Ryan Reynolds opens up about toxic side of Hollywood fame

Ryan Reynolds has revealed the dark side of Hollywood, exposing the pressures and habits that can take a serious toll on one’s mental health.

The 48-year-old actor, who rose to fame with his breakout role in the hit film Deadpool, opened up about the constant need to please others in Hollywood.

Speaking at a special screening of John Candy: I Like Me in Brooklyn, he shared that he once heard comedian Conan O’Brien reflect on the issue, describing the insight as “profound.” 

Reynolds explained, “He talks about people-pleasing and pleasers in Hollywood. And Bill Murray says it too. 

You just can’t — it doesn’t work. Being a people-pleaser is quite literally antithetical to having a mental-health crisis.”

The Proposal star, who is married to actress Blake Lively said that as a people-pleaser, “you don’t want to burden anyone with your anything,” admitting that it’s a tough trait to overcome in showbiz. 

“The only way out is to centre yourself, and for a people-pleaser that’s difficult. It’s a paradox that fascinates me,” he added.

Reynolds, who co-produced the new John Candy documentary, also revealed he sensed the late comedy legend struggled with anxiety. 

“I didn’t need anyone to tell me that,” he told People. 

“People-pleasing and mental health don’t coexist very well — you never want to be a problem for anyone.”

What's the drama with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds?

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have been caught up in a legal feud with actor-director Justin Baldoni following their work on It Ends With Us. 

Lively accused Baldoni of creating a hostile set and harassment, while the Cloud actor counter-sued both her and Reynolds for defamation and extortion, demanding $400 million. 

The lawsuit was dismissed in June 2025, with the court ruling in the Gossip Girl actor's favour.

Despite public speculation about strain in their marriage amid the drama, sources say the pair remain united and are handling the ordeal together.

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