Ryan Reynolds Honors Late 'Friend and Mentor' Eric Gilliland, Who Gave a 'Scrawny, Hungover 19-Year-Old' a 'Break'

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty; Theo Wargo/Getty Ryan Reynoldsis using a special moment to memorialize a dear friend. “I want to dedicate this very fine honor to a writer, to one of my closest friends, Mr. Eric Gilliland,” Reynolds said on stage at the event, held in Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 14. “I wouldn’t be standing here if not for that man.” The actor, 48, recalled meeting the “magical” Gilliland almost three decades ago, “when I was a scrawny, desperately hungover 19-year-old kid.

Ryan Reynolds Jokes About HisDeadpoolCup Size Compared to Hugh Jackman's: 'Wait, You Weren't Wearing One?'

Hugh Jackman (left) and Ryan Reynolds on Nov. 2, 2024.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Disney via Getty Eric Charbonneau/Disney via Getty Ryan ReynoldsandHugh Jackmanare still having fun withDeadpool & Wolverine.Both actors shared a video to theirInstagramStorieson Tuesday, Nov. 5, showing them onstage with the movie’s directorShawn Levyat a recent screening and Q&A for the film in Los Angeles. In the clip, the trio discussed how difficult it is to step out of full superhero costumes to use the bathroom while filming and joked about each others' cup sizes.

Ryan Reynolds Jokes Dogpool Was the Intimacy Coordinator forDeadpool & Wolverine: 'Complete Disaster'

Peggy (left) and Ryan Reynolds attend ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ on July 11, 2024 in London.Photo:Samir Hussein/WireImage Samir Hussein/WireImage Ryan Reynoldsis paying tribute to his canine costar — with his signature sense of humor. TheDeadpool & Wolverinestar shared an Instagram carousel on Monday, Aug. 12, featuring photos of Peggy, the pooch who played Wade Wilson’s four-legged sidekick Dogpool inthe new Marvel movie. Then, his post took a surprising turn. “What many don’t know, is that she was also the Intimacy Coordinator on#DeadpoolAndWolverine.

Ryan Reynolds Playfully Calls Out Pal Hugh Jackman for 'Flaunting' Other Friends Without Him on Instagram

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman on Aug. 6, 2024.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Getty Eric Charbonneau/Getty Ryan Reynoldshad a funny reaction to seeing palHugh Jackmanpost on social media about other friends. “Friends who are family!” the actor wrote in the caption. “u know I come first Mr Director!! ❤️ and that other guy knows too,” Worland replied to Reynolds. Bimson and Worland are both friends of Jackman’s from his home country, Australia. Worland has spoken about his lifelong friendship with Jackman in the past, most recently on theLife Uncutpodcastin August.

Ryan Reynolds Recalls Meeting 'Friend and Favorite Actor’ Hugh Jackman in Touching Tribute: 'I Was a Nervous Mess'

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.Photo:Gregory Pace/Shutterstock Gregory Pace/Shutterstock Deadpool and Wolverine may have a friendship for the ages, but nothing compares to the love betweenRyan ReynoldsandHugh Jackman! Continuing his streak ofsharing Instagram tributesto each actor who appeared in the duo’s blockbuster filmDeadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds, 47, penned a message for Jackman that detailed his first impression of the actor when they met over a decade ago. “On August 14th, 2022, @thehughjackman stopped his car to call me,” the actor wrote.