Meg Ryan is a critically acclaimed American actress best known for her roles in the films When Hally Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, French Kiss, and You’ve Got Mail.
The daughter of former actress, casting director and English teacher, Susan Hyra Jordan, and math teacher, Harry Hyra, Margaret Mary Emily Hyra was born on November 19, 1961 in Fairland, Connecticut. She was raised Catholic and is a graduate of the Saint Pius X Elementary School in Fairfield, where her mother also taught the sixth grade. After graduating from Bethel High School, Meg Ryan studied journalism at the University of Connecticut and then at New York University. While studying, Ryan supported her living by appearing in television commercials. She did her first TV commercial at the age of 18, for “Tickle” deodorant. Her flourishing acting career eventually led her to quit her studies.
Ryan rose to fame when she co-starred with Billy Crystal in the 1989 romantic comedy film When Harry Met Sally. Her outstanding portrayal of Sally earned her a Golden Globe nomination. This was then followed with her performances in The Doors and Prelude to a Kiss.
In 1993, Ryan gained further commercial recognition when she was paired up with Tom Hanks in the hugely successful Nora Ephron film Sleepless in Seattle. This was the second time that Ryan worked with Tom Hanks, the first one was in Joe Versus the Volcano. Although the film gained a cult following, it received poor critical and commercial reception.
Ryan also attempted to break away from the romantic comedy genre in exchange of more serious and challenging roles. She garnered high critical praises for her portrayal as an alcoholic wife in When a Man Loves a Woman co-starring Andy Garcia. She also portrayed a Gulf War captain in Courage Under Fire.
In 1998, Ryan co-starred with Nicholas Cage in Brad Sirberling’s romantic film City of Angels. Despite of the its negative reviews, the movie was a huge commercial success, earning nearly $200 million worldwide during its whole theatrical run. That same year, Ryan reunited with Tom Hanks for the third time in the romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail, for which she earned her third Golden Globe nomination.
Ryan’s other films include Proof of Life, Hanging Up, Kare & Leopold and In the Cut.