tied to the disease: “No one warned us about the mental effects.” This raw honesty sheds light on the deep-seated need for awareness regarding the psychological shadows that disease casts over families.
(Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Within this framework of difficulty and confusion was a longing for understanding. Reynolds acknowledged, “I wasn’t really accepting my own responsibility,” regarding their relationship. Time, it seems, softened the edges of that emotional storm. As he matured, he began to view their distance as a byproduct of his own unwillingness to meet his father where he was—a poignant realization that many with familial complexities can understand.
Finding Closure in Words
One of the bittersweet elements of Reynolds’ journey was the letter he wrote to his father five months before his death. “It was basically a list of every amazing thing he ever did,” he shared. This simple yet profound gesture was an acknowledgment of all the small moments—every catch in the backyard, every presence at a football game—that shaped their bond. It was a way to both honor his father’s legacy and create a bridge over their emotional chasm.
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Today, as a father of four, Reynolds embraces the lessons of his past. Naming his daughter James after his father echoes a profound connection. “The healing for me really comes more through my relationship with my own kids,” he said. This new generation allows him to rewrite the narrative of fatherhood, offering compassion instead of silence. Where his own father had retreated, Reynolds seeks to engage, ensuring that his children feel seen and heard.
Ryan Reynolds’ reflections create a touching narrative of love intermingled with loss, honoring a father’s strength while acknowledging the complexities brought forth by illness. In this delicate interplay, there are truths about connection, understanding, and the courage to face emotional depth—both in oneself and in the relationships we hold dear.
