Amid the glitz of a movie premiere, Ryan Reynolds took a moment to share a significant personal milestone. The popular actor, known for his roles in comedic and action films, confirmed the gender and name of his fourth child with actress Blake Lively.
During a heartfelt interaction, Reynolds announced that their newest family member is a boy named Olin, Daily Mail reported.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, a couple celebrated both for their on-screen performances and endearing family life, welcomed their fourth child, Olin, in February 2023. The couple, married since September 9, 2012, first met during the filming of "Green Lantern" in 2010, setting the stage for what would become a public and admired romantic journey.
Reynolds and Lively have three older children: James (9), Inez (7), and Betty (4). Over the years, they have managed to maintain a delicate balance between their public professions and private lives, often choosing to keep details about their children away from the media spotlight.
The news came to light during Reynolds' interaction with John Bell, founder of Walking4Hope. Bell, whose son Jake was a fervent fan of Reynolds' character Deadpool, shared a touching moment with Reynolds, highlighting the deep connections families forge through shared experiences and admiration for cultural icons.
Reynolds, moved by the discussion, revealed not just Olin's gender, but also expressed his profound love for his son, indicating a deep familial bond. "I want to share with you that I too have a son, and if I love him one-tenth as much as you love Jake, I feel like I’ve done a pretty damn good job," Reynolds said.
Initially, the couple only hinted at the birth of their fourth child. Lively teased fans with a post-pregnancy picture during the Puppy Bowl on February 12, 2023, intriguing those who follow the couple's journey. The actual confirmation of the birth came much later, underscoring the couple's commitment to their family's privacy.
The specifics around the pregnancy itself were initially revealed by Lively at the 10th Annual Forbes Power Women's Summit in September 2022. The announcement, coupled with a noticeable absence of a baby bump in her February post, served as a clever reveal crafted by Lively herself.
The full disclosure about Olin occurred at a much-anticipated public event: the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere in New York City on July 22, 2024. Standing before an audience of fans and media, Reynolds took the opportunity to not only promote the film but also celebrate his personal life.
"I want to start by saying thank you to my wife Blake, who is here. I want to thank my kids James, Inez, Betty, and Olin, who are here. I hope that, if I'm lucky, this moment will be the most traumatic thing - that is, the contents of this movie - that happens in your wondrous lives," Reynolds remarked at the event.
Throughout their time in the public eye, Reynolds and Lively have consistently worked to protect their children’s privacy. Their approach reflects a broader trend among celebrities who aim to shield their offspring from the often invasive entertainment media landscape.
By controlling the flow of information and carefully selecting moments for revelation, Reynolds and Lively have successfully managed to keep their children mostly out of the limelight, despite their high-profile careers.
In essence, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's recent announcement ties together their careers, their values about family privacy, and their role in the broader cultural and media landscapes. It demonstrates a strategic, yet heartfelt balance between public image and private values.
