
For a while, Ryan Gosling became more famous as the internet’s ideal boyfriend than as an actor. His quiet intensity, thoughtful demeanor, subtle humor, and occasional bursts of anger – qualities that allowed him to excel in everything from thrillers to comedies to sci-fi – were reduced to a simple, albeit charming, online meme. While it’s true he’s handsome and charismatic, and there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that, he’s also proven himself a remarkably versatile actor over the past 25 years. He convincingly stepped into Harrison Ford’s shoes in Blade Runner 2049, was the only one who truly appreciated jazz in La La Land, and perfectly balanced Russell Crowe’s energy in The Nice Guys. He’s currently known as Ken, but that’s only one layer of a much more complex and talented performer.