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Ryan Gosling Recalls Wedding-Singer Past and Elvis-Impersonator Uncle on Drew Barrymore Show

He credits childhood performances with instilling a lasting work ethic.

Overview

  • Gosling told The Drew Barrymore Show that he sang at weddings at age eight, earning $20 to perform When a Man Loves a Woman during garter ceremonies.
  • He said his uncle performed as an Elvis Presley impersonator, complete with a bedazzled jumpsuit and karate moves, drawing big crowds at a local mall in London, Ontario.
  • Watching those shows felt liberating to him, and he said his uncle introduced him to method acting and inspired him to get on stage.
  • After his uncle stopped performing, Gosling and his sister kept the spirit alive with local appearances that built his comfort in front of audiences.
  • At 13 he joined Disney Channel’s The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1993–1995), an experience he says taught professionalism and a strong work ethic.