Ryan Reynolds reveals drunk driver broke every bone on his left side at 18
Synopsis
Ryan Reynolds has never been this specific about it before — a drunk driver hit him so hard at 18 that every bone on his left side broke and the car was left inoperable. Four weeks in a Canadian hospital later, he walked into one of Hollywood's most physically demanding careers. The GQ confession is a reminder of how close audiences came to never meeting Deadpool.
Key Takeaways
Ryan Reynolds was struck by a drunk driver at age 18 while walking home after choosing not to drive.
He sustained fractures to every bone on his left side and spent four weeks in a Canadian hospital .
The impact was so severe that the driver's car was left non-operational .
Reynolds first mentioned the accident in a 2011 CTV News interview; the GQ video is his most detailed account.
His next film, Mayday , opens 4 September ; he also returns as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday on 18 December .
Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds has shared fresh details of a harrowing encounter with a drunk driver at the age of 18, revealing he spent four weeks in hospital after sustaining fractures across every bone on his left side. Reynolds made the disclosure in a candid GQ video alongside his Welcome to Wrexham co-star Rob McElhenney.
What Reynolds Revealed
Reynolds recounted that on the night of the accident, he had consumed a single beer at a bar and made a deliberate choice not to drive. 'Even if it's four blocks home, absolutely not,' he said of his decision to walk instead. Despite what he called a 'firmly positive and wise decision,' he was struck by a drunk driver while on foot.
'I spent four weeks in the hospital,' Reynolds said. 'Oh, yeah, broke every bone in my left side. He hit me so hard, his car was not operational.'
McElhenney, visibly taken aback, responded: 'What? That's the first time I've heard that.'
Gratitude for His Canadian Doctors
Reynolds expressed gratitude toward the medical team at the Canadian hospital where he received treatment, thanking the doctor 'for putting me back together so kindly.' The actor had first touched on the accident in a 2011 interview with CTV News, but the GQ video marks the most detailed account he has shared publicly.
How the Accident Shaped His Approach to Stunts
Despite the severity of his injuries, Reynolds went on to take physically demanding roles in Hollywood, most notably the Deadpool franchise. However, he has grown more cautious about stunt work with age. Speaking to Variety in 2022, Reynolds said he steps aside 'when there's something that's just too gnarly and there's a trained professional ready to go.'
He added with characteristic humour: 'You're not allowed to eat Advil like cereal.' Reynolds also noted: 'After I turned 35, being thrown onto cement wasn't hilarious anymore. It had been upgraded to hell.'
What's Next for Reynolds
Reynolds' upcoming film Mayday is set to open on 4 September. He is also reprising his role as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on 18 December. The latest revelations are likely to renew public conversation around drunk driving awareness, given Reynolds' global profile.
Point of View
But the specificity here — every bone on the left side, four weeks hospitalised, a car rendered inoperable — reframes what was previously a footnote into something far more serious. What is striking is the irony: he made the responsible choice that night, and was punished for it anyway. For a global star whose brand is built on irreverent humour, this rare moment of unguarded candour lands differently, and the timing — ahead of two major releases — will ensure it travels far beyond entertainment coverage.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ryan Reynolds when he was 18?
Ryan Reynolds was struck by a drunk driver at age 18 while walking home from a bar, having chosen not to drive after having a beer. He broke every bone on his left side and spent four weeks in a Canadian hospital recovering.
When did Ryan Reynolds first talk about the drunk driving accident?
Reynolds first discussed the accident in a 2011 interview with CTV News. He shared the most detailed account to date in a GQ video alongside Welcome to Wrexham co-star Rob McElhenney.
How did the accident affect Ryan Reynolds' stunt work in films?
Despite the injuries, Reynolds went on to perform many of his own stunts, particularly in the Deadpool films. However, speaking to Variety in 2022, he said he steps aside for stunts that are 'too gnarly' and has become more cautious since turning 35.
What are Ryan Reynolds' upcoming films?
Reynolds stars in Mayday, opening 4 September, and reprises his role as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for 18 December.
Where was Ryan Reynolds treated after the drunk driving accident?
Reynolds was treated at a Canadian hospital following the accident. He thanked the doctor there for 'putting me back together so kindly,' though he did not name the specific facility.
