Meg Ryan, an acclaimed American actress, earned the title of the queen of romantic comedies during the 1990s and early 2000s, with notable roles in films such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Her breakthrough came with a supporting role in the popular 1986 film “Top Gun.”
Born Margaret Mary Emily Hyra on Nov. 19, 1961, in Fairfield, Connecticut, Ryan adopted the surname Ryan as an adult when she joined the Screen Actors Guild, inspired by her paternal grandmother’s maiden name.
Having graduated from Bethel High School in 1979, Ryan initially attended the University of Connecticut before transferring to New York University. Even during her college years, she ventured into the entertainment industry, featuring in commercials and the soap opera “As the World Turns.”
In 1987, Ryan secured a role in the film “Innerspace” alongside Dennis Quaid, who would eventually become her husband. Their on-set romance blossomed into a relationship, leading to their marriage in 1991. The couple welcomed a son named Jack, but after a decade, they chose to part ways, finalizing their divorce in 2001.
In 2006, Ryan embarked on the journey of motherhood again by adopting a baby girl from China, whom she named Daisy. Her romantic life took another turn when she dated singer John Mellencamp from 2010 to 2014. After a brief separation, they rekindled their relationship in 2017 and announced their engagement a year later. Unfortunately, the engagement was reportedly called off in 2019.
Despite the twists in her personal life, Ryan has discovered profound joy in raising her children. However, upon her return to Hollywood following a hiatus, she faced criticism for alleged cosmetic enhancements, with some asserting that the results were less than favorable.
In 2000, when Ryan and Quaid declared their separation, she asserted that their divorce was unrelated to any third party. “It dissolved before it became a sport for the press,” she explained, emphasizing that the public and media became aware long after the fact. She clarified, “The reasons we broke up have nothing to do with another person.”
However, in 2008, Ryan candidly revealed Quaid’s infidelity, expressing the pain of discovering it post-divorce. “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,” she shared.
During that time, rumors circulated linking Russell Crowe to the issues between Ryan and Quaid. Ryan dispelled these rumors, stating, “Russell didn’t break up the marriage. He was definitely there at the end, but it wasn’t his fault. I was a mess. I hurt him, too, at the end. I couldn’t be in another long relationship; it wasn’t the time for that. So I got out.”
In 2008, when Ryan spoke about Quaid’s infidelity, he expressed his dismay at her public disclosures. “It was eight years ago, and I find it unbelievable that Meg continues publicly to rehash and rewrite the story of our relationship,” Quaid said. He also expressed regret that their son, Jack, had to endure the public reminder of the challenges and pain that accompany divorce.
Although Ryan never remarried, she entered a lengthy relationship with musician John Mellencamp, which sadly concluded with a broken engagement. A source revealed in late 2019, “She’d had enough and ended their engagement. She has no regrets.”
During the summer of 2019, Ryan reflected on her journey to self-discovery, stating:
“By the time I did my second InStyle cover in 2003, the narrative of my life had undergone a significant transformation. I was navigating life post-divorce from Dennis Quaid, and all my preconceived notions had been shattered. Surprisingly, that turned out to be a positive experience.”
Even eight years after her separation from Quaid, Ryan found herself grappling with the healing process. “In my latest InStyle cover interview in 2008, I admitted to struggling with accepting myself as lovable. It was a tough realization,” she shared.
Continuing, Ryan acknowledged, “I believe it originated from the challenges of starting anew after the end of my marriage. Divorce is inherently challenging, and I wasn’t particularly kind to myself during that period. I withdrew, but that challenging time was essential. It marked a transformative period, and I evolved significantly.”
Expressing similar sentiments in a New York Times interview, she revealed, “I was feeling burnt out. I sensed a disconnection, unsure of my understanding of myself or the world to portray it authentically as an actor. I experienced a sense of isolation.”
Subsequently, Ryan took a hiatus from the entertainment industry. In 2007, she adopted a child from China, naming her Daisy, and redirected her focus towards her newfound family.
Opening up to Closer Weekly, Ryan highlighted the profound impact of motherhood on her life. “Becoming a mom prompted a significant recalibration in my life,” she explained. “I felt a truer sense of self. I became more authentic.”
In a surprising turn of events, Ryan unveiled an entirely unrecognizable appearance at the 2016 Tony Awards.
Ryan’s appearance at the Tony Awards ignited discussions about potential cosmetic procedures on her face and body.
Social media users were harsh in their comments about the “When Harry Met Sally” star.
“She looks Disgusting! Get your money back because that’s a huge fail!!” one user commented.
“Come on. What’s wrong with these celebrities? Now she looks like an old freak,” another wrote.
“She looks like a Doll that needs repair..Ugly,” a third person chimed in.
“Honestly, it was hard to look at her,” one pointed out.
Seeking insights, Hollywood Life consulted a cosmetic surgeon to analyze if Ryan had undergone any procedures.
“I think she looked better before this work,” stated Mark Youssef from Younique Cosmetic Surgery. “She may have done too much. I think that’s why people are a little shocked because she doesn’t look like the Meg Ryan that we all love.”
Youssef identified cheek fillers as the most apparent alteration, noting, “It’s definitely too much because the apple of her cheek is too full and too large. When she smiles, all of that filler moves up and makes her eyes look smaller. The reason she looks masculine is because of the placement of the volume in her cheeks. The volume of the filler should have been placed more laterally to give her a softer look.”
Apart from cheek fillers, Youssef suggested that Ryan might have undergone a rhinoplasty, facelift, and forehead Botox.
Despite the criticism, some fans expressed admiration for Ryan on her Instagram photo in her Interview Magazine feature.
“Sooo pretty and stylish 👏👏😍,” one gushed, while another said, “She’s the Queen and still wears the best shoes. Great style.”
Ryan has persisted in her career within the entertainment industry, marking her directorial debut with “Ithaca” in 2015. She also took the helm for the film “What Happens Later,” showcasing her versatility by starring in both productions.
Despite her continued success in the industry, Ryan’s focus on her role as a mother holds profound significance for her. In 2006, at the age of 44, she adopted a girl from China. The process took months before approval, culminating in bringing her daughter home to Los Angeles.
Addressing the private nature of her family situation, Ryan’s representative stated, “It is a personal family situation that she does not feel inclined to share.”
Reflecting on the experience, Ryan shared her perspective, saying, “I never felt like I was on a rescue mission or anything like that. I just really wanted a baby; I was on a mission to connect with somebody, and Daisy and I got to meet each other in this way at this time. We are so compatible.”
Over time, Ryan has become more open about the profound impact her children have had on her life. Expressing her contentment, she revealed, “This is the best time in my whole life. I’m happy in my skin, I’m happy in my home, I’m happy in my career. I’m just very satisfied all around. I don’t feel like I’m living anybody else’s life or anybody else’s idea of what I should be doing, and it just feels very good.”
Continuing, the actress emphasized her gratitude and sense of fortune, stating, “I know I’m very lucky. I feel that I’ve positioned myself in this way to have a full life, and I’m doing it.” It’s heartening to witness Ryan in such a contented place in life.
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