Alan Ritchson, a rare breed in Hollywood, is known for his refreshingly honest persona. The A-list action star doesn’t shy away from discussing his journey in Hollywood, his views on politics, religion, and the hard work required to succeed. A new profile in GQ delves into Ritchson’s thoughts ahead of the upcoming season three debut of Reacher.
One of the most talked-about topics from the interview is Ritchson’s views on controversial politician Matt Gaetz, whom he went to school with in Florida. Ritchson didn’t mince words, referring to Gaetz as a "motherf****r" and expressing shock at the continued support he receives despite his questionable actions.
Gaetz has faced accusations of child sex trafficking and statutory rape in the past, but no charges were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. A report from the House Ethics Committee in 2024 revealed evidence of Gaetz engaging in illicit activities while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Ritchson expressed thoughts of potentially entering politics to counter individuals like Gaetz, but he also pondered whether his honest nature would hinder his success in that field. Despite his thoughts on politics, Ritchson has been thriving in Hollywood with projects like Reacher and other films under his belt.
Reacher, based on the popular book series by Lee Child, has been a significant part of Ritchson’s career. Child praised Ritchson for embodying the character of Jack Reacher on-screen, citing his leadership and dedication to the role. The show’s showrunner also commended Ritchson for his strong work ethic and commitment to his craft.
In addition to discussing politics and his career, Ritchson addressed criticism from some Christians about certain scenes in Reacher. He emphasized the separation between fictional characters and real-life beliefs, shrugging off the critiques he receives.
Looking ahead, Ritchson has long-term goals for the success of Reacher, aiming for future seasons to surpass expectations. As he gears up for season three’s debut, Ritchson remains dedicated to making the show even better in the seasons to come.
