Jake Gyllenhaal shares his thoughts on Ryan Reynolds in touching letter

Jake Gyllenhaal was tasked with writing about his friend Ryan Reynolds for a list of powerful people in New York, which led to a touching tribute to the Deadpool star.

As part of Variety’s list of New Power of New York, the media outlet chose Ryan Reynolds as one of its 50 power people. The list is described as a compilation of “movers and shakers” in Manhattan who capture the essence of what makes the city so great.

Instead of speaking to Reynolds about being included on the list, Variety chose to ask one of his friends to write an essay about the actor. This led to Jake Gyllenhaal penning a rather touching tribute to his friend, who he described as “a gentleman in an era of foppish putzes,” while also pointing out that he “built the house of Deadpool brick by brick.”

Rather than just focusing on one aspect of who Ryan Reynolds is, Gyllenhaal chose to highlight different aspects that make the other man the perfect addition to a list of power people. And while the piece is truly a touching tribute to his friend, it also features the kind of humor that we know proves that these two are a match made in Hollywood.

Jake Gyllenhaal called Ryan Reynolds thoughtful and warm, while jokingly pointing out that he was also taller than him. Gyllenhaal explained that once they met, “against my wishes, we became close friends.” Over the years, he saw Reynolds show the world how charming he could be and yet it never seemed to be enough.

And we can see how that might be an issue. For many actors, repeatedly taking on certain roles can lead to being pigeon-holed into one genre, and Reynolds was no exception.

It may have taken a while, but ultimately, Ryan Reynolds was able to prove to the world that he could be more than a romantic lead in a rom-com. As Jake Gyllenhaal explained it, “After years of waiting and struggling to fit his unfortunate, pear-shaped physique into the skinny jeans of a conventional romantic lead, Ryan made his own luck with Deadpool.”

But it was not his success in business that seems to be what makes Ryan Reynolds a perfect choice for the New Power list. Instead, it is his ability to work hard at being more than just a businessman or actor. According to his friend, it is his ability to be there for his family and friends that makes him powerful.

Gyllenhaal explained that he often thinks the people who are extremely talented take too much of their energy and put it into their work. But when it comes to Reynolds, the actor is able to take his energy and divide it in a way that allows him to give more to his family and friends. Jake Gyllenhaal revealed that what he believes makes Reynolds a man of power is that ability to give so much to his loved ones, even as he continues to make his mark professionally.

And we agree with Jake Gyllenhaal. His assessment of his friend was not only spot-on, but also well articulated and heartwarming. He was able to get to the heart of what makes Ryan Reynolds one of our favorite people (not just as an actor or heartthrob).