Ryan Gosling (Part 1)

Ryan Gosling is a Canadian actor known for his versatility and acclaimed performances in both independent and mainstream films. He rose to prominence at a young age with his role on Disney Channel's The Mickey Mouse Club and later appeared in various family entertainment programs. However, it was his breakthrough role as a Jewish neo-Nazi in The Believer that garnered attention and established him as a serious actor.
Gosling gained widespread fame for his role in the romantic drama The Notebook in 2004. He further solidified his reputation with critically acclaimed performances in independent dramas such as Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, and Blue Valentine. These roles earned him nominations for prestigious awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in Half Nelson.
In 2011, Gosling had a remarkable year with starring roles in multiple successful films, including Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Ides of March, and Drive. His career continued to thrive with diverse roles in films like The Big Short, The Nice Guys, and La La Land, for which he won a Golden Globe and received another Academy Award nomination.
Gosling's talents extend beyond acting; he made his directorial debut with Lost River in 2014. He also has a musical side, being a member of the band Dead Man's Bones, which released its debut album in 2009 and toured North America.
Outside of his artistic endeavors, Gosling is known for his philanthropy and activism. He supports organizations like PETA, Invisible Children, and the Enough Project, and has been involved in raising awareness about conflicts in regions like Chad, Uganda, and eastern Congo. Gosling has been dedicated to peace promotion efforts in Africa for over a decade.
On a personal note, Gosling is in a relationship with actress Eva Mendes, and they have two daughters together. Additionally, he is a co-owner of Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. Overall, Ryan Gosling continues to captivate audiences with his talent, versatility, and commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the screen.


Ryan Gosling's upbringing was marked by frequent moves due to his father's job as a traveling salesman, leading to periods of residence in Cornwall and Burlington, Ontario. His parents divorced when he was 13, and Gosling and his sister Mandi lived with their mother thereafter. This experience, along with being bullied in school, influenced his perspective and he has credited it with shaping his ability to empathize and understand others.
Despite experiencing challenges in his early years, Gosling found solace in performing and discovered his passion for acting at a young age. He was inspired by movies like Dick Tracy and aspired to become an actor. However, he struggled academically, facing difficulties with reading and attention, though he was not diagnosed with ADHD. His mother homeschooled him for a year, which he credits with instilling in him a sense of independence and autonomy.
Gosling's involvement in performing arts, encouraged by his sister's own pursuits, helped boost his self-confidence during his formative years. He performed in various capacities, including singing at weddings and participating in a local ballet company. Despite his initial struggles, performing became an outlet for Gosling where he received praise and recognition.
At age 17, Gosling made the decision to drop out of high school to focus on his acting career, demonstrating his commitment and determination to pursue his passion. This decision ultimately paved the way for his successful career in the entertainment industry.


Ryan Gosling's early career took off in 1993 when he attended an open audition for a revival of Disney Channel's "The Mickey Mouse Club" in Montreal at the age of 12. He secured a two-year contract as a mouseketeer and relocated to Orlando, Florida, where the show was filmed. Despite not receiving as much screen time as some of his peers, including future stars like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake, Gosling has fondly described his time on the show as the greatest two years of his life, crediting it with instilling in him a strong sense of focus.
During his tenure on "The Mickey Mouse Club," Gosling developed a close friendship with fellow cast member Justin Timberlake, to the extent that Timberlake's mother became Gosling's legal guardian for a period when his own mother returned to Canada for work reasons. Despite not being in constant communication, Gosling and Timberlake remain supportive of each other.
After the show's cancellation in 1995, Gosling returned to Canada and continued to appear in various family entertainment television series, including "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" and "Goosebumps." He later starred in the Fox Kids adventure series "Young Hercules" in New Zealand from 1998 to 1999, portraying the title character. However, Gosling eventually decided to transition into film, expressing a desire to delve deeper into character development and take on a wider range of roles, leading him to decline further television opportunities.


At the age of 19, Ryan Gosling made a conscious decision to transition into more serious acting roles. However, he encountered challenges in securing work due to the stigma associated with his previous roles in children's television, leading to him being dropped by his agent. Despite these initial setbacks, Gosling's talent soon caught the attention of filmmakers.
In 2001, Gosling landed a significant role as a young Jewish neo-Nazi in "The Believer." Director Henry Bean specifically cast Gosling because he believed his Mormon upbringing helped him understand the isolation experienced by the character. Gosling's performance was widely praised, with critics lauding his electrifying and convincing portrayal. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, although it faced difficulties securing financial backing for a full theatrical release and was instead broadcast on Showtime. Despite its commercial failure, Gosling credits "The Believer" as the film that paved the way for his career.
The following year, Gosling appeared in the psychological thriller "Murder by Numbers" alongside Sandra Bullock and Michael Pitt. While the film received mixed reviews, Gosling's performance was singled out as a standout, with critics acknowledging his talent despite the shortcomings of the screenplay. Additionally, he starred in "The Slaughter Rule," a lesser-known film set in rural Montana, where he had the opportunity to work with David Morse, an experience that he credits with improving his acting skills.
In 2003, Gosling starred in "The United States of Leland," portraying a teenager imprisoned for the murder of a disabled boy. While his performance received mixed reviews, with some critics praising his talent while others criticized the character's development, Gosling continued to showcase his versatility and commitment to challenging roles.
Despite facing setbacks early in his career, Gosling's dedication to his craft and ability to deliver compelling performances established him as one of Hollywood's most promising talents.

References

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2. ^ Johnstone, Nick (2017). Ryan Gosling – The Biography. John Blake Publishing. p. 17. ISBN 978-1-78606-532-2. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
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4. a b "The Oddball". Time. October 4, 2007. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
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