Ryan Reynolds Shares Touching Tribute for Hugh Jackman’s Birthday

Ryan Reynolds celebrated his BFF Hugh Jackman’s birthday the best way he knows how — with a sweet Instagram post.

The Deadpool actor, 47, took to Instagram on Saturday, October 12, to commemorate Jackman turning 56 by posting a slew of photos with his Deadpool & Wolverine costar. “I hope we get to do this til we’re 90,” Reynolds captioned his post. “Happy Birthday, @thehughjackman. A lot of years. A lot of adventures.”

The pictures are from Reynolds’ personal stash, as well as the Deadpool & Wolverine set and press tour. In one, they hug in their superhero costumes. In another, they enjoy a leisurely stroll together.

Jackman commented on the post with two hearts — one red, one yellow to signify their Deadpool and Wolverine partnership.

The actors have been friends for nearly two decades. “I think the secret sauce to a long-lasting Hollywood friendship is not too dissimilar to having a partner or a marriage,” Reynolds told Jackman during an interview with People in May.

“I am genuinely rooting for you, all the time. I want you to win,” he told Jackman. “It’s the same way I feel about [my wife] Blake [Lively]. As I’m rooting for her, I know she’s rooting for me, and it’s why we’re so connected.”

Jackman added that Reynolds is “an unbelievable listener” and they enjoy going on walks together to talk about life.

“You can tell me anything and I can tell you anything,” he said, “and I don’t feel like you’re going to be judging or necessarily giving me the answer: ‘Do this.’ And I think that has been the key.”

Reynolds and Jackman have seemingly grown closer over the last few years following their Marvel team-up and Jackman’s separation from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. The pair announced their split in September 2023, saying in a statement, “Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.” They share two children: Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19.

“Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness,” their statement continued at the time.

Of his friendship with Reynolds, Jackman told People, “There’s probably fewer friends in our life that you can say anything to, the stuff you’re ashamed, embarrassed, anything.”

Jackman has even spent time with Reynolds at his and wife Lively’s house, alongside their four children — James, 9, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and Olin, 1. He’s also attended Kansas City Chiefs games with the couple and their other bestie Taylor Swift, whose boyfriend, Travis Kelce, plays for the Super Bowl-winning team.

“If you ever really want to feel not great about your career, go to a game with Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. Then you’ll be, ‘Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and others,’ at the game,” Jackman told People, with Reynolds confirming, “Yes, we’re just, ‘and others.’”

Next up, Reynolds will presumably be seen in the audience cheering on Jackman as he tackles his one man show, “Live from New York with Love.”

“I’m not in it?” Reynolds said in the cheeky Instagram promo for the show. “Onstage, no, but in my heart, yeah,” Jackman added.