Meg Ryan’s Hollywood Journey: From Rom-Com Queen to Sporadic Returns

Meg Ryan is widely regarded as the quintessential leading actress of late 1980s and 1990s romantic comedies. With a natural screen presence and magnetic charm, Ryan was dubbed «America’s Sweetheart» due to her starring roles in major films such as «When Harry Met Sally» (1989), «Sleepless in Seattle» (1993), and «You’ve Got Mail» (1998). Her career during this era solidified her status as a pop culture icon.

However, Ryan’s range extended beyond romantic comedies. She demonstrated her versatility through diverse roles, including her part in «Top Gun» (1986) and her portrayal of Pamela Courson in Oliver Stone‘s biopic «The Doors» (1991). In the 1990s, she also ventured into different genres with films like the war drama «Courage Under Fire» alongside Denzel Washington and the historical drama «Restoration«.

As Ryan entered the 2000s, her presence on the big screen began to wane. Her shift from acting was marked by attempts to break typecasting with roles in Jane Campion‘s «In the Cut» (2003) and «Against the Ropes» (2004). Despite her efforts, her subsequent films failed to achieve commercial or critical acclaim, leading to fewer appearances post-2000.

After a notable absence following 2009’s «Serious Moonlight,» she made a comeback with her directorial debut «Ithaca» in 2015. Unfortunately, the film did not capture critical success, receiving a meager rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Ryan’s career trajectory in the subsequent years became characterized by selective project involvement and significant personal endeavors.

In 2023, Ryan returned with «What Happens Later,» a romantic film she directed and co-wrote, starring alongside David Duchovny. During the Sarajevo Film Festival, Ryan discussed her choice to step away from Hollywood, revealing, «I took a giant break because I felt like there’s just so many other parts of my experience as a human being I wanted to develop.»

The actor faced intense tabloid scrutiny following her relationship with Russell Crowe, which led to her divorce from Dennis Quaid in 2001. Ryan noted how such public attention affected her career decisions, stating to The New York Times, «That was another big turning point in my evolution.» Despite these challenges, the actor maintained that she found liberation in letting go of public perceptions.

Ryan’s later attempts to redefine her career became partly hindered by the Hollywood industry’s attitudes towards aging actresses. This factor, combined with personal life complexities, such as her relationship with musician John Mellencamp and raising her two children, contributed to her diminished filmography over the years.

Reflecting on her career in a Hollywood Reporter interview, Ryan mentioned, «I think the feeling with Hollywood was mutual. I felt done when they felt done, probably,» highlighting mutual sentiments that led to her decision to explore other avenues, including directing.

Despite the ebb and flow of her career, Meg Ryan’s contributions to film as a leading lady remain significant. Her work continues to be celebrated, marking a legacy that has left a distinct imprint in cinematic history.