Ryan Gosling Says He Became a Wedding Singer at 8 Years Old Thanks to His Uncle, Who Was an Elvis Presley Impersonator
Ryan Gosling Says He Became a Wedding Singer at 8 Years Old Thanks to His Uncle, Who Was an Elvis Presley Impersonator
Tereza ShkurtajSat, March 21, 2026 at 8:00 PM UTC
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Ryan Gosling.Credit: Noel Vasquez/Getty -
On March 19, 2026, Ryan Gosling made an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show
During the episode, the 45-year-old actor discussed his newest sci-fi film, Project Hail Mary, which premiered on Friday
The pair also bonded over the fact that Gosling used to be a wedding singer at just 8 years old
Ryan Gosling is widely recognized today as one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars, but long before red carpets and Oscar nominations, the actor's first taste of performing came in a much more unexpected setting: weddings.
During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, he shared a surprising childhood story that shaped his creative path.
“So my uncle was an Elvis [Presley] impersonator,” the 45-year-old actor told Barrymore. “When I was 8, I came home one day from school, and he was bedazzling a white jumpsuit in the living room with a big eagle on the back, and I said, ‘What are you doing?’ And he said, ‘I'm gonna be Elvis for a little while.’ And he was."
"He started talking like Elvis, singing like Elvis, doing karate in the backyard," Gosling added.
Young Ryan Gosling in 'The Mickey Mouse Club.'Credit: Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
Gosling explained that watching his uncle fully embody the King of Rock introduced him to the concept of method acting at a young age. He said he remains “so grateful to him,” adding that the experience ultimately “changed our lives.”
Growing up in a small town in Ontario, Canada, Gosling’s uncle’s performances became a local sensation, drawing crowds who were eager to watch.
“You know, everybody in our town would come to see him perform at the mall,” he recalled. “Everyone felt like they were seeing Elvis, you know, people would... they would put on a talent show in order to, like, supplement the show."
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"And so, you know, like, the guy that works at the A&P is suddenly, like, doing a version of 'Black Velvet' that would knock your socks off.”
That environment left a lasting impression on young Gosling, giving him what he described as a “liberating experience.” At the time, he realized that performance allowed people to step into their truest selves, saying, “You realize everyone has a talent… when they get on stage, it's kind of who they really are.”
Ryan Gosling in 'Barbie.'Credit: Warner Bros
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When his uncle stopped performing, Gosling and his sister decided to keep the spirit alive because it was “really fun.” That decision led him to an unusual gig for a child — singing at weddings.
“I would get 20 bucks to sing ‘When a Man Loves a Woman' to the bride, during the garter ceremony,” Gosling laughed. “Like…who thought it was a good idea to bring an 8-year-old to the garter ceremony?”
"I would get on my knees and sing to her ... and I was like, 'Where's my 20 bucks?"
After honing his skills at weddings, Gosling was a cast member on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club at age 13.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
