Meg Ryan, born Margaret Mary Emily Hyra in 1961, rose to fame as the quintessential queen of romantic comedies during the 1990s and early 2000s. She began her career with commercials and a role on the soap opera As the World Turns while still in college. Her film breakthrough came with a supporting part in Top Gun (1986), but it was iconic roles in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail that solidified her status as a beloved Hollywood star. During the filming of Innerspace (1987), she met co-star Dennis Quaid, whom she married in 1991; the couple shared a son, Jack, before divorcing in 2001.

Their highly publicized divorce drew intense media attention. Initially, Ryan maintained that the separation was not due to a third party, but in 2008 she revealed that Quaid had been unfaithful for an extended period, describing the experience as “very painful.” She also addressed rumors about a relationship with actor Russell Crowe, clarifying that while he was “there at the end,” he did not cause the marriage to end. Afterward, Ryan focused on her family, adopting a daughter, Daisy, from China in 2006, and had an on-again, off-again relationship with singer John Mellencamp, which ended with a broken engagement in 2019.

After stepping away from the spotlight, Ryan faced harsh scrutiny over her appearance. Following a public appearance at the Tony Awards, social media users criticized her looks, and cosmetic surgeons speculated that cheek fillers had altered her face, making her appear less like the Meg Ryan audiences remembered. Despite the criticism, she retained a loyal fanbase that continued to celebrate her style and charm through her social media channels.

Ryan has emphasized that her true happiness lies in her family and living a life authentic to herself. She shared that she feels “happy in my skin” and content at home, embracing a fulfilling life outside of constant public scrutiny. She also explored other creative pursuits, including directing and starring in the 2015 film Ithaca, using her hiatus from acting to experience new aspects of life beyond Hollywood.

Her long-awaited return to the big screen came in 2023 with What Happens Later, which she starred in, wrote, and directed. The comeback was met with widespread acclaim from fans, particularly after her appearance at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. Wearing a stunning black sequined gown, Ryan received praise for her beauty and talent, proving that her devoted audience had eagerly awaited her return and continued to celebrate her enduring presence in Hollywood.