Ryan Gosling pays heartfelt tribute to Debbie Reynolds at Palm Springs Film Festival: ‘She was an inspiration every day’

The actor credited the late Hollywood icon for inspiring La La Land 
Tribute: Ryan Gosling credits Debbie Reynolds for inspiring La La Land
Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival
Jennifer Ruby3 January 2017
The Weekender

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Ryan Gosling has thanked Debbie Reynolds for being an ‘inspiration ever day’ in a moving speech at the Palm Springs Film Festival.

The Hollywood A-lister, who was picking up the Vanguard Award for La La Land with director Damien Chazelle on Monday night, said that they had watched Singin’ In The Rain every day in preparation.

“I wish I could’ve said this in person, but I’d like to thank Debbie Reynolds for her wonderful career of work,” he told the crowd.

“She was an inspiration to us every day. We watched Singin’ in the Rain every day for inspiration, and she was a truly unparalleled talent. So I thank her for all of that.”

Hollywood icon Reynolds passed away last week at the age of 84, after reportedly suffering a stroke at the home of her son Todd Fisher.

The actress died just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher, who went into cardiac arrest during a flight from London to the US over Christmas.

Debbie Reynolds - In pictures

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Gosling stars opposite Emma Stone in Chazelle’s Oscar-tipped Los Angeles-set musical, which is expected to walk away with Best Picture.

“Honestly, it was a reward enough just to get to make this film,” Gosling told Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet.

“To get to make a film like this, with Damien at the helm, it was just an incredible experience, so to be awarded on top of that was unexpected and really appreciated.”

“I am [still playing the piano],” he added. “Unfortunately it's still just the pieces from this film, but they're that good that I don't care. I'm not sick of them yet.”

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