Ryan Reynolds may have been deemed People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2010, and you’d think he’s got all the confidence in the world; however, the actor says much like his profession, his self-assurance is just an act.
While speaking to CBS Sunday Morning on February 27, the “Free Guy” actor opened up about his anxiety and how it’s affected his personality.
“Yeah, I’ve had anxiety my whole life really. And you know, I feel like I have two parts of my personality,” he explained.
Reynolds continued to say before he’d go onstage for a late-night talk-show appearance, he felt as if he was going to die.
His Confidence Is Just An Act!
“When I would go out on, like, ‘Letterman,’ back in the day, I was nervous. But I remember I’d be standing backstage before the curtain would open, and I would think to myself, ‘I’m gonna die. I’m literally gonna die here. The curtain’s gonna open and I’m just gonna be, I’m just gonna be a symphony of vomit,’” Reynolds admitted. “But as soon as that curtain opens – and this happens in my work a lot too – it’s like this little guy takes over. And he’s like, ‘I got this. You’re cool.’ I feel, like, my heart rate drop, and my breathing calm, and I just sort of go out and I’m this different person. And I leave that interview going, ‘God, I’d love to be that guy!'”
“That guy” as in “That Ryan Reynolds guy!”
Insane how someone so cool, suave and sought after in the entertainment industry struggles with self-assurance.
Last year, Reynolds took a step back from acting and announced he’d be taking an acting sabbatical to focus on parenting.
Ryan Reynolds Wishes He Could Be “The Confident Ryan Reynolds”
The Blast previously reported on his life changing decision.
The “Deadpool” star revealed he’d be taking time off from his craft in October after wrapping on AppleTV+’s “Spirited” starring Will Ferrell.
He was awarded at the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards on Monday, November 1.
The actor was recognized for his business empire, which he runs in addition to acting.
In his feature interview, Reynolds explained why taking a break from acting was so dire.
Reynolds Took A Break From Acting To Focus On His Family
He told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m just trying to create a little bit more space for my family.”
Reynolds added the importance of the break is because, “you really don’t get that time back.”
The actor spoke out about his acting sabbatical on Instagram as well.
In an Instagram post he wrote, “That’s a wrap for me on Spirited. Not sure I’d have been ready to say yes to a film this challenging even three years ago. Singing, dancing and playing in the sandbox with Will Ferrell made a whole lotta dreams come true. And this is my second film with the great @octaviaspencer…”
Reynolds Announces Acting Sabbatical
He continued, “Perfect time for a little sabbatical from movie making. I’m gonna miss every second working with this obscenely gifted group of creators and artists. These days, kindness matters as much as talent. I’ve been lucky to work with folks who are flush with both.”
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Of course, mass hysteria broke out on the internet, and his fans had a zillion questions for the talented actor.
He then decided to explain the meaning of a sabbatical and the goal he’s trying to achieve while taking time off.
In an Instagram story he wrote, “A sabbatical can last anywhere from two months to a year,” which is information he pulled from Indeed.com.
“In general, six months is the standard length of time for a paid sabbatical. It gives you enough time and flexibility to do things such as travel, study or complete a major side project,” the note continued.
Reynolds cut out the latter portion of the definition and replaced it with “Parent.”
He has since returned to acting, and “The Adam Project” will drop on Netflix on March 11.
