Ryan Gosling is now a well-known name after starring in the hit rom-com The Notebook and his frequent collaborations with director Nicolas Winding Refn for films like Drive and Only God Forgives. Gosling has been appearing in film and television since 1995 as a child actor and he has always been an interesting actor, even in his earlier roles.
Before he got his big break and become a household name, he had various smaller roles when he wasn't on anyone's radar in the film industry yet. Here are some of Ryan Gosling's forgotten roles, ranked from worst to best.
Greg Banks - Goosebumps
Ryan Gosling starred in one episode of Goosebumps and the premise of the episode is actually pretty terrifying. He finds a camera in the basement of a warehouse with his friends and odd things begin to happen after he begins to take photos.
The photos, once developed, look different than the actual scene in front of him. The camera predicts tragedy that quickly happens after the photo is taken, including various injuries and maybe even death.
Alan Bosley - Remember The Titans
Ryan Gosling had a small role in the well-known film Remember the Titans, as Alan Bosley. The film follows a high school football team that was recently integrated in 1971, Racial issues are at its forefront as new lead coach Denzel Washington tries to unite the integrated team.
Alan Bosley was a character that was a friend to everyone on the team from the beginning, no matter race, and he provided some comedic relief throughout.
Willy Beachum - Fracture
This crime thriller stars Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins in a game of cat and mouse with plot twists everywhere. Gosling portrays a prosecutor who is tasked with proving that Hopkins' character attempted to kill his wife, and it seems to be an easy case to prove until the plot becomes more complicated.
It's a pretty good film overall, but it does seem like a film that's been made many times before and some fans feel that there's not a lot special about Gosling's role.
Henry Letham - Stay
This thriller is a bit more inventive than most and tries to come at the plot twist with a new approach and it is pretty successful. Ewan McGregor portrays a psychiatrist who is intrigued by his new patient, Henry, portrayed by Ryan Gosling.
The film mixes reality and fiction into a blurry mess where the audience isn't sure what is real and what's not until the very end. This role of Henry Letham is more similar to Gosling's other unique and odd roles, but less refined.
Sean Hanlon - Breaker High
Breaker High was a short-running comedic show that followed a group of teenagers who attended high school classes on a luxury cruise liner. The show was pretty far-fetched, but it was one of Gosling's first starring roles and he was able to show his comedic acting beside Tyler Labine (who portrayed his best friend).
It's a fun and light show with only one season that's worth checking out to see Gosling's first big television role.
Richard Haywood - Murder By Numbers
Sandra Bullock stars in this thriller as a detective who is determined to solve the murder of a young woman in a case that continues to perplex her, as the evidence seems to be manipulated.
Her search leads to two young men, Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt, who might have been the culprits. It's one of Gosling's first lead roles and he's able to show his acting skills by portraying an absolute psychopath.
Hercules - Young Hercules
Young Hercules is exactly what it sounds like from its title. The show followed the adventures of a young demi-god, Hercules. The show was campy and fun as it followed Hercules and his teenaged friends attending school and training sessions, while also contending with Greek gods in their world, including Ares the God of War.
Gosling does a good job as the star of the series and it's worth checking out as a fun romp that never takes itself too seriously.
David Marks - All Good Things
Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling star in this film as a couple who try to build a life together outside of his affluent family. Gosling portrays David Marks, who wants to escape from the shadow of his successful father and family.
Tragedy strikes when Dunst's character disappears and everyone assumes her husband murdered her. The film details their life together and shows Gosling's character deal with the fall out of his wife's disappearance in his old age. It's a more subdued role from Gosling, who is known for his more subtle acting.
Lars Lindstrom - Lars And The Real Girl
Lars and the Real Girl follows the extremely shy Lars as he finally starts to interact more with others through a life-sized plastic doll he ordered. His sister and her husband are confused and concerned that he believes that Bianca is his actual girlfriend who he met on the internet.
The odd but heartfelt film delves into Lars's life and the community's support for him and ends up being a pretty decent film, in which Gosling shines as the main character.
Dan Dunne - Half Nelson
Gosling stars as teacher Dan Dunne in Half Nelson and the film follows his unorthodox teaching methods and lifestyle. All of his students love him and appreciate his realness and approach to teaching them history, but on his off time, Dunne is usually frequenting bars and taking various recreational drugs.
One of his students catches him while he's high and the two begin an unlikely friendship. The film itself has great reviews as a new and refreshing approach to a tired plot and Gosling's performance in this film is on par with his better-known roles.