Meg Ryan Steps Away From Acting to Focus on Her Family: Here’s What She’s Doing Now

Meg Ryan became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s, known for her iconic roles in romantic comedies. With her blonde shag hairstyle and relatable “girl next door” charm, she became a beloved figure in films like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail.

Though it was surprising when Ryan’s star faded, she decided to step back from acting after 2018. Now, at 61, she has recently made headlines once again with an appearance at a red carpet event.

A Hollywood Journey: From Childhood to Stardom

Ryan’s rise to fame was unexpected, considering her humble beginnings. Born in 1961 in Fairfield, Connecticut, she was the daughter of Harry Hyra, a Polish-born math teacher, and Susan Jordan, a teacher and aspiring actress. Her mother’s career in the arts seemed to have influenced Meg’s interest in performing.

Her parents divorced when she was 15, and her relationship with them grew strained over time. Eventually, Meg cut ties with her mother. When joining the Screen Actors Guild, she chose to adopt the last name “Ryan” from her grandmother.

Ryan initially pursued journalism at Connecticut and New York Universities, but her career didn’t take off in that field. Instead, she found herself landing roles in commercials and soap operas. Her big break came with As the World Turns, which helped her gain recognition in Hollywood.

Breakout Roles and Hollywood Romance

Ryan’s breakthrough role came in Top Gun (1986), where she played Carole Bradshaw, the wife of Nick “Goose” Bradshaw. Her performance caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to more prominent roles.

While filming Top Gun, she formed a romantic relationship with co-star Anthony Edwards. The two dated and lived together for a time. She later starred opposite Dennis Quaid in Innerspace (1987), and the two developed a close bond, eventually marrying in a small, private ceremony on Valentine’s Day.

As a romantic comedy icon, Ryan’s fame soared. She starred in the beloved When Harry Met Sally… (1989), alongside Billy Crystal. Though the film faced some early criticism, it has since become a classic. Her next project, Sleepless in Seattle (1993), solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most adored leading ladies.

Expanding Her Range and Exploring Different Roles

After Sleepless in Seattle, Ryan continued to dominate the rom-com genre but sought more challenging roles. In 1996, she starred in Courage Under Fire with Denzel Washington and Matt Damon, showing a more serious side. She followed it up with the box-office success City of Angels (1998), where her performance alongside Nicolas Cage received widespread praise.

However, despite her success, Ryan decided to explore different career paths. Her final notable film role was in The Women (2008), after which she largely disappeared from the spotlight.

Shifting Priorities: A Focus on Family and Personal Life

Ryan has been candid about her decision to step away from acting. In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, she expressed that her priorities shifted, noting she was more interested in “life’s other gifts” than acting. She acknowledged the joy she found in performing but also revealed a growing discomfort with the industry.

What’s Meg Ryan Up to Now?

Today, Ryan leads a quieter life, although she hasn’t completely stepped away from the entertainment world. At 61, she’s still as captivating as ever, although her appearances are less frequent. These days, she is focused on writing romantic comedies and producing content for NBC. She also expressed interest in directing, having worked on the film Ithaca.

In 2019, she shared that she was involved in an e-commerce project with friends and was eager to explore new ventures. Her Instagram has nearly 600,000 followers, and she occasionally makes appearances at red carpet events, though her career seems far less high-profile than in her prime.

A Return to the Big Screen?

Although Ryan doesn’t appear on-screen as often as she once did, some reports suggest that she may make a comeback. A 2020 article from OK! Magazine indicated that she was “ready to conquer Hollywood again.”

While it may be unlikely that she’ll regain the same level of fame she had in the 1990s, Ryan’s iconic romantic comedies continue to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.