Full Breakdown
Ryan Reynolds Revisits 1990s Drunk-Driver Accident That Left Him Hospitalized for Four Weeks
6/12/2026, 5:17:31 AM
The Accident: A 1990s Drunk-Driving Collision in Vancouver
In the 1990s, 18-year-old actor Ryan Reynolds was struck by a drunk driver while crossing a street in his native Vancouver, Canada. After leaving a bar with a single beer, Reynolds chose not to drive, walked to his car, then turned around to cross the road. A vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver hit him, rendering the driver’s car inoperable.
Early Career Context
At the time of the crash, Reynolds had already appeared on the teen drama *Fifteen* (also known as *Hillside*) and the fantasy series *The Odyssey*. The incident occurred well before his later breakout roles in *Deadpool* and other major films.
Timeline of the Incident and Aftermath
- 1990s (exact year unspecified) – Accident takes place in Vancouver.
- Four weeks later – Reynolds remains hospitalized for a month, recovering from extensive injuries.
- Three days after the crash – He awakens in the hospital, later recalling his late father’s presence in the room (CTV interview, 2011).
- June 9–10, 2024 – Reynolds discusses the event in a GQ video interview with *Welcome to Wrexham* co-star Rob Mac, which is published on June 9 (video) and June 10 (article).
Injuries and Hospitalization Data
- Injuries: Reynolds reported that the impact “broke every bone in my left side.”
- Hospital stay: He spent four weeks in the hospital receiving treatment.
- Vehicle damage: The drunk driver’s car was left “not operational” after the collision.
Reynolds’ Reflections and Public Remarks
Reynolds framed his decision not to drive as a “firmly positive and wise decision” for an 18-year-old. He later expressed gratitude to “Dr. Meek at the General Hospital for putting me back together so kindly,” adding a tongue-in-cheek comment about “socialized medicine.” Rob Mac, who conducted the interview, reacted with surprise, noting that Reynolds’ detailed recollection of the crash was new to him.
Conflicting Age Accounts & Gaps
Most sources state Reynolds was 18 at the time of the accident. However, a 2024 Mandatory.com article cites a 2019 interview in which Reynolds said he was 19 when the crash occurred. No source provides the driver’s identity, legal outcome, or the precise date of the incident, leaving those details unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When I was 18, I left a bar and I'd had a beer. I walked back and I looked at my car for a second. I thought, 'You know what, I'm not going to drive anywhere. Even if it's four blocks home, absolutely not,” — Ryan Reynolds, Actor
- “Instead, I turned around, started to cross the street and I was run over by a drunk driver,” — Ryan Reynolds, Actor
- “broke every bone in my left side.” — Ryan Reynolds, Actor
- “He hit me so hard, his car was not operational.” — Ryan Reynolds, Actor
- “I’d like to thank Dr. Meek at the General Hospital for putting me back together so kindly. Socialized medicine, he couldn’t say no.” — Ryan Reynolds, Actor
Broader Implications
Reynolds’ account underscores the personal toll of impaired-driving incidents and serves as a high-profile reminder of the risks associated with drunk driving. By sharing his experience publicly, he adds a celebrity voice to ongoing public-health messaging that emphasizes choosing safe transportation after alcohol consumption.
