By Sondra Barr
Ryan Gosling’s life is a captivating story, one that could easily be the plot of a movie you can’t stop watching. Starting out as a young, hopeful artist in the world of Disney to becoming a Hollywood heartthrob, his journey has been nothing short of cinematic. His latest role transforming into Ken for the Barbie movie, has not only gone viral but also positioned him as a potential Oscar nominee. This unexpected and bold role choice highlights his ability to reinvent himself and take risks. Yet, while it’s been quite the ride for Gosling, surprisingly, his story isn’t just about climbing the ladder of fame; it’s a journey filled with genuine passion, a quest for artistic expression, and those precious, down-to-earth times he cherishes with his loved ones.
Gosling’s entry into the world of showbiz was not a tale of instant stardom. At the age of 12, after a series of auditions, Gosling found himself amidst the talented ensemble of Disney’s The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, joining the ranks of future stars like Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears. However, unlike his prodigiously talented peers, Gosling’s presence in the show was more understated. He told GQ magazine’s Zach Baron, “Everybody was at, like, prodigy level. I certainly wasn’t a child prodigy. I didn’t know why I was there. And I think that was the consensus.”
His experience in the show was less about shining in the limelight and more about figuring out his place in the world of entertainment. Gosling has often recounted how he often felt out of place, sometimes being dressed up as a hamster or relegated to the background. Yet, he recognized the value in these experiences, noting, “It was all a great experience in a way because it helped me figure out what I wasn’t going to be good at. Which is important to learn too.”
The ascent to stardom can be significantly attributed to his role in The Notebook. It was a pivotal moment in his career, marking his transition from a relatively unknown actor to a leading man in Hollywood. The path to landing this role was as unique as Gosling’s talent. During the audition process in 2002, director Nick Cassavetes made a remark that would become a defining moment for Gosling. Cassavetes said to him, “The fact that you have no natural leading man qualities is why I want you to be my leading man.” This unconventional perspective on Gosling’s appeal was a gamble that paid off immensely.
Casting Gosling in The Notebook was also influenced by a somewhat surprising reason. According to Nicholas Sparks, the author of the novel on which the film is based, Gosling was chosen for the role partly because nobody else was particularly keen on it. Sparks humorously noted that Gosling’s selection might have been because he “looks a bit nuts.”
Gosling’s performance won the hearts of audiences worldwide but also elevated his career. Prior to this, he was recognized for roles like the young Hercules, but The Notebook changed his public image dramatically, catapulting him to the status of a heartthrob and a respected actor in romantic dramas. This role laid the foundation for a career characterized by versatility and depth, allowing Gosling to showcase his ability to embody complex and emotionally rich characters.
His journey in the arts extends beyond Gosling’s accolades as an actor; he has also made significant strides in the world of music. His involvement in the indie rock band Dead Man’s Bones showcased a different side of his creative persona. The band, known for its hauntingly beautiful and evocative melodies, allowed Gosling to explore a musical landscape.
It was his part in Damien Chazelle’s La La Land that brought Gosling’s musical talent to a wider audience. This modern musical is both a grand musical spectacle and an intimate love story. Gosling’s character, Sebastian, a passionate jazz pianist, intertwines his life with Mia (played by Emma Stone), an aspiring actress. Their love story unfolds in a series of beautifully crafted musical and dance sequences that capture the essence of classic Hollywood musicals.
Drawn to the project by Chazelle’s “infectious love of movies” and the communal experience of film-watching, for Gosling, it was not only a foray into screen musicals but also an intensive dive into both music and dance. He took jazz piano lessons to authentically portray his character’s skills (it’s actually him playing the piano in the film) and engaged in rigorous dance rehearsals with Stone.
Gosling went on to showcase his range with a variety of roles. In 2017, he appeared in Song to Song and Blade Runner 2049, delving into both romantic drama and science fiction. Then, in 2018, he portrayed Neil Armstrong in the biographical drama First Man, before appearing in The Gray Man.
The decision to take on the role of Ken in the Barbie movie has been perhaps the most intriguing shift in Gosling’s career trajectory. He’s said he was drawn to the role of Ken due to its resonance with his experiences as a father. He mentioned how his daughters play with Barbies and Ken, and seeing the doll, once face down in the mud next to a squished lemon, sparked his interest in bringing Ken’s story to life.
“There’s something about this Ken that really, I think, relates to that version of myself. Just, like, the guy that was putting on Hammer pants and dancing at the mall and smelling like Drakkar Noir and Aqua Net-ing bangs. I owe that kid a lot. I feel like I was very quick to distance myself from him when I started making more serious films. But the reality is that, like, he’s the reason I have everything I have,” Gosling told GQ.
Following his unique take on Ken, Gosling is set to continue his trend of diverse roles with The Fall Guy, scheduled for release this year. Directed by David Leitch, this action-comedy film, inspired by the 1980s TV series, will see Gosling portraying Colt Seavers, an experienced stuntman. The film delves into an intriguing scenario where Colt investigates the disappearance of a movie star from a film directed by his ex-girlfriend. This role represents another facet of Gosling’s versatile career, seamlessly moving from a whimsical character like Ken to the more action-oriented character of Colt Seavers.
Gosling’s dynamic acting career is balanced with his family life. Residing in a quiet Californian town, he brings his family to his film locations, aiming to work on just one movie per year. At home, Gosling and Eva Mendes, whom he met on The Place Beyond the Pines, embrace a hands-on approach to parenting their daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, without a nanny. This harmonious blend of a professional life and a deeply fulfilling personal life reflects Gosling’s commitment to living well, cherishing the simple, loving moments with his family.
