Top 10 Coolest Things About Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is known for his incredibly diverse career, moving seamlessly between small, independent films and large-scale blockbusters. He’s consistently worked with acclaimed directors and talented actors. Here are ten of his most impressive roles – showcasing his dedication to his craft, including skills like singing, dancing, and driving, as well as his ability to portray complex characters – plus an important early TV appearance that helped launch his career.

‘Barbie’ (2023) – the unexpected musical-comedy showcase

Ryan Gosling, as Ken, skillfully mixed dry humor with energetic musical numbers, creating memorable scenes and a character journey that drove the film’s commentary on society. He worked closely with director Greta Gerwig and co-star Margot Robbie, fully committing to the dancing and singing required for the film’s large-scale musical sequences. The movie was a huge success worldwide, earning over a billion dollars and setting numerous records for the studio. Gosling’s performance received significant awards recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

‘La La Land’ (2016) – the pianist who actually learned the keys

Ryan Gosling practiced piano diligently so the cameras could focus on his hands during the musical’s jazz numbers, allowing him to perform the pieces himself without needing a hand double. He teamed up again with Emma Stone, directed by Damien Chazelle, to play a musician pursuing his art and career in Los Angeles. The film was a major awards season success, tying a record for the most wins at one event, and earned Gosling an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film’s music and impressive, lengthy dance scenes quickly became iconic, solidifying Gosling’s reputation as a musician.

‘Drive’ (2011) – the quiet antihero who did stunt training

Ryan Gosling, as the silent Driver, trained in actual stunt driving to make the film’s car chases feel realistic. He and director Nicolas Winding Refn focused on physical performance and limited dialogue, creating a striking and memorable character. The visually stunning thriller received praise at the Cannes Film Festival and quickly gained a following as a modern cult film. Its unique combination of atmosphere, music, and acting style influenced many neo-noir films that came after it.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) – carrying a revered sci-fi legacy

Ryan Gosling starred as Officer K in Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to a classic science fiction film, alongside Harrison Ford. The movie was notable for its impressive physical sets and captivating sound, which enhanced its thought-provoking story. It was highly acclaimed by critics and won several Academy Awards for its technical achievements, like the visuals and special effects. Gosling’s subtle and nuanced acting brought a human element to the film’s large-scale, futuristic world.

‘The Notebook’ (2004) – the breakout romantic lead

Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, the film launched Ryan Gosling as a major romantic leading man, alongside Rachel McAdams. He was chosen for the role because he could convincingly portray a genuine, everyday working-class character. The movie proved to be consistently popular on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming platforms, with several scenes becoming instantly recognizable and frequently referenced in popular culture. This success led to larger film projects and established him as an actor who consistently chooses complex, character-focused roles.

‘Half Nelson’ (2006) – the indie role that made awards voters look twice

Ryan Gosling received his first Oscar nomination for his role as a struggling teacher. The film was made with a low budget and a realistic, documentary-like approach, using close-up scenes and allowing actors to improvise. Its positive reception at film festivals and from critics quickly established Gosling as a talented dramatic actor. The role demonstrated his ability to carry a complex film without needing action or special effects to draw audiences in.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016) – a masterclass in physical comedy

Working with Russell Crowe and director Shane Black was a blast to watch. I really felt like Ryan Gosling embraced the silliness – he wasn’t afraid to be clumsy and the fast-paced dialogue was hilarious. He played this wonderfully hapless detective, and his comedic moments were just as exciting as the action. The movie itself was a great blend of classic detective stories and lighthearted humor, and the chemistry between the leads was fantastic. It really proved to me that Gosling isn’t just a great dramatic actor – he can absolutely nail comedy too, with the same skill and precision.

‘First Man’ (2018) – meticulous astronaut prep for a grounded biopic

Working again with director Damien Chazelle, Ryan Gosling played Neil Armstrong by focusing on his practical, engineering approach rather than turning him into a legend. Gosling practiced in realistic spaceship models and collaborated with experts to accurately portray the technical details and tight spaces of early space travel. The filmmakers prioritized real-life effects and filming techniques, resulting in a deeply engaging scene of the moon landing. The film’s sound and visuals were highly praised, demonstrating its dedication to authenticity.

‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ (2011) – suave precision in a modern rom-com

Ryan Gosling, acting alongside Emma Stone and Steve Carell, gave a polished performance that was both charming and showed his character developing. The now-iconic recreation of the ‘Dirty Dancing’ lift became a defining moment for his ability to blend comedy and romance. His delivery and comedic timing changed what audiences expected from a leading man in romantic comedies. The film’s ensemble cast also highlighted his talent for enhancing scenes without overshadowing his co-stars.

‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ (1993–1995) – early TV training that stuck

Before becoming a movie star, Ryan Gosling honed his skills on a variety show where he did comedy, sang, and danced with other up-and-coming talents. This experience taught him to rehearse constantly, learn lines quickly, and feel comfortable performing live. These skills proved valuable in his later musical roles and helped him stay focused on set, no matter the type of film. It also introduced him to a group of performers and mentors who influenced his work ethic from the beginning.

Share your favorite Ryan Gosling performance or moment in the comments—what did we miss?

2025-10-30 09:15