Mt. Rushmore- Ryan Gosling
Kicking off a new series where I breakdown an actor’s career and put their 4 most iconic performances up on a pedestal. Starting with one of my personal favorite actors & one of the most versatile of the 21st century, Ryan Gosling. Starring in an array of indie & studio films, Gosling has way more than 4 iconic performances so I’ll first honorably mention some honorable mentions. Those are Holland March (The Nice Guys), Officer K (Blade Runner 2049), Colt Seavers (The Fall Guy), Dan Dunne (Half Nelson), & Jared Vennett (The Big Short). Also an upcoming role of his that I am extremely excited for & I hope earns it’s place here is as Ryland Grace in ‘Project Hail Mary’ coming in 2026.
Seb Wilder in ‘La La Land’- Literally as I started typing this ‘City of Stars’ started playing in my head. Gosling’s Oscar worthy performance (he was robbed) as the male lead in this 2016 film put a lot of people on notice. Although he rose to fame singing and dancing on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club,’ many people learned of his triple threat talent through his role as Sebastian. A cynical man and lover of jazz, Seb is the perfect foil to Emma Stone’s Mia & quickly earned a spot on Mt. Gosling.
Noah Calhoun in ‘The Notebook’- Gosling’s star making performance came in the 2004 adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s book. As Noah Calhoun, Gosling played a flawed man who does whatever it takes to get the woman he loves. His onscreen chemistry with Rachel McAdams’s Allie. Although this isn’t Gosling’s most critically acclaimed role, it being the one that put up on the map is enough to earn it a spot here.
The Driver in ‘Drive’- Though the character remains unnamed, this is easily Gosling’s coolest role. In 2011’s ‘Drive’ he stars a stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone look so cool while driving. With his signature scorpion jacket, driving gloves, and matter of fact attitude, this is one of Gosling’s most action packed roles.
Ken in ‘Barbie’- Come on! Of course Ken gets in! My personal favorite roles of Gosling’s (yeah I’m basic) Gosling sings, dances, & acts his butt off here. Earning him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination, this is an i-Ken-ic role, that makes you feel the Ken-ergy.
