Ryan Reynolds Posts Touching Tribute To 13-Year-Old Fan Who Died Of Cancer

Like many 13-year-old boys, Connor McGrath loved comic books.

But unlike most teenage boys, he spent the last three years of his life with cancer and died this week.

Connor's favorite comic book character was Deadpool, so through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he got to meet the closest thing to the real-life Merc with a Mouth, Ryan Reynolds.

Despite the age difference, the two immediately hit it off, and Connor's death deeply affected the 39-year-old "Deadpool" actor.

On Thursday, Ryan posted an emotional Facebook status honoring his friend.

Connor got to be the first person to see "Deadpool," which Ryan assures he was emotionally mature enough to handle. Ryan wrote,

Before you jump down my throat for showing a 13 year old an R-Rated film, please know this kid knew more swear words than a British chef.

The actor surprised Connor by showing up at his treatment center, Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital in Alberta, with an early cut of the film.

Ryan clearly admired Connor greatly. He wrote about Connor's incredibly impressive sense of humor and performance. Ryan said,

In a certain sense he WAS Deadpool. Or, at least everything Deadpool aspires to be; balancing pain, fearlessness, love and a filthy (filthy!) sense of humor in one body. I wish he could've stuck around a lot longer.

Ryan concluded by stressing how much he believes in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and encouraged people to donate if they can here.

Connor sounds like an amazing kid, and I'm so glad he got to meet Deadpool. RIP.