Ryan Gosling, born on November 12, 1980, in London, Ontario, Canada, is a renowned actor known for his versatility in both independent films and major studio features. He began his career as a child star on Disney Channel's "The Mickey Mouse Club" from 1993 to 1995, alongside future stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. This early exposure to the entertainment industry paved the way for his successful transition to film.

His breakthrough role came in 2001 with "The Believer," where he portrayed a Jewish neo-Nazi, earning critical acclaim for his intense performance. However, it was his role in the 2004 romantic drama "The Notebook" that catapulted him to stardom. His portrayal of Noah Calhoun, opposite Rachel McAdams, became iconic and established him as a leading man in Hollywood.

Throughout his career, Ryan Gosling has demonstrated a remarkable range, starring in diverse genres. In 2006, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in "Half Nelson," where he played a drug-addicted teacher. He continued to impress with performances in "Lars and the Real Girl" (2007) and "Blue Valentine" (2010), both of which showcased his ability to delve into complex, emotionally charged characters.

In 2011, he had a particularly successful year with three major films: the romantic comedy "Crazy, Stupid, Love," the political drama "The Ides of March," and the action thriller "Drive." His role in "Drive" earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of handling both mainstream and indie projects.

His directorial debut came in 2014 with "Lost River," a dark fantasy drama that received mixed reviews but showcased his ambition and creativity behind the camera. He continued to take on challenging roles, starring in "The Big Short" (2015), "The Nice Guys" (2016), and the critically acclaimed musical "La La Land" (2016). His performance in "La La Land" earned him a Golden Globe Award and a second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Further acclaim followed with his roles in the science fiction film "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) and the biopic "First Man" (2018), where he portrayed astronaut Neil Armstrong. In 2023, he played Ken in the fantasy comedy "Barbie," which became his highest-grossing release and earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Outside of acting, Ryan Gosling is also a musician. His band, Dead Man's Bones, released their self-titled debut album in 2009 and toured North America. He is a co-owner of Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, and is actively involved in various humanitarian efforts.

In his personal life, Ryan Gosling has been in a relationship with actress Eva Mendes since 2011. The couple has two daughters and maintains a relatively private family life.