Taylor Swift is known for her monumental success, her huge fan base, and the countless moments where her music has inspired millions. But even with all the attention and admiration, it’s not every day we get to hear a friend of hers speak so candidly about what she might not see in herself. Enter Ryan Reynolds, who recently shared a touching sentiment about his close friend Taylor Swift.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds, who has a strong bond with Taylor through his wife Blake Lively, opened up about his admiration for the “Cruel Summer” singer. He revealed that he once told Taylor, “I wish she had the opportunity to watch herself from the audience, even for a moment.”
It’s a powerful statement, one that speaks to the intense energy and passion that Swift pours into her performances. As an artist, Taylor has long captivated audiences worldwide with her storytelling, powerful vocals, and intimate connection with fans. But Reynolds, who’s known for his sharp wit and humor, shared that it’s easy for someone as immersed in the spotlight as Taylor to forget just how much she impacts people.
“Watching her perform, you just see the level of connection she has with her audience,” Reynolds said. “It’s a thing to witness. It’s like watching greatness in motion, but from a place where you can’t always appreciate the full scope of it yourself.”
Ryan went on to discuss how his work on the script for Boy Band had made him reflect on the pressures of fame. He mentioned that many boy band members had been subjected to unrealistic expectations at a young age, with their self-worth tied to the screams and cheers of the crowd. He noted that these intense levels of fame could be difficult for anyone to navigate, especially young stars who have yet to fully develop their sense of identity.
As part of his long-time friendship with Taylor, Reynolds has had a front-row seat to Swift’s massive success and is in awe of the way she handles the pressure. It’s clear that he has a deep respect for her ability to balance superstardom with authenticity.
Aside from their personal relationship, Reynolds also spoke about how Swift’s influence has even found its way into his business ventures. He mentioned how his production and marketing company, Maximum Effort, found inspiration in Taylor’s high-profile relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce. When Taylor attended a Kansas City Chiefs game to cheer on Travis, Reynolds’ company created a viral moment by having the actor who plays “Jake from State Farm” in commercials attend a Philadelphia Eagles game in the Kelce family suite, with Travis’ brother, Jason, playing.
Swift herself gave her blessing to the idea, and as Reynolds recalled, it all came together quickly. “There’s nothing better than cold-calling a Fortune 500 company with an idea. Ads should be fun. And speed matters,” Reynolds shared. “It’s a f—-ing commercial, not ‘In Memoriam’ at the Oscars. Don’t be afraid of greatness. Don’t be afraid of sucking. They’re both a small detail away from each other.”
Whether through his heartfelt wish for Taylor to see herself from her fans’ perspective or his creative collaborations, Ryan Reynolds continues to be a vocal and supportive presence in Swift’s life. His genuine admiration for her goes beyond just friendship—he clearly recognizes the extraordinary impact she has, both on stage and in the hearts of her fans.
It’s not every day that someone of Reynolds’ stature speaks so openly about his friends, and his words only further solidify the special bond he shares with Taylor. So, next time you see Taylor on stage, perhaps you’ll think about her performance through the eyes of her closest friends and fans, just as Ryan Reynolds does.
