Photo: Rich Polk/E! Entertainment/NBC via Getty
Ryan Reynoldscredits his icon status to his family’s support.
Reynolds first joked in his speech, “I feel like I’m at my funeral, except I get to leave. I guess I finally tested positive for icon. Been avoiding it for years but here we are.”
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Elsewhere in his speech, Reynolds thanked Lively, 35, and their kids directly: “It’s gonna be a fourth child very soon. If it happens tonight while I’m here I will be looking for a couch to sleep on for a little while…. But Blake and my girls, you are quite literally my heart, my hope, my happiness. I joke that my family exhausts me, but in reality you give me more strength than any man could possibly deserve.”
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Back in November, Reynolds shared his reaction to being given the People’s Icon honor,telling E! News, “I feel like I’m getting old. For starters, that’s it, you know? And then I realize, ‘Yeah, I’ve been around.’ I’ve been doing this job for over 30 years now. It’s a long time to do anything. And I’m lucky that I’ve been able to do it for 30 years.”
“So much in the spirit of feeling grateful for the ability to do this job for this long and stay in the industry that can very quickly be done with you — I’m approaching that honor with the same kind of gratitude,” he added.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Cassandra Tryon, SVP of entertainment live events at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, previously said in a statement, “In any endeavor — whether it’s acting, producing, marketing or business — Ryan Reynolds has the unique ability to create joy and authentically connect with his audience. He’s received many accolades over the years, but it’s these innate qualities that makes him so beloved.”
Last year’sPeople’s Icon recipient was Halle Berry. Past honorees includeJennifer Lopez,Jennifer Anistonand Melissa McCarthy.
Reynolds was honored last monthwith the American Cinematheque Awardin Los Angeles. TheDeadpoolactor told PEOPLE on the red carpet that hewon’t let his kids followin their famous parents' footsteps until they’re older.
“Putting a kid in a business like this, it’s generally not about the kid. It’s usually about the parents,” he said. “When they’re older they can do whatever the hell they want. I’m excited for that. Our job is to foster as much interest in as many different things as possible at this point.”
source: people.com
