The City of Vancouver has bestowed its top honour on one of its highest-profile Hollywood stars, actor Ryan Reynolds.
A statement from the city says Reynolds was recognized for his philanthropic and cultural achievements with the Freedom of the City award during a private ceremony Thursday.
Reynolds, a Vancouver native, is among Hollywood’s most-recognized actors, achieving stardom through film roles including the Marvel Comics’ superhero character in the Deadpool series.
The city says Reynolds has “shown an unwavering commitment to giving back” locally, supporting charities such as Covenant House Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, as well as donating money after the devastating 2021 B.C. floods.
“This means the world to me. Vancouver shaped who I am, and I carry it with me in everything I do,” Reynolds said in the city news release.
“To now be part of its history in this way is both humbling and surreal, and I’m deeply grateful to be recognized by the city that gave me my start.”
Reynolds has already received both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.
The Freedom of the City award is described as an honour granted “in exceptional cases” where an individual has achieved the highest merit through national and international acclaim while also bringing recognition to Vancouver.
Shortly before his investiture as an officer of the Order of Canada, actor Ryan Reynolds spoke to CBC News chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault about receiving the honour and his response to threats of Canada becoming the 51st state.
