In an era of fleeting fame, Meg Ryan remains a pillar of cinematic charm. From her early days as “America’s Sweetheart” to her evolution as a director and architectural enthusiast, Ryan has mastered the art of the Hollywood second act.
As of early 2026, Meg is enjoying a significant career resurgence. Following her 2023 directorial effort, What Happens Later, she is now making headlines for her return to the streaming world with a major Netflix project, proving that her legendary wit and warmth are as potent as ever.
Meg Ryan Biography
Born Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra on November 19, 1961, in Fairfield, Connecticut, Meg’s journey to the screen began with a journalism major at New York University. To pay for her night classes, she turned to acting, landing a role on the soap opera As the World Turns. Her transformation from student to superstar ended in 1989 when she starred in When Harry Met Sally…, a performance that defined the modern romantic comedy and earned her the first of three Golden Globe nominations.
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Career
Meg’s career is defined by a decade of unparalleled dominance in the 1990s.
- The Rom-Com Queen: Her collaborations with Tom Hanks and Nora Ephron produced classics that remain the gold standard for the genre.
- The Dramatic Shift: Ryan often pushed against her “sweetheart” label with gritty roles in films like In the Cut (2003) and Courage Under Fire (1996).
- The 2025–2026 Comeback: In May 2025, Netflix announced that Meg would join the star-studded cast of Lena Dunham’s film Good Sex, starring as a therapist alongside Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo. She is also currently serving as an executive producer on the upcoming Hulu limited series Dear Ann.
Meg Ryan Movies
- Top Gun (1986): Her breakout role as Carole Bradshaw.
- When Harry Met Sally… (1989): The film that cemented her icon status.
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993): A legendary pairing with Tom Hanks.
- You’ve Got Mail (1998): The definitive digital-age romance.
- City of Angels (1998): A supernatural drama with Nicolas Cage.
- What Happens Later (2023): Her return to directing and acting.
- Good Sex (2026): Her highly anticipated Netflix ensemble film.
Meg Ryan Net Worth
As of January 2026, Meg Ryan’s net worth is estimated at $85 million. While she commanded $15 million paychecks at her peak, her current wealth is heavily supported by a successful side career in real estate and interior design. In mid-2025, she listed her meticulously renovated Montecito mansion for $19.5 million, following several high-profile sales of lofts in New York City.
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Family
Family has been Meg’s primary focus during her quieter years in Hollywood. She has two children:
- Jack Quaid (33): Her son with ex-husband Dennis Quaid, who has become a major star in his own right via the hit series The Boys.
- Daisy True Ryan (21): Her daughter, whom she adopted from China in 2006. In October 2025, Meg and Daisy had a rare public outing in London, where Daisy is currently pursuing her university studies. Meg has frequently called her children her “true joy” and the reason she stepped back from the limelight for so long.
Famous Loves and Lessons
Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid
Meg married actor Dennis Quaid on Valentine’s Day in 1991. For a decade, they were one of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples. However, the marriage ended in a high-profile divorce in 2001. Meg later revealed that the relationship had been “unhealthy” for a long time and that the infidelity on both sides was a symptom of a marriage that was already broken.
Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe
During the filming of Proof of Life (2000), Meg began a brief but intense relationship with Russell Crowe. The romance became a tabloid firestorm, with Meg being painted as the villain who broke up her marriage to Quaid. Looking back, Ryan has stated that Crowe was a “great friend” during a difficult transition, though the relationship ultimately couldn’t withstand the immense public pressure.
Meg Ryan and John Mellencamp
Meg’s longest post-divorce relationship was with rock legend John Mellencamp. The pair dated on and off for nearly a decade, starting in 2011 and were engaged in 2018. They officially split for good in 2019. In recent 2023 and 2025 interviews, Mellencamp has candidly admitted he was a “sh***y boyfriend” and still loves Meg “to death,” while she has remained characteristically private about their final breakup.
Controversies
Throughout her career, Meg has faced her share of public scrutiny.
- The “Sweetheart” Backlash: Her 2003 film In the Cut included a nude scene that shocked audiences who weren’t ready to let go of her “girl next door” image.
- The Parkinson Interview: A 2003 interview with British host Michael Parkinson went viral for its extreme awkwardness, with Parkinson calling her “difficult.” Meg later defended herself, saying the interview felt “hostile.”
- Aging in Public: In recent years, Meg has faced relentless tabloid speculation regarding her appearance. In early 2025, she addressed these controversies by noting that “everyone is allowed to change” and that she finds the obsession with her face to be “exhausting and misogynistic.”
Meg Ryan’s Age
As of early 2026, Meg Ryan is 64 years old. She will celebrate her 65th birthday on November 19, 2026.
Meg Ryan Now
Now, Meg is a “total Anglophile,” reportedly spending much of her time in London to be near her daughter, Daisy. She has officially returned to work in front of the camera, appearing at major events like the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party looking vibrant and refreshed. While she does not have an active Instagram presence where she shares her daily life, she uses her rare public appearances to advocate for independent filmmaking and architectural preservation.
Conclusion
Meg Ryan has successfully moved from being the face of an era to being the architect of her own life. Whether she is directing, designing, or returning to her rom-com roots in 2026, she does it with a grace that proves true icons never truly go away.
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