Search 1,000 of PHOTOS Ryan Thomas Gosling (born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor, musician, social activist and producer. Gosling began acting at age 12 on the American variety television show The Mickey Mouse Club. Gosling had his breakout role as a fanatic Neo-Nazi in the 2001 drama film The Believer. In 2004, Gosling gained mainstream success for playing the male lead in the romantic drama The Notebook. Two years later, Gosling was nominated for the best actor Oscar for the film Half Nelson.