Meg Ryan
In 1989, Meg Ryan's role in Rob Reiner's When Harry Met Sally... — and its famous deli scene — made her the reigning queen of the romantic comedy. The Golden Globe-nominated performance set the template for a string of beloved hits that earned her the nickname 'America's Sweetheart.'
Connecticut Beginnings
Born Margaret Hyra in 1961, Meg Ryan started in soap operas and small film roles. A part in Top Gun raised her profile before her true breakthrough arrived.
Romantic-Comedy Reign
When Harry Met Sally... made her a star, and Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail confirmed her as the genre's defining face. Her pairing with Tom Hanks became iconic.
Behind the Camera
Ryan later expanded into directing, helming Ithaca and the romantic comedy What Happens Later. She remains closely associated with the feel-good films of the 1990s.
Career Timeline
- 1961Born in Fairfield, Connecticut
- 1981Film debut in Rich and Famous
- 1986Appears in the blockbuster Top Gun
- 1989Breakout in When Harry Met Sally...
- 1993Stars in Sleepless in Seattle
- 1995Becomes Hollywood's highest-paid actress
- 1998Reunites with Tom Hanks for You've Got Mail
- 2001Dramatic turn in Proof of Life
- 2015Directs her feature debut, Ithaca
- 2023Directs and stars in What Happens Later
Biggest Hits
- Her 1990s shag haircut was so popular that fans requested it by name as 'The Meg.'
- By 1995, Ryan had become one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses.
Portrait: David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons