Ryan Gosling: The unusual family tradition he can’t stand

THE Canadian-born actor has revealed that his mum has an unusual Christmas tradition which he is forced to endure year after year.

RYAN Gosling may be one of Hollywood’s most taciturn movie stars when it comes to his personal life, but as a new dad, the heart-throb actor finds it impossible to stay silent as he imagines celebrating Christmas Day with his 15-month old daughter, Esmeralda.

“We had one Christmas with her but she was only a few months old. This will be our first Christmas where she’s taking it all in. I don’t know exactly how Christmas is going to go down this year but it’s really exciting.” He grins. “She’s an angel.”

The other angel in his life is of course his significant other, Eva Mendes, with whom he is raising Esmeralda Amada Gosling. The photogenic couple began a relationship in 2011 when they shot the film, A Place Beyond the Pines. Prior to Mendes, he was romantically linked to Sandra Bullock (2002 — 2003) and Rachel McAdams (2005 — 2007, and again in 2008). What attributes does Mendes possess other than obvious physical beauty that he finds irresistible? He smiles. “Just that she’s Eva Mendes.”

What an attractive couple.

The Canadian-born actor, 35, endured some unusual Christmas traditions. “My mother was obsessed with the Hanson Christmas album. I’ve heard that record more than enough, but I’m sure it will be on a loop his year as well,” he laughs. Will he continue his mum’s beloved musical tradition as papa Gosling?

“No that’s my mother’s hill to die on,” he laughs.

Speaking of his family, he reveals the unusual way in which he was introduced to the entertainment business. It would be the prelude to his career as a child star on The Mickey Mouse Club (from 1993 to 1995) where he honed his singing and dancing abilities alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

“Everyone in my family worked in a paper mill, and when I was 7 years old my uncle came to live with us. He was an Elvis impersonator. One day I saw him, bedazzling in a white jumpsuit, standing in our living-room. He decided that, that day he was going to become Elvis. He started talking like Elvis, walking like Elvis and singing like Elvis,” he recalls. “It was certainly the most interesting thing that ever happened to our family, actually our town.” He laughs. “And soon afterwards I put myself in dance classes.”

Those classes proved invaluable to him well into his adult life. He’s currently filming a musical, La La Land, set in contemporary LA between a jazz pianist and an actress. He stars with Emma Stone which marks their third onscreen romance following Crazy Stupid Love, in 2011, and Gangster Squad, in 2013.

Emma Stone as Grace Faraday and Ryan Gosling as Sgt. Jerry Wooters in Gangster Squad.

“I honestly don’t care what anyone thinks of it because I had so much fun making it. It’s sort of in the Fred and Ginger tradition. It’s very dance heavy, although it’s light on its feet, if you will,” he jokes. “We did a lot of tap dancing. I don’t sing too many songs on my own, thank God, you’re welcome for that. I did a few duets with Emma, who man’s the helm of the singing portion of the movie. But as I’m a jazz pianist, I play a lot of piano in the film.”

Off-screen, Gosling has been the unwilling subject of the ‘Hey Girl,’ meme, an internet phenomenon that came from his supposed frequent use of the phrase he’s uttered in many of his movies. And although he’s portrayed in a flattering light in these images, Gosling visibly cringes when I ask him how he feels about it.

“I don’t know how it started, I don’t know why it started; I’m just hoping it will end soon.” Does he find any humour in it, or is it merely annoying? (apparently like the question, it would seem). He sighs. “It depends on the day.”

Next up, Gosling is one of the main characters in the Golden Globe award-nominated satire, The Big Short, an ensemble which includes Christian Bale, Steve Carell and Brad Pitt. Gosling is unrecognisable wearing dyed black hair, brown contact lenses and a spray tan.

Jeremy Strong, from left, Rafe Spall, Hamish Linklater, Steve Carell, Jeffry Griffin and Ryan Gosling in the The Big Short.

“He’s loosely based on a real person,” he explains. The movie is about the 2008 economic crash based on the book by Michael Lewis and I play a banker with Deutsche Bank. Director Adam McKay, head writer of SNL who co-wrote Talladega Nights, Step Brothers and Anchorman, refers to his film as a ‘traumedy.’

In real life, is Gosling a savvy businessman when he’s not preening himself for the cameras or changing nappies at home? “God, no,” he confesses. “I think my eyes roll over when financial subjects come up. It’s a testament to both Michael Lewis and Adam McKay that they were able to make a subject that’s so alienating feel so accessible. It’s something I have no interest in whatsoever.”

Yet according to Forbes magazine, Gosling has a net worth of US$36 million. What has been his best investment to date? “My family,” he says, without any hesitation. “I feel very lucky.”

The Big Short hits Aussie cinemas on January 14, 2016.