Ryan Reynolds Is 'Proud' to Be a 'Part of the Ever-Evolving Canadian Story' After Receiving Order of Canada Honor (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Ryan Reynolds in September 2024.Photo:Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Ryan Reynolds is one proud Canadian.In an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE hours after theDeadpool & Wolverineactor, 48, was included in the list of88 new appointees to the Order of Canadaon Dec. 19, Reynolds said he “couldn’t be more emotional and proud.”“Today I received the incredible honour ofappointment to the Order of Canada. I couldn’t be more emotional and proud of this moment,” Reynolds said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of the ever-evolving Canadian story.”Reynolds, a native of Vancouver, went on to thank his “third parent,” the communities across Canada who “supported and shaped me.”“As well as all the people across Canada who do the work of helping people each and every day without recognition or pats on the back,” Reynolds continued. “I’m asking the Governor General if I can break my officer’s medal into thousands of little pieces to share.”The star also thanked the Canadian government for the honor onX (formerly Twitter), adding that he promises to “use my powers for good… and general whimsy.”In addition to his work onscreen, the Canadian government also recognized his support of Canadian causes, includingWater First Education,Covenant House VancouverandSick Kids Foundation.Ryan Reynolds in June 2024.Steven Ferdman/GettyNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Reynolds “co-founded initiatives to increase opportunities for under-represented groups,” the government said when announcing his latest honor. “His far-reaching philanthropy continues to strengthen communities nationwide.”The Order of Canada is the country’s highest citizenship distinction and is presented to people who “make extraordinary contributions to the nation.”Reynolds previously received theOrder of British Columbiaand theAcademy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s humanitarian award last year.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!Although Reynolds loves his native country, the New York City resident recently toldThe Hollywood Reporterhe was not planning to move back. He lives in the Big Apple with his wifeBlake Livelyand their four children, daughters James, 10, Inez, 8, and Betty, 5, and son Olin, 1.“I’ve always been proud of being Canadian,” Reynolds toldTHRin the interview published on Dec. 13. “I feel like Canada’s one of my parents. It taught me some core values that have come in handy weekly, if not daily, since I left home when I was 18 or 19 years old.“His childrenalso hold Canadian passports, Reynolds told PEOPLE earlier this year. “It’s a point of pride of theirs.”

Ryan Reynolds is one proud Canadian.

In an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE hours after theDeadpool & Wolverineactor, 48, was included in the list of88 new appointees to the Order of Canadaon Dec. 19, Reynolds said he “couldn’t be more emotional and proud.”

“Today I received the incredible honour ofappointment to the Order of Canada. I couldn’t be more emotional and proud of this moment,” Reynolds said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of the ever-evolving Canadian story.”

Reynolds, a native of Vancouver, went on to thank his “third parent,” the communities across Canada who “supported and shaped me.”

“As well as all the people across Canada who do the work of helping people each and every day without recognition or pats on the back,” Reynolds continued. “I’m asking the Governor General if I can break my officer’s medal into thousands of little pieces to share.”

The star also thanked the Canadian government for the honor onX (formerly Twitter), adding that he promises to “use my powers for good… and general whimsy.”

In addition to his work onscreen, the Canadian government also recognized his support of Canadian causes, includingWater First Education,Covenant House VancouverandSick Kids Foundation.

Ryan Reynolds in June 2024.Steven Ferdman/Getty

Steven Ferdman/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Reynolds “co-founded initiatives to increase opportunities for under-represented groups,” the government said when announcing his latest honor. “His far-reaching philanthropy continues to strengthen communities nationwide.”

The Order of Canada is the country’s highest citizenship distinction and is presented to people who “make extraordinary contributions to the nation.”

Reynolds previously received theOrder of British Columbiaand theAcademy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s humanitarian award last year.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Although Reynolds loves his native country, the New York City resident recently toldThe Hollywood Reporterhe was not planning to move back. He lives in the Big Apple with his wifeBlake Livelyand their four children, daughters James, 10, Inez, 8, and Betty, 5, and son Olin, 1.

“I’ve always been proud of being Canadian,” Reynolds toldTHRin the interview published on Dec. 13. “I feel like Canada’s one of my parents. It taught me some core values that have come in handy weekly, if not daily, since I left home when I was 18 or 19 years old.”

His childrenalso hold Canadian passports, Reynolds told PEOPLE earlier this year. “It’s a point of pride of theirs.”

source: people.com