Ryan Reynolds sung Joe Alwyn’s praises in the annual Time 100 issue. Alwyn, who most recently starred in “Conversation With Friends,” was honored in the artists category this year, and Reynolds wrote the corresponding essay commending the actor for his professional dedication, range of performances and, above all, kind heart. It’s worth noting that Reynolds’s wife, Blake Lively ,is close friends with Taylor Swift, Alwyn’s girlfriend of nearly six years.
“I’ve known Joe Alwyn for six years — and that’s long enough to see someone’s heart. Long enough to know whether or not they’re made of good stuff,” Reynolds wrote. “And Joe Alwyn is made of good stuff.”
“Joe Alwyn is made of good stuff.”
Reynolds noted Alwyn’s charm, which has attracted many esteemed filmmakers, including Yorgos Lanthimos, who directed Alwyn in “The Favourite” in 2018, and Claire Denis, behind the forthcoming film “Stars at Noon.” Complimenting the actor’s ability to play both an “enigmatic mystery” and “fun drinking buddy,” Reynolds added, “Joe will launch the charm attack of the hero. He’ll do the dirty work of the villain. He’ll hoist up the complicated and often murky portrait of a historical figure. Joe Alwyn will surprise you.”
In true fashion, Reynolds ended the essay writing: “It’s exciting to witness where he’s been. More exciting to see where he’s headed. But before I finish this tribute, it’s imperative I mention his kindness, his generosity, and humanity. And as evidenced in ‘The Favourite,’ he will out-dance your ass with stoic high kicks and plunging floor work . . . all while wearing a powdered wig and no less than 50 lb. of high-end satin finery.”
The two actors’s significant others have been close friends for many years. Reynolds and Lively’s daughter, James, is actually briefly featured in Swift’s 2017 song “Gorgeous,” which is about Alwyn. On her 2020 album “Folklore,” Swift has a song named after Reynolds and Lively’s third daughter, Betty. And last year, Lively made her directorial debut with the music video for Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me.”
Swift herself previously landed on the Time 100 list in 2019. Shawn Mendes wrote her blurb at the time, calling her the “master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking.”