Ryan Reynolds Jokes About Having Sons, Says He Would’ve Gotten a “Punching Vasectomy” If His Son Olin Had Arrived Sooner
Ryan Reynolds has always had a gift for turning family life into comedy gold — and his latest confession on Late Night with Seth Meyers proves it once again. The Deadpool & Wolverine star joined the show on Thursday night to talk about parenting, marriage, and what it’s like raising four kids with his wife, actress Blake Lively. But it was his joke about fatherhood — and specifically, his two-year-old son Olin — that had both the audience and the internet in stitches.
Reynolds, known for his quick wit and easy charm, started the conversation by admitting how much his household has changed since welcoming Olin, his first son after three daughters. “If I had like three boys at first, I would never— there’s no way,” Reynolds said, laughing. “I would give myself a punching vasectomy. Like, there’s no way I would allow that to happen.”
It was the kind of perfectly timed, slightly outrageous humor that fans have come to love from the actor, who often shares funny glimpses of family life on social media. But beneath the laughter, there was a real sense of affection in his words. “I love my son more than anything,” Reynolds added. “But he’s a different energy — boys are a different game. It’s chaos in the best and worst ways.”
Ryan and Blake, who married in 2012, share four children — daughters James, 9, Inez, 7, and Betty, 4, and their youngest, Olin, born in early 2022. For years, fans have followed their playful back-and-forth on Twitter and Instagram, where the couple’s dry humor and genuine love have become part of their public identity. Reynolds’ latest story continues that tradition — a mix of lighthearted teasing and heartfelt parenting reflection.
The actor went on to describe the difference between raising his daughters and having a son, saying that while his girls tend to be “sweet and diplomatic,” Olin is “a little wrecking ball.” “He’s fearless,” Reynolds said. “You turn your back for a second, and suddenly he’s climbing a bookcase or trying to jump off the couch. It’s like living with a tiny stuntman who doesn’t understand consequences yet.”
The internet, of course, couldn’t get enough. Clips from the Late Night appearance quickly spread across social platforms, with fans sharing their favorite moments. Many praised the actor for being candid about fatherhood without losing his signature humor. One fan wrote, “Ryan Reynolds saying what every dad thinks but can’t say out loud,” while another commented, “He makes parenting sound chaotic and amazing at the same time.”
Reynolds, who’s spent the last few months promoting Deadpool & Wolverine, has spoken before about balancing his career with family life. In previous interviews, he’s emphasized that no matter how busy things get, family always comes first. “I try not to miss anything,” he told People earlier this year. “Being present for my kids is the most important thing in my life. Everything else fits around that.”
The actor also credited Lively for being the anchor of their household, saying, “Blake runs the show. She’s the best mom, the funniest person I know, and the reason I don’t completely fall apart most days.” Their chemistry, both on and off screen, continues to make them one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
As for his “punching vasectomy” comment, Reynolds clarified with a smile that it was all in good fun. “Parenting is the best kind of madness,” he said. “You wouldn’t trade it for anything — but you might make a few jokes about it along the way.”
With Deadpool & Wolverine set to hit theaters soon and his family life thriving, it seems like Ryan Reynolds has mastered the art of balancing chaos with comedy. And judging by his latest viral moment, fans wouldn’t want it any other way.
