Ryan Gosling Recalls Burt Reynolds' Odd Advice and Crush on His Mother

Ryan Gosling shared a bizarre encounter with Burt Reynolds during his first film role, where Reynolds gave him puzzling advice and expressed an interest in Gosling's mother.

During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", Ryan Gosling unveiled a peculiar experience working with the late Burt Reynolds in his debut film, "Frankenstein and Me."

Gosling portrayed a teenager opposite Reynolds in the 1996 movie. However, their initial interaction left a lasting impression on the young actor.

"He was like, 'Let me tell you something kid, Don't spend your whole life stepping over diamonds to live with a cubic zirconia,'" Gosling recalled Reynolds' advice.

Confused, the 13-year-old Gosling was taken aback by the cryptic words. "I was like, 'I'm 13. I don't know what any of those things are.' I don't know what any of that is. Stop looking at my mom. I'm right here."

When asked if he spent much time with Reynolds, Gosling expanded on the actor's peculiar behavior.

"It's complicated," Gosling admitted. "Because I thought he took a shine to me. I thought he thought there was something special about me. And then I realized that I have a really beautiful mom."

Gosling realized Reynolds' interest was directed towards his mother, Donna. "He was just kind of interested," he said. "It was like I was getting like a secondary shine. The real shine was for my mom. And I was like, ‘Oh, this is secondary shine.’"

Jimmy Kimmel inquired how long it took Gosling to realize the situation. "I wish I had found out sooner," Gosling confessed. "She loved it. Nothing happened."

Kimmel jokingly suggested Gosling could have been "Ryan Reynolds" in the acting world if his mother's relationship with Reynolds had developed.

Gosling, who has been with Eva Mendes since 2011 and shares two daughters with her, prioritizes family above all else.

"I don’t think I’ll regret anything professionally, but I do think when it comes to Eva and the girls, they come first," he said. "I don’t know, it’s probably not a good thing that I go deathbed, but it’s helpful for me," he explained.

Despite his unconventional start in Hollywood, Gosling has a successful career and a deep appreciation for his family. His encounter with Burt Reynolds remains a memorable lesson in the complexities of life and relationships.