Many of us have spent decades enjoying film and television, and certain stars just seem to stay with us. Meg Ryan, affectionately known as one of America’s sweethearts, is one of those stars.
Meg Ryan became a household name in the 80s and 90s, starring in some of the most beloved romantic movies of the era. Her iconic short haircut and roles in memorable films like ‘You’ve Got Mail’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ are etched in our hearts.
Like many celebrities, there came a time when Meg Ryan chose to step back from the spotlight. She did so gracefully, but her recent appearance on the red carpet at 61 had people doing double takes.
For those of us who remember Meg Ryan from her heyday, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic. As an actress, she captivated audiences globally and endeared herself to millions.
Born in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1961, Meg’s father was a math teacher and her mother a teacher with some acting experience. They divorced in 1976 when Meg was just 15, leading to a strained relationship with her parents. After several personal upheavals, she distanced herself from her mother and adopted her grandmother’s maiden name, Ryan.
Meg attended the University of Connecticut before transferring to New York University. She initially took up roles in soap operas and TV commercials to make ends meet, but her talent quickly shone through, prompting her to leave college behind.
She landed a role in ‘Top Gun,’ the highest-grossing film of 1986, which catapulted her into the limelight. Although she wanted to explore other genres, she often found herself typecast in family-friendly, romantic roles.
In a personal milestone, Meg married Dennis Quaid on February 14, 1991. The ceremony was held in their hotel room, and her mother was notably absent. Meg has said it was a moment that made her laugh and cry simultaneously.
Meg’s breakthrough came with the lead role in ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ She further solidified her stardom alongside Tom Hanks in ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ in 1993. Tom Hanks has praised Meg for her remarkable talent, despite noting that she had a seriousness that belied her ‘perky’ roles.
Meg did experiment with darker roles post-Sleepless in Seattle, but she didn’t find the same level of success. She reunited with Tom Hanks in ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ earning her a third Golden Globe nomination.
Her personal life saw its share of ups and downs. She faced marital issues with Dennis Quaid, eventually dating Russell Crowe. Reflecting on her marriage, she revealed, “Dennis was not faithful to me for a long time, and that was very painful. I found out more about that once I was divorced.”
Meg Ryan has enjoyed a long and colorful career. She has raised a family and stepped out of the limelight to live life on her terms.
Although we don’t see her as often these days, even at 61, Meg Ryan still knows how to capture attention and turn heads.
