Ryan Reynolds is once again in the spotlight, not for his latest film, but for a poignant tribute to his mother and her unwavering support during his father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. In a heartfelt interview, Reynolds opened up about the profound impact the illness had on his family and how it spurred his advocacy efforts. He also reflected on his father’s struggle and the often-silent battle that accompanies the disease.
Reynolds’s story not only highlights the personal toll of caregiving but also underscores the stigma surrounding Parkinson’s and the urgent need for greater awareness.
Ryan Reynolds Pays Heartfelt Tribute to His Mother
In a recent conversation with Parade, Ryan Reynolds spoke candidly about his mother’s selflessness during his father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease. “I watched my mom give her last drop of blood to caregiving and taking care of my father,” he shared. Reynolds emphasized the emotional and physical toll caregiving took on her, noting, “You’re not practicing self-care in any way sometimes, and you just kind of have nothing left.”
Reynolds’s father, James Chester Reynolds, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when Ryan was 22 and succumbed to the disease a few years later. The actor highlighted the debilitating symptoms such as slowed movements, unstable posture, hallucinations, delusions, and depression, stressing that the disease places a heavy burden on both patients and caregivers.
Advocacy and Raising Awareness
In an effort to raise awareness, Reynolds partnered with Acadia Pharmaceuticals in 2024 for the “More to Parkinson’s” campaign, which focuses on the hallucinations and delusions associated with the disease. In April 2025, he took part in a public event to commemorate Parkinson’s Awareness Month, urging families and care teams to engage in open discussions. “You’re not just talking to patients; you’re talking to the circle that’s around them,” Reynolds stated.
Reflecting on his family’s experience, Reynolds shared, “I think of it as a difficult situation because any kind of struggle you’re having health-wise can sometimes be stigmatized.” He highlighted the challenges in explaining and coping with Parkinson’s symptoms, especially when misunderstood by others.
“When you share it, it suddenly becomes accessible, it suddenly stops being the boogeyman,” Reynolds said. He also expressed a wish that his father had spoken more about his condition. “I think he would have been much, much healthier and better off had he shared more,” Reynolds added.
The Broader Implications of Caregiving
The announcement comes as the world increasingly acknowledges the silent struggles of caregivers, who often sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of loved ones. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, approximately 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months. The emotional and financial strain is immense, yet the conversation around caregiving remains limited.
Experts argue that public figures like Reynolds play a crucial role in shifting perceptions and encouraging dialogue. Dr. Emily Carter, a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease, notes, “When celebrities share their personal stories, it humanizes the disease and can lead to increased funding and research. It also helps in reducing the stigma associated with such conditions.”
Looking Forward: The Path to Greater Awareness
Reynolds’s advocacy work represents a significant step toward demystifying Parkinson’s disease and supporting those affected by it. By leveraging his platform, he hopes to foster a more inclusive conversation that includes not just patients, but their families and caregivers as well.
As Reynolds continues to honor his mother’s sacrifice and his father’s memory, he remains committed to raising awareness and promoting understanding. “It’s part of the gift, too, being able to have a platform,” he acknowledged. The actor’s journey from personal pain to public advocacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one voice can have in the fight against disease and stigma.
The move represents a growing trend among public figures to use their influence for social good, and it underscores the importance of community support in tackling health challenges. As awareness grows, so too does the hope for a future where diseases like Parkinson’s are met with understanding and compassion.
