Ryan Reynolds’ family grew closer when his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The ‘Green Lantern’ star’s dad Jim, a former cop and boxer, was found to be suffering from the degenerative disease – which causes tremors, rigidity, and balance problems – in 1995 but has never directly admitted having the condition, meaning his loved ones were forced to rally round to try and help however they could.
He said: "I have a slightly different, weird, strange story about that because my father really hasn’t ever said he has Parkinson’s disease.
"He comes from a pretty prideful generation, and he doesn’t really talk about it too much. But, he’s maybe said it once or twice out loud
"It kind of galvanized everybody else, to sort of seek resources. And for us, it’s in a strange way, it’s really kind of brought us together."
Ryan – who is expecting his first child with wife Blake Lively – has been involved with Michael J. Fox’s foundation in 2008 and is now on the board of directors and took part in a joint interview with the founder ahead of the Fox foundation’s annual gala in New York.
Michael – who was diagnosed with the condition in 1991 but didn’t announce it publicly for seven years and says since being open about his illness, he has been afforded a "tremendous opportunity".
Speaking on the ‘Today’ show, the ‘Back to the Future’ actor said: "There’s shame in illness.
"Once I made my diagnosis known, it’s been a tremendous opportunity and a tremendous privilege."
Ryan Reynolds family got closer through dad’s illness
