Ryan Reynolds was awarded the Freedom of the City on April 1, 2025.
Ryan Reynolds has become one of the city’s most iconic figures. As an actor, business owner, and philanthropist, he has been a highly visible ambassador for both Vancouver and Canada for more than two decades, proudly representing his hometown and country on the world stage.
Beyond the recognition he has brought Vancouver, Ryan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, supporting a wide range of local and international causes.
Together with his wife, Blake Lively, he has donated generously to Covenant House Vancouver to assist youth who are homeless, at-risk and trafficked, contributed to the Red Cross of BC in response to the devastating 2021 floods and supported the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Their philanthropy has extended nationally and globally, including significant contributions to Food Banks Canada during the pandemic, matching up to $1 million in donations to support displaced Ukrainian families, and a $500,000 donation to Water First Education & Training to advance hands-on skills training and education for young Indigenous adults in Canada.
Ryan’s commitment to equity and opportunity also extends to his professional life. As co-founder of the Group Effort Initiative and Creative Ladder, he has helped create pathways for underrepresented communities to gain experience and build careers in the entertainment and marketing industries.
A recipient of both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada, Ryan Reynolds embodies the spirit of civic leadership, philanthropy, and cultural ambassadorship. His extraordinary contributions, both at home and abroad, continue to enrich the lives of Vancouverites and Canadians alike.