Ryan Reynolds, a Canadian actor, producer, and entrepreneur, has become a household name not only for his charming on-screen presence but also for his strategic business acumen. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at an impressive $350 million, a figure reflective of both his successful acting career and ventures outside of Hollywood. Reynolds’ journey from a comedic actor to one of the top-earning celebrities in the world is marked by blockbuster films, smart investments, and entrepreneurial ventures that have transformed him into more than just a movie star.
Early Career: Humble Beginnings to Breakthrough Roles
Ryan Reynolds was born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia. He began his acting career in the early 1990s, appearing in Canadian television series like Hillside (also known as Fifteen in the U.S.) and later the teen soap opera The Odyssey. Despite his early foray into acting, Reynolds struggled to break into Hollywood for a significant portion of the 1990s, often taking smaller roles in films and television.
His first major breakthrough came in 2002 with the comedy National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, where his comedic timing and likable personality were on full display. While the film itself was only a modest box office success, it cemented Reynolds as a rising comedic talent. Over the next decade, he built his reputation with roles in films like The Proposal (2009) and Definitely, Maybe (2008), transitioning seamlessly between romantic comedies and action films.
However, it wasn’t until his portrayal of the Marvel anti-hero Deadpool in 2016 that Reynolds would ascend to Hollywood’s A-list.
Deadpool: A Career-Defining Role
Deadpool was a major turning point in Ryan Reynolds’ career. The film, released in 2016, was a passion project for Reynolds, who had been pushing for its development for years. His commitment paid off when Deadpool became a massive hit, grossing over $783 million worldwide. Reynolds’ performance as the wise-cracking, foul-mouthed anti-hero was universally praised, and his unique blend of humor and action was perfect for the role. What made Deadpool even more remarkable was that it was a low-budget film by superhero standards, yet it performed better than many big-budget counterparts.
For his role in Deadpool, Reynolds initially earned a modest $2 million base salary, but thanks to the film’s enormous success, he reaped significant financial benefits through backend profit participation. This role not only showcased his talents but also increased his earning potential in Hollywood, allowing him to command higher salaries for future projects. The success of the film led to a sequel, Deadpool 2 (2018), which also performed exceptionally well, grossing around $785 million globally. For Deadpool 2, Reynolds reportedly earned $20 million upfront, with additional earnings from profit-sharing.
Expanding Into Production: Maximum Effort
Building on his success as an actor, Reynolds expanded his role in Hollywood by becoming a producer. In 2018, he co-founded the production company Maximum Effort, which initially helped create the viral marketing campaigns that boosted Deadpool‘s success. Maximum Effort quickly made a name for itself by producing clever, viral marketing content, especially for companies such as Match.com and his own ventures.
In addition to marketing, Reynolds used Maximum Effort to produce films, including Deadpool and Free Guy (2021), another box office hit that earned nearly $331 million globally. His role as a producer has allowed him to have greater creative control over his projects while diversifying his income sources.
Major Business Ventures: Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile
While Ryan Reynolds’ acting career has been highly lucrative, his business ventures outside of Hollywood have contributed significantly to his $350 million net worth. Two of the most successful and well-known investments he made were in Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile.
Aviation Gin
In 2018, Reynolds acquired a significant stake in Aviation Gin, a boutique gin brand based in Portland, Oregon. Reynolds didn’t just invest in the company; he became its public face, heavily involved in the brand’s marketing efforts. His humorous and self-deprecating style in advertisements and interviews helped Aviation Gin gain widespread attention and popularity.
Reynolds’ influence on the brand was so successful that in 2020, Diageo, one of the largest liquor companies in the world, acquired Aviation Gin in a deal valued at $610 million. Although the exact amount Reynolds earned from the sale has not been disclosed, it’s estimated that he made upwards of $67 million from the deal. Aviation Gin’s sale is one of the major milestones in Reynolds’ entrepreneurial career and contributed significantly to his wealth.
Mint Mobile
Perhaps the most lucrative of Reynolds’ business ventures has been his investment in Mint Mobile, a low-cost telecommunications company. Reynolds acquired a 25% stake in the company in 2019 and became the face of its advertising campaigns. His involvement in Mint Mobile’s marketing, once again relying on his humor and social media presence, helped the company grow rapidly.
In March 2023, Mint Mobile was acquired by T-Mobile in a deal worth approximately $1.35 billion. Reynolds’ stake in the company was estimated to be worth around $300 million, making this one of the most significant financial moves of his career. The Mint Mobile deal showcased Reynolds’ savvy in identifying high-growth potential businesses and using his celebrity status to elevate them.
Other Investments and Business Ventures
Beyond Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile, Ryan Reynolds has also diversified his financial portfolio through various other investments.
Wrexham AFC
In 2020, Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney made headlines when they purchased the Welsh soccer team Wrexham AFC for $2.5 million. Though the initial investment in the fifth-tier football club might have seemed unconventional, their ownership has brought international attention to the team. Under their leadership, Wrexham AFC has seen remarkable growth, including winning the National League title in 2023 and earning promotion to the English Football League. The club’s rise in popularity, combined with a successful documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham, has boosted the value of the team and brought attention to Reynolds’ growing interest in sports investments.
Formula One
In June 2023, Reynolds expanded his portfolio further by joining a group of investors, including RedBird Capital Partners, to acquire a 24% stake in the Alpine Formula One team. The deal, valued at approximately $218 million, signaled Reynolds’ entry into the world of motorsports, further demonstrating his ability to diversify his business interests across industries.
Other Ventures
Reynolds is also an investor in a number of other companies, including Wealthsimple, an online financial advisory service, and 1Password, a password management software company. These investments have allowed Reynolds to further grow his wealth beyond traditional entertainment.
Film Salaries and Streaming Deals
In addition to his business ventures, Reynolds continues to earn substantial sums from his work in films. In recent years, streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV+ have paid Reynolds significant salaries for his roles in high-profile projects. For example, he earned an estimated $27 million for his role in Netflix’s 6 Underground (2019) and $20 million for Red Notice (2021), where he starred alongside Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. Similarly, he earned $20 million for his role in Apple TV+’s holiday film Spirited (2022).
These lucrative deals with streaming platforms have allowed Reynolds to maintain a steady income, even as the traditional movie-going landscape has evolved.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Ryan Reynolds is married to actress Blake Lively, with whom he shares three daughters. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts, often donating to various causes, including food banks, children’s hospitals, and mental health initiatives. In recent years, Reynolds has donated millions to organizations supporting COVID-19 relief efforts, Black Lives Matter, and environmental conservation.
Conclusion
Ryan Reynolds’ net worth of $350 million in 2024 is the result of a multifaceted career that spans acting, producing, and entrepreneurship. His transition from comedic actor to one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, combined with his astute investments in companies like Aviation Gin and Mint