Ryan Reynolds: How the Movie Star Became a Multimillionaire Entrepreneur with a Diversified Business Empire

Ryan Reynolds is best known for his iconic roles in films like Deadpool, The Proposal, and Green Lantern, but behind the scenes, the Canadian actor has quietly built a multimillion-dollar business empire. With investments spanning various industries, including aviation gin, mobile telecom, football (soccer), and even Formula 1, Reynolds has proven that his entrepreneurial skills rival his acting talent. From his savvy investments to his knack for marketing and building strong brand identities, Reynolds is not just a Hollywood A-lister but a shrewd businessman who continues to make waves in the corporate world.

Let’s take a closer look at how Ryan Reynolds made the leap from being a funny, charming movie star to a business mogul with a net worth of over $350 million.

The Deadpool Money Train: The Start of a New Era

Ryan Reynolds’ journey into entrepreneurship can be traced back to his career as an actor. Although Deadpool was his most financially lucrative role, Reynolds’ back-end deal for the film likely earned him much more than the initial $2 million salary. The 2016 Deadpool film, which grossed $783 million globally, and its follow-up, Deadpool 2 (2018), which earned $785 million, cemented Reynolds as a top-tier Hollywood star. However, more importantly, these films paved the way for his future in business.

Reynolds has always been strategic, particularly in terms of how he leveraged his fame to negotiate deals. He earned a cut of the profits from these movies, an arrangement that made him tens of millions more. This was just the beginning. Deadpool’s success also reinforced a key lesson for Reynolds: storytelling and creating emotional connections are central to both acting and business. This philosophy would become a hallmark of his ventures as he moved into the business world.

Aviation American Gin: The First Major Business Move

One of Reynolds’ first big investments came in 2018 when he purchased a minority stake in Aviation American Gin, a brand that was relatively unknown at the time. Reynolds, ever the marketer, used his sharp wit and high profile to make Aviation Gin a household name. He infused humor into the brand’s marketing campaigns, positioning it as not just a gin, but an experience.

In 2020, Reynolds sold Aviation Gin to Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverage company, for a reported $610 million. While the exact amount Reynolds earned from the sale remains undisclosed, industry estimates suggest he made around $120 million from the deal. The sale of Aviation Gin was a major turning point, marking Reynolds as more than just an actor but also a savvy businessman capable of growing and exiting major companies.

Wrexham AFC: The $2.5 Million Investment That Paid Off

In 2020, Reynolds, along with his It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-star Rob McElhenney, purchased the Welsh football (soccer) club Wrexham AFC for just $2.5 million. The two actors brought a refreshing approach to the world of sports ownership, documenting their journey in the acclaimed documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. The club, which had been languishing in the fifth tier of English football, has since risen to prominence, with the team earning promotion to the fourth tier in 2024.

This investment has not only been financially rewarding but also helped further boost Reynolds’ public profile as a businessman. He has shown an uncanny ability to blend his love for storytelling with business ventures, capturing fans’ hearts and wallets along the way. The success of Wrexham AFC has proven that Reynolds is not afraid to take on challenges, and with his playful yet determined approach, it’s clear that his influence in the sports world is growing.

Mint Mobile: A $330 Million Windfall

In 2019, Reynolds made a bold move by purchasing a 25% stake in Mint Mobile, a budget wireless provider that had been struggling to gain traction in the competitive telecommunications market. Reynolds didn’t just invest in the company; he became its public face, starring in numerous ad campaigns that humorously showcased the benefits of affordable mobile service.

In 2024, T-Mobile acquired Mint Mobile for $1.35 billion, and Reynolds’ share of the sale netted him a staggering $330 million. This deal, along with his other business endeavors, pushed his net worth to $350 million as of 2024. Mint Mobile proved that Reynolds had an eye for spotting opportunities in industries ripe for disruption, and his ability to use his celebrity status to make a difference in marketing was key to the company’s success.

Nuvei, Wealthsimple, and 1Password: Investing in the Future

Reynolds’ business ventures don’t end with his investments in alcohol, sports, and mobile telecom. In 2020, he made an undisclosed investment in Nuvei, a Canadian payment processing company that has expanded its global presence. He also participated in a C$750 million funding round for Canadian fintech company Wealthsimple, which reached a C$5 billion valuation by 2021. The 1Password investment was equally notable, as Reynolds took part in a $620 million Series C funding round for the password management company, which valued the platform at $6.8 billion.

These investments highlight Reynolds’ forward-thinking approach, showing that he’s willing to put his money into innovative tech startups that promise substantial returns in the future. While these investments may not be as flashy as his work in film or sports, they position Reynolds as someone who is deeply involved in shaping the next generation of industries.

A Family Affair: Blake Lively’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

It’s clear that entrepreneurship runs in the Reynolds-Lively household. While Ryan Reynolds is making waves in multiple industries, his wife, Blake Lively, has also shown her business acumen. In 2014, Lively launched Preserve, a lifestyle website that sadly shut down after just one year. Despite this setback, Lively bounced back with the launch of Betty Buzz, a line of premium drink mixers. Launched in 2021, Betty Buzz quickly became a success, selling over 6 million bottles and capturing 24% of the entire mixer market by the end of 2022.

Lively’s ability to pivot from a failed venture to a wildly successful one is a testament to her resilience, and her partnership with Reynolds has only enhanced their family’s business empire. Together, they make a dynamic duo in both entertainment and entrepreneurship.

What is Ryan Reynolds’ Net Worth?

As of 2024, Ryan Reynolds’ net worth is estimated to be $350 million, a figure that’s the result of his movie roles, smart business investments, and his marketing expertise. With his involvement in Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, Wrexham AFC, and numerous other investments, Reynolds has proven himself to be much more than just an actor. His ability to spot opportunities, build brands, and turn them into financial successes is a hallmark of his entrepreneurial journey.

Reynolds’ fortune is expected to grow even further, especially with future projects like Deadpool 3 and his continued involvement in various business ventures. He has shown that he is just as capable of navigating the world of entrepreneurship as he is the world of Hollywood, and his success is a reflection of his hard work, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Ryan Reynolds’ Expanding Empire

Ryan Reynolds has successfully transitioned from a well-known actor to a highly successful businessman, with investments across a diverse range of industries. From Deadpool to Aviation Gin and Wrexham AFC, Reynolds has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in both Hollywood and the business world. With his $350 million net worth and his ever-growing portfolio of investments, it’s clear that Ryan Reynolds is not just a movie star—he’s a true business mogul with a vision for the future. As his empire expands, fans and investors alike will be watching to see what new ventures he takes on next.