Ryan Phillippe Says Son Deacon ‘Got His Mama’s Work Ethic’ (Exclusive)

Ryan Phillippe is a proud dad!

While speaking with PEOPLE at J.Crew’s takeover of 190 Bowery in N.Y.C. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Cruel Intentions actor, 51, praised his son Deacon for his hard work on his career. The Motorheads star, 21, responded humbly, saying that he just tries to be “the best person I can.”

“Honestly, I just wake up every day, [and] try to be the best person I can,” the 21-year-old tells PEOPLE. “I couldn’t do any of it without God, and I work my butt off, so to speak.”

In response, Phillippe says, “He does. He’s got his mama’s work ethic. He absolutely does.”

Phillippe shares his two older children, Ava, 26, and Deacon, with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon, and his youngest, Kai, 14, with ex Alexis Knapp.

Speaking about Ava and Deacon in PEOPLE’s 2021 Sexiest Man Alive issue, Phillippe joked, “They’re both better looking than me, thankfully.” He added, “They obviously have a very pretty mom. Deacon and I connect very heavily in regard to music. He’s like my best friend, and Ava is very much my personality.”

He also reflected on who they’ve grown to be, adding, “They’re very self-possessed, conscientious people who care about the world, who treat people with respect and take care of themselves.”

Ava and Deacon are following in their famous parents’ footsteps and pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. While speaking to Extra in March 2024, Phillippe shared his opinion on nepotism.

“So many people end up doing what their parents do, to some degree or another,” he said. “I always get offended for the children of actors and entertainers when people bring that up. These kids have grown up watching on set with Reese or with me. It seems natural, I think.”

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Phillippe was pictured attending a screening of his TV series Motorheads alongside his son Deacon, who also has a role in the show, in May. Phillippe wore a tan suit and white shirt, smiling as he posed next to his son.

Deacon was the spitting image of his father as he posed next to him, wearing a dark green V-neck sweater and matching slacks. The two play brothers in the upcoming Prime Video series. At the event, Phillippe spoke with PEOPLE and shared that he went into “set dad” mode a bit while watching Deacon act.

“A little bit, a little bit, but I didn’t mind being set dad for the days that he was there,” he told PEOPLE. “And I would go and get him a snack from craft service or bring him a coffee if he needed it.”