Ryan Reynolds’ father dies; actor rallies support for Parkinson’s research
Actor Ryan Reynolds, shown, is mourning the loss of his father. James Chester Reynolds died Oct. 25 after battling Parkinson’s disease.
Ryan Reynolds is mourning the loss of his father and has paid tribute to him on Twitter.
“RIP Pops. James C. Reynolds. 1941-2015,” the “Deadpool” actor tweeted, sharing a baby picture of himself being carried by his dad and urging followers to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
James Chester Reynolds died Oct. 25 after battling Parkinson’s disease, according to his online obituary. He was 74.
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The obituary said family and friends were by his side when he “passed away peacefully” in a White Rock, British Columbia, Canada, hospital.
The elder Reynolds is survived by his wife, Tammy, and four sons who “he was intensely proud of,” a sister, a brother and six grandchildren, all of whom were mentioned by name, including Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s daughter, James.
No formal service is being held and, in lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation as well.
The 39-year-old actor opened up about his father’s illness in a 2008 essay for the Huffington Post titled “Why I’m Running the New York City Marathon.” Reynolds ran the marathon on behalf of the foundation.
Jim Reynolds never publicly revealed that he had the disease and his son said that it wasn’t officially diagnosed until 1995.
The actor teamed up with “Back to the Future” alum Fox in 2008 and has served as a board member for the foundation. Parkinson’s is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over the age of 60, according to the foundation.
“It kind of galvanized everybody else, to sort of seek resources,” Reynolds said. “And for us, it’s in a strange way, it’s really kind of brought us together.”
Twitter: @NardineSaad
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