Ryan Reynolds recently took time out of his busy schedule to inspire young actors at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut. On October 20, Reynolds attended a dress rehearsal for the school’s production of “Les Misérables,” a beloved musical that tells the poignant story of a former convict seeking redemption. His visit was warmly acknowledged by the Staples Players, the school’s student-run theater organization, which shared the news on their Facebook page.
During his visit, Reynolds not only expressed his fondness for “Les Misérables,” but also shared insights about his life and career with the students. The Hollywood star, known for his roles in films like the “Deadpool” series and “Buried,” took the opportunity to engage with the aspiring actors, posing for photographs and offering words of encouragement. In a video shared by the Staples Players, he even urged the community to come out and support the performance, saying, “‘Les Mis,’ as you may or may not know, is amazing, and it will be performed by these folks. I didn’t graduate high school.”
The Facebook post detailing Reynolds’ visit included a special thank-you to the Fipp family for facilitating the event, particularly to Lindsay Fipp, the president of the Staples Players Boosters organization, which works diligently to support the theater program.
Reynolds’ involvement in the region has been notable beyond this recent visit. He joined talk show host David Letterman in September for the “John Candy: I Like Me” screening at the Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, and earlier in February, he appeared alongside director Shawn Levy at Yale’s Woolsey Hall.
The actor’s efforts to connect with students and celebrate the arts highlight the importance of mentorship and community support in fostering the next generation of creatives, leaving a lasting impact on the young performers involved in the production.