People We Love 2016: Ryan Reynolds

His first attempt at playing a marquee superhero (Green Lantern) may have been a flop, but Ryan Reynolds rebounded to find the character he was clearly meant to play all along: Deadpool.

The flick made us love him all the more — not merely for its wild nude fight scene — but because the character wears his pansexuality with comfort and confidence, making no distinction between sexuality or gender identity when it comes to potential partners. Though Reynolds has previously played gay characters, it’s never been with such casual panache. Fans of the always-ready-to-romp superhero’s adventures excitedly greeted the news that Deadpool 2 is expected to hit theaters in about a year.

Want more inspiration? Looking Back on the Heroes of Marriage Equality.

For more People We Love:

2017
Ryan Murphy
Danica Roem
Lena Waithe
Difficult People
Nick Jonas
Sean Coleman
The Makers of One Day at a Time
Sam Smith
Valerie Weisler
Kathy Tu & Tobin Low
Matt Tumminello
Naomi Watts
Randy Rainbow
Cheyenne Jackson
Edith Windsor
Brian Rafferty
Pink

2016
Tom Ford
Ryan Reynolds
President Barack Obama
Makers of Crazy Ex Girlfriend
Lee Pace
Sarah Paulson
Celine Dion
The Wachowski Sisters
Chelsea Handler
Lady Gaga
Laverne Cox

2015
Lily Tomlin
Eddie Redmayne
Creators of Fun Home
Creators of Carol
Charles Leslie
Caitlyn Jenner
Lin Manuel Miranda
Creators of Empire
Susan Sarandon
John Oliver
Grace Jones