The Truth About Ryan Gosling And Sandra Bullock's Former Relationship

It's been two decades since "Murder by Numbers" hit the big screen, but this psychological thriller is still talked about to this day (for more reasons than one). Directed by Barbet Schroeder, the film follows seasoned homicide detective Cassie Mayweather (Sandra Bullock) and her new partner (Ben Chaplin) as they try to solve the supposed "perfect murder" committed by two brilliant high school students (Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt), per Roger Ebert.

Due to the nature of their respective roles in the film, Bullock and Gosling didn't have the opportunity to test out their on-screen chemistry in the suspenseful flick. However, sparks were certainly flying behind the scenes. Although people may not have known about it at the time, Bullock and Gosling were in a relationship for two years after they met on the set of "Murder by Numbers." While the former couple ultimately chose to go their separate ways, Gosling and Bullock both look back on their relationship as a wonderful time in their lives (via The Things).

"Murder by Numbers" first hit the big screen in 2002, and both Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling have come a long way since the film's release (via IMDb). At the time, Bullock already had a string of blockbuster hits under her belt, including "Speed," "While You Were Sleeping,"  "Practical Magic," and "Miss Congeniality." Gosling, on the other hand, was just entering the Hollywood scene. As many Gosling fans know, "The Notebook" star's first acting role was on the show "The Mickey Mouse Club," at the age of 12. He appeared on the program alongside former roommate Justin Timberlake, as well as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera (via The Wrap).

One of the reasons the pair had varying levels of acting experience? Bullock is 16 years older than her co-star, as noted by The Mirror. Bullock was 38 years old when the pair started dating, and Gosling was 22 years old. If Bullock shared some of her Hollywood tips and tricks with Gosling during their relationship, her potential advice certainly seems to have worked! Both actors remain extremely successful to this day.

From Amber Heard and Johnny Depp to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, not all relationships end on the smoothest of terms (via InTouch). In fact, some people might go so far as to say that a "good breakup" is the exception, not the rule. Thankfully, Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling were one of the few exceptions, as the duo reportedly had an amicable breakup (via Cosmopolitan). 

Since their split, Bullock and Gosling have only had nice things to say about each other. While the pair have remained pretty tip-lipped about their brief relationship, they both shared a few tidbits about their time together. In an interview with Cosmopolitan in 2003, Bullock was asked what lessons she learned from her former beau. "To chill," the Academy Award winner shared. "I live my life at a manic pace, and he's taught me to disregard all that isn't important. He's like a little Buddha."

Even though they're no longer together, Ryan Gosling still has a whole lot of love and respect for ex-girlfriend Sandra Bullock. In an interview with The Times in 2011, Gosling praised the Arlington, Virginia native, saying "I had two of the greatest girlfriend of all time. I haven't met anybody who could top them," (via Us Weekly). Which other ex-girlfriend is Gosling referring to? None other than Rachel McAdams, who famously starred alongside him in "The Notebook" (via IMDb). The "La La Land" actor certainly has a thing for co-stars!

Speaking of co-stars, while Gosling hadn't started dating her at the time of this 2011 interview, we can assume that he has since met someone who lives up to the same standards as his former flames: Eva Mendes. Mendes and Gosling started dating in 2012, shortly after they filmed "The Place Beyond The Pines" together, and the pair have been together ever since. In an interview with Hello! Magazine in 2015, Gosling shared that his main (and only) criterion in a partner is, "that she's Eva Mendes. There's nothing else I'm looking for." The notoriously private couple now share two daughters together, Esmeralda and Amada (via Elle).

From affairs to long-distance woes, jealousy to poor communication skills, so many factors can lead to a breakup. While Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling have never explicitly stated what triggered their split, both actors have alluded to potential causes over the years. In Gosling's interview with The Times in 2011, the "Crazy, Stupid, Love" actor hinted that his break-up with Bullock may have had something to do with the industry they're both a part of. "Show business is the bad guy," he admitted (via Mama Mia). "When both people are in show business it's too much show business. It takes all of the light, so nothing else can grow."

Gosling and Bullock, who tried to keep their relationship a secret, may have been especially affected by the limelight (via The Mirror). The "Murder by Numbers" co-stars were not the only ones who couldn't handle being in the spotlight. According to The Richest, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, as well as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, among several other relationships, suffered in the public eye.

While Ryan Gosling hinted at the industry being the "bad guy" to blame for his and Sandra Bullock's downfall, the "Ocean's 8" star may have had a slightly different take on things. As hard as it is to believe, America's sweetheart admitted in 2003 that she hasn't "always been easy to be in a relationship with" (via Cosmopolitan). Bullock went on to say, "I've been the problem most of the time, I'll admit that." 

When it comes to the qualities she's looking for in a partner, Bullock likes quiet guys with a strong presence. "I want someone who, if I need help, they don't even ask, it just kind of happens. It's satisfying when I can let go," she said (per Cosmopolitan). After her five-year marriage with "Monster Garage" host Jesse James ended with divorce in 2010 (per Insider), Bullock moved on with photographer Bryan Randall, who she's reportedly been dating since 2015. "Bryan makes her feel safe and completely takes care of her," an insider shared with Us Weekly. "[He's her] rock." 

Aw! It looks like Bullock may have finally met her match.