Ryan Reynolds opens up about life-changing car accident after being hit by drunk driver in Vancouver

He recalled the incident that occurred more than 30 years ago and left him with extensive injuries for an interview

Ryan Reynolds has reflected on a serious accident from his late teens, revealing that he spent four weeks in hospital after being struck by a drunk driver while walking home in Vancouver.

The actor shared the story during a recent interview for GQ, describing an incident that occurred more than three decades ago and left him with extensive injuries.

"I got run over by a drunk driver after making a firmly positive and wise decision for a young, 18-year-old male. Spent four weeks in the hospital," Reynolds said.

Mac, Reynolds' long-time friend and Wrexham AFC co-owner, appeared surprised by the revelation, responding:,"That's the first time I've heard that!"

"Oh yeah, broke every bone in my left side," Reynolds continued. "He hit me so hard, his car was not operational."

Reynolds also expressed gratitude to the medical team that treated him following the collision.

"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."

The accident happened in Reynolds' hometown of Vancouver when his acting career was still in its early stages. He later explained in a 2019 interview that he had chosen to walk home rather than drive after drinking.

"I was 19 in Vancouver, Canada — drinking age is different there — and I'd had a couple of drinks and I didn't want to get in my car, obviously, because that's insane. I walked home, and on my way home, I got hit by a drunk driver. I was like, 'Thanks karma!'"

The actor has rarely spoken publicly about the incident, making the latest comments one of his most detailed accounts of the life-altering crash.