“She’s like jazz”: Forget Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone’s High School Friend is the Oscar-Nominee’s Greatest Cheerleader

Josh Ryder finds fulfillment as Lily Gladstone's devoted cheerleader, celebrating her journey from high school to Hollywood stardom

“She’s like jazz”: Forget Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone’s High School Friend is the Oscar-Nominee’s Greatest Cheerleader

SUMMARY

  • Josh Ryder, Lily Gladstone's lifelong friend, remains her steadfast supporter, celebrating her acclaimed performances.
  • Ryder's steadfast loyalty to Gladstone endures, championing her successes including a Golden Globe and potential Oscar win.
  • Gladstone's childhood friend passionately contends that her influence will reach beyond cinema, inspiring Indigenous performers to chase their aspirations within the industry.
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Lily Gladstone’s remarkable performance in Martin Scorsese’s cinematic masterpiece, Killers of the Flower Moon, has garnered her widespread acclaim on a global scale. As accolades pour in from all corners, there is one individual whose celebration of her talent shines especially bright: Gladstone’s lifelong friend, Josh Ryder.

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Ryder’s unwavering support for Gladstone has been a constant throughout their shared journey, from childhood days to the glitzy world of Hollywood.

Emma Stone's win at BAFTA makes Lily Gladstone's fans curious
Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon

In a display of unwavering support, Ryder not only cheers Gladstone on from the sidelines but also boldly predicts her triumph at the prestigious Oscars. Ryder’s admiration for Gladstone transcends the bounds of friendship, blossoming into a profound reverence for her craft and dedication.

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Josh Ryder and Lily Gladstone: A Tale of Lifelong Friendship Under Hollywood’s Spotlight

Lily Gladstone and Josh Ryder (Source: X)
Lily Gladstone and Josh Ryder (Source: X)

Josh Ryder and Hollywood actress Lily Gladstone share a bond that transcends time, rooted in their childhood friendship. Their journey together began in the theater department of Mountlake Terrace High School, where they honed their acting skills side by side.
From their early performances in a few plays to witnessing Gladstone’s rise to fame on the silver screen, Ryder has remained a steadfast supporter of his old-school friend.

Despite Ryder’s personal choice to step away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood since 2015, his loyalty to Gladstone has never wavered. He stands by her side, celebrating her successes and championing her talent at every turn.

In an interview, Ryder lauded Gladstone’s evolution as an actress. Josh Ryder told Jeff Sneider,

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“It’s just been so cool. It’s been very surreal, but very cool. It’s this wonderful
blend of her being able to reach heights that we only dreamed about but I feel like when I
see her, it’s still very much her. It’s an evolved form of her, but when I see her laugh and
smile and pour herself into performing, these are things that I don’t think have changed in her — she’s been very consistent in that regard.”

He acknowledged her unparalleled skill while expressing his joy at seeing her receive widespread acclaim, including winning a Golden Globe and potentially aiming for an Oscar.
However, Ryder humbly deflected any notion of being the captain of Gladstone’s life, bestowing that honor upon her mother instead.

Ryder further stated,

“No, I mean, I think her Mom is probably the Captain. I think her Mom is really
fundamental to who she is. I’m just a white boy from the suburbs, so there are definitely parts of it that I’m not part of, and that’s okay. “

For Ryder, the true joy lies in supporting Gladstone as she reaches the pinnacle of her craft on the big screen, knowing that he plays a small yet meaningful role in her journey to greatness.
He takes pride in being a pillar of support for Gladstone, though he acknowledges her ability to shine brightly on her own merits.

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Josh Ryder’s Constant Cheerleading for Lily Gladstone’s Journey

Lily Gladstone in a still from Killers of the Flower Moon
Lily Gladstone in a still from Killers of the Flower Moon

Lily Gladstone’s childhood friend, Josh Ryder, has not only showered praise upon his lifelong friend but has also become her most ardent cheerleader. He particularly anticipated a potential Oscar win for her portrayal in Martin Scorsese‘s cinematic masterpiece.
Ryder’s admiration for Gladstone extends beyond her talent, as he believes she is already making history with her work.

Ryder told Sneider,

“I would say that Lily has many superpowers and they go as follows — Lily is a
performer [who] can take the smallest of nuggets and turn it into a feast. She is a master
of subtlety, and she’s like jazz — it’s the notes that she’s not playing that are the
important ones. Her style of acting is subtle and it’s complex and I think that she’s been
able to hone it over a lifetime of work.”

He passionately asserts that Gladstone’s impact will transcend the silver screen, inspiring a generation of Indigenous performers to pursue their dreams and create opportunities for themselves within the industry.

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Ryder’s favorite role at present is that of being a dedicated cheerleader for Lily, steadfastly supporting her as she navigates the highs and lows of Hollywood. From their humble beginnings in high school theaters to witnessing Gladstone’s radiant smile on red carpets, Ryder takes immense pride in her journey and the strength of their enduring friendship.

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Written by Pritha Roy

Articles Published: 75

Pritha Roy, a seasoned content writer with two years of expertise in captivating feature writing, is currently pursuing a master's degree in mass communication and journalism at Sister Nivedita University. Prior to this, she honed her skills at Aajkaal, a distinguished Bengali newspaper organization. Pritha excels in crafting engaging and audience-centric content that resonates deeply with readers.