Ryan Reynolds' Romantic Journey: From Alanis Morissette to His Enduring Partnership with Blake Lively

Ryan Reynolds, known for his charismatic on-screen presence and witty humor, has navigated a public romantic life that has captivated fans for decades. From early Hollywood flings to high-profile engagements and two marriages, his journey through love has been as dynamic as his career. While he is now celebrated for his seemingly perfect marriage to Blake Lively, Reynolds had a significant romantic history before settling down, marked by relationships with notable figures in the entertainment industry.

In his early career, Reynolds reportedly had a brief fling with Melissa Joan Hart in 1996 while filming "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." This short-lived romance was followed by an eight-month relationship with his "Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place" co-star, Traylor Howard, from September 1998 to July 1999. He then dated "3rd Rock from the Sun" star Kristen Johnston for about a year, from August 1999 to January 2000, and had a brief connection with Rachael Leigh Cook in 2001.

One of Reynolds' most significant early relationships was with Canadian singer Alanis Morissette. The pair began dating in 2002 and became engaged in June 2004. Their five-year relationship was highly public, with both often appearing together at events. Morissette famously stated that they felt "already married" in 2005, highlighting the depth of their connection.

Despite their engagement, Reynolds and Morissette called it quits in February 2007. Representatives for both stars released a joint statement confirming the end of their romance, emphasizing their mutual respect and friendship. Morissette later channeled her grief from the breakup into her 2008 album, Flavors of Entanglement, with the song "Torch" rumored to be directly about their split.

Soon after his engagement to Morissette ended, Reynolds quickly moved into another high-profile relationship with actress Scarlett Johansson. They began dating in April 2007 and announced their engagement in May 2008. The couple married in a private ceremony on Vancouver Island in September 2008, keeping their union largely out of the public eye.

Their marriage, however, faced challenges, reportedly due to the demands of their respective acting careers and the resulting long periods apart. In December 2010, Reynolds and Johansson announced their separation with a joint statement, stating they were ending their marriage "with love and kindness." Their divorce was finalized in July 2011.

Following his divorce from Johansson, Reynolds was linked to several other actresses, though these were largely brief and unconfirmed. He was rumored to have dated Sandra Bullock in 2011, after co-starring in "The Proposal," but Bullock later clarified that they were strictly friends. He also reportedly had brief encounters with German model Agnes Fischer in February 2011 and a rumored summer fling with Charlize Theron in May 2011.

Reynolds' romantic trajectory took a definitive turn when he reconnected with actress Blake Lively. They first met in 2010 on the set of "Green Lantern," where they played love interests, but were both in other relationships at the time. After their respective relationships ended, they went on a double date in October 2011, but with other people, realizing their undeniable chemistry during the outing. Reynolds later joked that it was the "most awkward date" for their companions because of the sparks between him and Lively.

Their friendship quickly blossomed into romance, and by September 2012, Reynolds and Lively tied the knot in a small, private ceremony in South Carolina. The couple later apologized for the choice of venue, a former plantation, acknowledging its problematic historical associations. Their marriage marked a new chapter for Reynolds, characterized by a strong emphasis on privacy and family.

Ryan and Blake have since built a beautiful family, welcoming four children. Their eldest daughter, James, was born in December 2014, followed by Inez in September 2016, and Betty in October 2019. In February 2023, they welcomed their fourth child, a son named Olin, whose name was publicly confirmed by Reynolds in July 2024. The names of their daughters, James, Inez, and Betty, were famously revealed through their close friend Taylor Swift's music.

The couple is known for their playful social media banter, often hilariously trolling each other, which endears them to fans. Despite their busy careers, they prioritize their family life, often arranging their work schedules to ensure one parent is always with their children. As Lively shared, > "When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time. So that we could always prioritize our personal life."

Their relationship is frequently cited as one of Hollywood's most stable and loving, built on a foundation of deep friendship, mutual respect, and shared humor. Reynolds often speaks glowingly of Lively, calling her his "buddy" and the "heart and soul" of their family. Their journey from co-stars to soulmates has solidified their status as a beloved power couple, continuing to captivate and inspire.