The entertainment world continues to mourn the loss of Eric Gilliland, the beloved comedy writer behind Roseanne and The Conners, who passed away in 2024 after a battle with colon cancer. Gilliland’s legacy extended far beyond his Emmy-nominated scripts, touching the lives of stars like Ryan Reynolds, who once referred to Gilliland as his “university.” As fans remembered Gilliland’s sharp wit and mentorship, Reynolds marked a bittersweet milestone this week with Blake Lively quietly sharing the moment.

A quiet social media post. A flicker of candlelight. Ryan Reynolds paused his usual humor to honor a friendship that shaped his career and life in ways fans rarely glimpse.

Ryan Reynolds shared a series of Instagram Stories celebrating Eric Gilliland’s birthday, featuring a photo of a cake alongside Blake Lively and Gilliland. The caption “you’re missed by many” echoed the grief of countless colleagues and friends. A second story showed a throwback group photo with Hugh Jackman present in the photo as well, captioned “Rest in peace, buddy,” highlighting Gilliland’s knack for uniting Hollywood’s biggest names.

When Gilliland died last year, Reynolds penned a heartfelt tribute, calling him kind, gentle, and funny as hell. The Deadpool star credited Gilliland for teaching him life lessons, emphasizing his mentor’s refusal to engage in cruel conversations. Their 27-year friendship became a cornerstone of Reynolds’ journey, as he reflected that Gilliland was his first major industry connection early in his career. 

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Legacy lives in laughter. Eric Gilliland’s comedic genius echoed through Hollywood, yet his truest mark remains in the hearts of friends like Reynolds, who carried his lessons far beyond the screen.

Eric Gilliland’s career spanned iconic shows like Roseanne, where he earned a Writers Guild nomination, and That ’70s Show, blending sharp humor with heartfelt storytelling. His legendary gatherings and passion for vintage comedy cemented his reputation as a mentor and connector. Though health struggles shadowed his later years, Gilliland’s warmth and creativity left an indelible mark, inspiring peers like Ryan Reynolds to champion kindness as much as comedy.

Gilliland’s career, though dotted with short-lived projects like Mr. Sunshine and That’s Life, showcased his relentless passion for storytelling that balanced humor with humanity. Friends and collaborators often recalled his ability to turn mundane moments into comedic gold, a skill Reynolds frequently credited for shaping his career. Even amid health battles, Gilliland’s optimism and dedication to uplifting others remained unwavering - a testament to why stars like Reynolds continue to celebrate his spirit long after his final curtain call.

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