For more than two decades, Meg Ryan was known as the actress who embodied the quintessential American romance, captivating audiences with her charming smile and likable characters.
But just as quickly as she rose to fame, she seemed to fade from the limelight. What happened to the woman who once graced the screen in iconic films like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail?
Where did the rom-com queen go and what is she doing now? The answers may surprise you, as Ryan’s off-screen life is filled with unexpected twists, personal struggles, and a shift to a more private existence. Let’s dive deeper into Meg Ryan’s fascinating, lesser-known journey.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Meg Ryan became one of the most popular American stars known for her portrayal of cute romantic roles. Her signature blonde tousled hairstyle and glamorous performances in films like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail made her a household name.
Despite expectations, Ryan’s career seemed to take a step back after 2018, with few appearances in recent years. Now 61, she made a remarkable return to the limelight on the red carpet, reminding fans of her incredible influence on Hollywood for more than two decades.
Born in 1961 in Fairfield, Connecticut, Ryan was the daughter of Harry Hyra, a Polish-born math teacher, and Susan Jordan, a teacher and actress. Her interest in acting was nurtured by her mother’s profession, although her parents’ separation in 1976 had a profound effect on her. After changing her last name to “Ryan” (her grandmother’s maiden name) to join the Screen Actors Guild, she focused on her craft and dropped out of college to pursue entertainment.
Ryan’s career took off when she started appearing in commercials and soap operas. Her big break came with the role of Carole Bradshaw, the wife of Nick “Goose” Bradshaw in Top Gun (1986). The film was a big success and Ryan quickly found herself in more prominent roles. During this time, she began a relationship with Anthony Edwards, her Top Gun co-star, before eventually meeting and marrying Dennis Quaid.
The couple married on February 14, 1991, after an intense whirlwind romance. Their private ceremony was a reflection of their bond, and Ryan explained that she couldn’t imagine a big public wedding.
Ryan’s rise to fame reached new heights thanks to his iconic roles in romantic comedies. In When Harry Met Sally… Ryan captivated audiences with her portrayal of Sally Albright, cementing her “girl next door” reputation. Despite initial reservations from critics, the film became a cult classic and helped further establish her as the queen of romantic comedies.
Another iconic role came in the film Sleepless in Seattle (1993), where she starred alongside Tom Hanks. The film cemented her status as a romantic comedy star and earned her praise for her impressive and charming performance.
Her portrayal of Annie Reed in the film almost didn’t happen as she was the sixth choice for the role, with actresses like Julia Roberts and Michelle Pfeiffer being the first to turn it down.
Meg Ryan continued to explore darker roles in films such as Courage Under Fire (1996), opposite Denzel Washington and Matt Damon. Despite the shift, her career remained strong, scoring two major hits in 1998: City of Angels, a romantic drama opposite Nicolas Cage, and You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks. Both films were commercial successes, and Ryan earned another Golden Globe nomination for his performance in You’ve Got Mail.
However, as the new millennium dawned, Ryan’s career faced challenges. She appeared in several films that failed to resonate with audiences, and her personal life began to make headlines.
While filming Proof of Life (2000), she was rumored to be dating actor Russell Crowe. This coincided with the breakdown of her marriage to Dennis Quaid. Media and public scrutiny of her romance with Crowe added to the tension, though Ryan later explained that her relationship with Quaid had been faltering prior to her involvement with Crowe.
Ryan talked about her marriage to Quaid and acknowledged his problems, especially with infidelity. She shared how their separation and eventual divorce in 2001 fueled public misconceptions, but emphasized that her affair with Crowe was not the cause of their split.
Despite the tabloid’s focus on her personal life, Ryan maintained that she is moving forward.
She and Quaid remain connected through their son Jack Quaid, born in 1992. Jack followed in his parent’s’ footsteps and embarked on his own acting career with roles in films such as The Hunger Games and several television shows.
In the years following her divorce, Meg Ryan took a step back from acting, prioritizing her family and focusing on raising Jack. In 2015, she made her directorial debut with the film Ithaca with Jack in the lead role. Reflecting on her own upbringing, Jack spoke of the supportive environment his parents provided and explained how their understanding of the entertainment industry helped him pursue his career without feeling pressured to have a “backup plan”.
Meg Ryan may no longer be the leading lady of romantic comedies, but her legacy in Hollywood and her influence on her son continue to have an impact, even if her personal life remains as complex as the roles she once played.
Meg Ryan’s journey from a romantic comedy darling to a more private, family-oriented life has been anything but predictable. Her rise to fame in the 1980s and 1990s made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, with iconic roles that cemented her place in film history.
However, personal issues, including her high-profile divorce and evolving career decisions, have led her to step back from the limelight. Today, Ryan finds fulfillment in her role as a mother and director, while her son Jack Quaid continues the family legacy in Hollywood. Despite her ups and downs, Meg Ryan’s story remains a testament to resilience, change, and the importance of going your own way.