The Deadpool star shared rare insight into life with his eldest daughter, James—whom he shares with wife Blake Lively—and revealed how fellow Canadian Michael J. Fox inspired a sweet bonding moment with his now 9-year-old.
"Last year I watched Back to the Future with my 8-year-old daughter," Ryanwrote in a TIME tribute to Michael published April 17. "It's become her favorite film."
Despite his daughter's love for the movie, the 47-year-old has yet to disclose his friendship with the Spin City star.
"I know how lucky I am to call Mike a friend," he shared. "She still has no idea that I know him."
This is surely not for a lack of qualities Ryan admires in Michael, 62, who in addition to acting has championed research into Parkinson's Disease, which he was diagnosed with in the ‘90s.
"I don't need to teach my daughter the level of compassion Mike has mastered," Ryan explained in his thoughtful message. "Or teach her to tell stories the way Mike tells stories. I need to teach her that it's OK to fall a lot. It's the absolute best way to know you're flying."
In addition to James, the dad of four may soon be teaching these important lessons to daughters Inez, 7, Betty, 4, as well as his and Blake's youngest, whom they welcomed in 2023 and whose name has not been shared.
Though they often keep their family life out of the spotlight, Ryan and Blake have given occasional glimpses into their busy life with their little ones.
"I try to be as present as possible," the Wrexham A.F.C. co-owner told Access in 2020, noting that he doesn't spend much time away from his family. "I shoot movies and my wife shoots movies, and we go travel all over the place, and we just all go together."
For more of Blake and Ryan's heart-warming thoughts on parenting, keep reading.
This Will Make Your Head Spin
Fun Uncle
Best Thing Ever
The Messy Side
A Bullet for Baby
The Joys of Fatherhood
Daddy's Dirty Work
Morning Duties
There's Dad!
Becoming A Big Kid
Look Who's Talking
Silly Love
It's a Constant Surprise
Family Is Everything
Father's Day Gift
Everything's Worth It
Proud Papa
Daddy's Little Girl
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