Ryan Reynolds has opened up about a devastating accident from his teenage years, revealing that he was struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver after making the responsible decision not to drive home himself. The actor said the incident, which occurred in his hometown of Vancouver when he was 18 years old, left him hospitalized for four weeks and caused life-changing injuries that continue to affect him decades later.
Reynolds shared the story during a recent interview with his longtime friend and Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney. He explained that after having a beer at a bar, he looked at his car and decided it would be irresponsible to drive, even though his home was only a short distance away. Instead, he chose to walk. While crossing the street, he was hit by a drunk driver in what he described as a violent collision.
According to Reynolds, the impact was so severe that it “broke every bone” on the left side of his body. He spent approximately four weeks recovering in the hospital after the crash and credited the medical team that treated him with helping save his life. He specifically thanked Dr. Meek and the staff at Vancouver General Hospital for the care he received during his lengthy recovery.
Although the accident happened more than three decades ago, Reynolds admitted that its effects have never completely disappeared. While he made a remarkable recovery and went on to become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, he acknowledged that his body has never fully returned to normal. The actor said he still feels the lasting physical impact of the injuries sustained during the collision, particularly after performing physically demanding action scenes throughout his career.
Reynolds has referenced the incident on a few occasions over the years, but his latest comments provide one of the most detailed public accounts of what happened. He noted the irony that despite making the safest possible decision by refusing to drive after drinking, he still became the victim of another person’s reckless actions. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that responsible choices behind the wheel save lives, but impaired driving continues to place innocent people at risk.
The revelation has resonated with fans around the world, many of whom praised Reynolds for sharing his story and highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. His account underscores the devastating consequences that drunk driving can have on victims and their families, while reinforcing the importance of making safe transportation choices and preventing impaired driving in every community.