Ross King: Ryan Reynolds has 500 million reasons to raise a smile – and the odd glass or two of gin

Is Ryan Reynolds the funniest celebrity ever? I don’t know, but he might end up being one of the richest.

The Deadpool star is one of Hollywood’s hottest properties thanks to his part as the wise-cracking superhero mercenary.

He’s equally funny off screen though – I’m always impressed by his cheeky (but always good-natured) joshing with other celebrities. That includes Hugh Jackman – the pair trade barbs online, and always in good fun.

Ryan might also be one of the richest celebrities around – and it’s not much to do with his acting chops.

He launched an alcoholic drink, Aviation Gin, a couple of years ago. And last week Ryan and his business partners sold their burgeoning drinks firm for a cool £500million.

It’s safe to say the drinks are on Ryan. And the meal. And the cab fare home.

In typical Ryan Reynolds style, he released a statement in the only way he can.

He apologised to George Clooney – who also sold his tequila business for huge profits – and to his wife, Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.

It took the form of a tongue-in-cheek out of office message.

It read: “Thanks for your email. I am currently out of the office but will still be very hard at work selling Aviation Gin. For quite a long time, it seems.

“In related news, I just learned what an ‘earn out’ is… and I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone I told to get lost in the last 24 hours.”

© Broadimage/Shutterstock

Ryan is referring to the terms of the deal – he’s tied in to working with Aviation Gin for the foreseeable future.

Well of course the buyers want to keep the face of the brand – the man who constantly grabs headlines with his cheeky behaviour – on board.

“My lawyers just explained how long it takes to achieve an ‘earn out’… so, it turns out I’m not as George Clooney as I thought,” he added.

Could he be one day though? Take it to the bank with your cheque, Ryan…

Ryan is a big hit on social media websites with his quips – and he turned it to good use last week.

He pleaded with young people in Canada to stop partying and help stop the spread of coronavirus…in order to save his mum!

“She wants to be out there, cruising Kitsilano Beach looking for some young thirtysomething Abercrombie burnout to go full Mrs. Robinson on. She is insatiable,” he joked.

“I hope young people don’t kill my mum, frankly. Or each other. Let’s not kill anyone. I think that’s reasonable.”

Stars are increasingly urging people to wear a mask. Sharon Stone last week revealed her sister has coronavirus.

“My sister Kelly, who already has lupus, now has Covid-19. One of you Non-Mask wearers did this,” she said.

Don’t mess with Sharon – you know what she can do with an ice pick!