Actor Ryan Reynolds said he was hit by a drunk driver while crossing a street in Vancouver, Canada [1].
The account provides a rare glimpse into a traumatic early life event that preceded the actor's rise to global stardom. It highlights the long-term physical and psychological recovery associated with severe road accidents.
Reynolds recounted the incident in a video released June 9, 2024 [1]. He said the accident occurred when he was 18 years old [1]. At the time, he had been leaving a bar after having a beer [1].
"I started to cross the street and I was run over by a drunk driver," Reynolds said [1].
The impact of the collision was severe. Reynolds said the incident resulted in a hospitalization that lasted four weeks [1]. The actor described the experience of being struck by a vehicle that failed to stop as he attempted to navigate the street in Vancouver [1], [3].
While Reynolds is now known for his comedic timing and action roles, the recovery period following the crash was a significant period of his youth. The four-week stay [1] underscores the gravity of the injuries sustained during the collision.
Reynolds' reflection on the event serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. The actor's experience in Vancouver [3] illustrates how a single moment of negligence by a driver can lead to an extended medical crisis for a pedestrian.
“"I started to cross the street and I was run over by a drunk driver."”
This disclosure emphasizes the lasting impact of impaired driving and the vulnerability of pedestrians. By sharing a personal trauma from his youth, Reynolds brings visibility to the severe medical consequences of drunk driving, shifting the narrative from his public persona to a more human experience of recovery and survival.
