Ryan Phillippe: From Young Hollywood Heartthrob to ‘Yoda’ Mentor and ‘Cruel Intentions’ Legacy

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Ryan Phillippe is getting used to his new normal on Hollywood sets.

Previously, I was either 25 or 22 years old while working on set, but clearly, that’s no longer the case as I am now over 50,” he remarks during this week’s episode of the “Just for EbMaster” podcast. (Phillipe celebrated his 50th birthday in September.)

He finds it incredibly humbling, despite the fact that many people in our field prioritize self-care – exercise and more. Yet, even they can still wake up with unexpected aches that seem to appear out of thin air, unrelated to any known activity. He chuckles, acknowledging this mystery pain, saying ‘It just shows up, and you have to deal with it.’ He admits that the eventual breakdown is something challenging for us all to accept.

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Philippe admits he’s still a thrill-seeker at heart, but has become more mindful as time goes by. “In my younger days, when I was filming an action series, I refused to have anyone double me. I performed all of my own stunts and was even involved in the choreography,” he recalls. “Now, however, I find myself thinking, ‘Perhaps it’s best if the stunt double handles this.’ It’s a difficult realization, but you need to be prudent when looking after yourself and the production.

In the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series “Motorheads,” premiering May 20, actor Phillippe takes on the role of Logan, who finds himself housing his sister-in-law, niece, and nephew in a small town in Pennsylvania after they relocate from New York City.

Phillippe has often described the show as being similar to blending elements from ‘Fast & Furious,’ ‘Friday Night Lights,’ and ‘Outer Banks’ into one television series.

The young actors, such as Michael Cimino (“Love, Victor”) and Melissa Collazo (“One of Us is Lying”), often sought advice from Phillippe. He compared himself to Yoda, stating that they would all approach him with queries about the past. “If they had questions about the industry or upcoming decisions regarding their projects,” he said, “I served as a sounding board. I have a wealth of experience, having faced numerous highs and lows professionally, and I’m quite open about sharing my experiences. After all, what good is experience if not to guide others in some way?

Philippe and Reese Witherspoon’s son, Deacon (age 21), portrays Logan’s brother in flashback scenes. As Philippe explains, “Our children have spent most of their lives on film sets.” He also shares a daughter, Ava (age 25), with Witherspoon. “They’ve been immersed in the entertainment industry,” he continues, “but music is Deacon’s primary passion. He’s currently studying at NYU’s music school, and I believe he’s simply seizing opportunities as they present themselves. I don’t think he feels the need to label himself just yet. It seems like he hasn’t made up his mind about acting; it might be something he’s still discovering and pursuing.

Reese Witherspoon’s son, Deacon Phillippe, shares the counsel his mom offered him prior to the Golden Globes event.

— EbMaster (@EbMaster) January 8, 2024

Back in 1996, at the tender age of 19, I found myself stepping into my first major film role alongside the esteemed Jeff Bridges in Ridley Scott’s action-adventure movie, “White Squall.” Hailing from a family that wasn’t accustomed to extensive travel, this project took us on an incredible journey spanning eight diverse countries. From South Africa and the Caribbean, to Malta, various locations within the U.S., London, and more – it was truly a grand production that left me absolutely spellbound. The experience was nothing short of a dream come true, with a talented ensemble of young actors bonding together under the watchful eye of our respected captain, Jeff Bridges. Even today, I find myself reminiscing about those formative days, as they played a significant role in shaping my career and outlook on life.

Philippe, who was 29 years old at the time, nearly secured the role of Anakin in the “Star Wars” series, but was considered too old to act opposite Natalie Portman, who is seven years younger. As someone born in the 1970s, he admits that he would have cherished the opportunity, but accepts that things often unfold as they should. He explains that part of an actor’s growth involves developing a thick skin to handle rejection and the disappointment that comes with projects not working out as planned or jobs not being secured. Consequently, it is important to learn to let go and move on, rather than dwelling on such experiences.

With the upcoming July release of the sequel to “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” Phillippe reflects on his character’s demise in the original 1997 film. “It seems like I made a mistake by dying in all these projects because when they come back, I’m not included,” he muses. Characters played by Phillippe also met untimely ends in “Cruel Intentions” and TV series “Big Sky.” Initially, he found it exciting to take a character to their final moment, but now he wishes he could stay alive for potential future movies. “I used to think it was cool,” he says, “but now I realize, ‘No, you want to live if there are more films to be made.’ However, it’s fascinating to see that these movies, these projects, have had such a lasting impact culturally. It makes one feel old or aware of their age, but at the same time, it’s flattering to be part of something successful.

Indeed, Philippe’s iconic bare-bottom moment from “Cruel Intentions” continues to captivate audiences, and he acknowledges it with a chuckle, saying, “I’ve been hearing about that for quite some time now. It could always be more intense.

EXPLANATION: In the movie “Cruel Intentions,” it’s Philippe who is visible, not in “I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Feel free to catch the entire interview on “Just for EbMaster” (located above) or from any platform where you usually get your preferred podcasts.

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2025-05-13 02:18