Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds has paid an emotional tribute to a close friend and colleague at his creative company Maximum Effort following his death, aged 40.
The Hollywood star described Pierce Thiot as a “shining light of creativity, kindness and hard work” and said it was “impossible to imagine the world, let alone our company” without him.
Career and projects
Thiot had worked at Maximum Effort for almost five years and was involved in some of the company’s biggest creative projects during that time. It has been confirmed he died of a pulmonary embolism at his home in Orem, Utah.
Before joining Maximum Effort, Thiot had already worked on campaigns for global brands including Apple, Nike, Gatorade and Coca-Cola, as well as creating the viral “Will It Beard?” phenomenon.
Tributes and family support
During his time working alongside Reynolds, he helped create campaigns for DoorDash, L’Oreal and Mint Mobile, as well as projects for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Coyote vs. Acme. He was also a co-writer on National Geographic’s Emmy-winning Underdogs series.
Reynolds added: “Pierce was a shining light of creativity, kindness and hard work. It is impossible to imagine the world, let alone our company, without him.”
Reynolds, who has built Maximum Effort into one of the most recognisable creative companies in the entertainment industry, alongside his work as an actor, producer and football club owner, offered to support Thiot's family going forward.
“Our hearts and efforts will forever be with his wife Stacy, his children Adelaide and Jackson and his work partner of over a decade Kathleen Swanson,” he said.
Wrexham connection
Reynolds has become a hugely prominent figure in north Wales through his ownership of Wrexham, which he bought with fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021. The pair's ownership has transformed the club's global profile and fortunes on the pitch.
