Ryan Gosling, known as the Ryan Gosling favorite actor to many, began his career on the Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club at age 12 before rising to fame in the mid-2000s with performances in films like The Notebook, Blue Valentine, and Half Nelson. Over the years, Gosling has shown remarkable flexibility, effortlessly transitioning from intense dramas to action and musicals.
In 2011, Gosling explored action cinema with Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, then showcased his musical talents in 2016’s La La Land. His portrayal in Blade Runner 2049 further solidified his reputation as a leading actor capable of carrying complex and diverse roles. Recently, Gosling starred in the action thriller The Gray Man, which, despite mixed reviews, has been slated to receive a sequel, a common fate for action films with modest reception.
From Action Star to Ken Doll: Gosling’s Range Expands
Gosling’s upcoming project, Barbie, will see him embody the iconic Mattel Ken doll, marking a stark contrast to his role as a CIA black ops assassin in The Gray Man. This casting underlines his ability to inhabit vastly different characters while maintaining his appeal across genres. Gosling’s range is a testament to his nuanced understanding of acting and his desire to continuously challenge himself.
During press interviews for The Gray Man, Gosling shared that his favorite action star is Sylvester Stallone. He remarked,
“He’s such a good actor. […] You got action, but you’ve got these like amazing characters at the centre of it. It was just like, it was this beautiful marriage. I miss those days.”
Sylvester Stallone, actor and filmmaker
The Influence of Gene Wilder on Ryan Gosling’s Craft
While Gosling admires Stallone’s blend of action and character depth, he revealed that his all-time favorite actor transcends genre: Gene Wilder. Known best for playing Willy Wonka in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Wilder’s career began with roles in films such as the 1967 crime drama Bonnie and Clyde and Mel Brooks’ The Producers, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Gene Wilder’s collaboration with Mel Brooks extended to co-writing the screenplay for Young Frankenstein, garnering another Academy Award nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. Wilder also partnered with Richard Pryor in comedies like Silver Streak and Another You. His contributions to television and narration in later years, including the documentary Expo: Magic of the White City (2005), added to his diverse portfolio until his passing in 2016 due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Gosling spoke passionately about Wilder’s impact on him, saying,
“Gene Wilder is my Marlon Brando. Gene Wilder will break your heart and make you laugh at the same time. And that’s deep. There’s something really profound about what he’s able to do. It’s transcendent. It’s everything. He gives you everything at once, and you have to decide what you feel about it.”
Ryan Gosling, actor
The Legacy of Gene Wilder’s Complex Performances
Although Gene Wilder is widely remembered for his comedic roles, his acting offered a unique depth often blending humor with poignancy. His portrayal of Willy Wonka is especially notable for shifting from whimsical charm to a sudden, commanding presence, demonstrating a masterful command of tone and emotion.
Gosling has echoed this ability to navigate contrasting phases within a single role, captivating audiences by smoothly transitioning between different character arcs. While Gene Wilder might not be the immediate choice for many when naming their inspiration, his enduring influence on Gosling reveals the significance of Wilder’s artistry among his peers.
What Lies Ahead for Ryan Gosling’s Evolving Career
As Ryan Gosling continues to take on fresh and surprising roles, his admiration for legendary figures like Gene Wilder highlights his dedication to embodying complex, layered characters. With upcoming projects like Barbie promising a blend of charm and cultural relevance, Gosling’s status as a versatile and passionate actor remains firmly established within Hollywood and beyond.
