Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Meg Ryan
How Meg Ryan built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Meg Ryan, born Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra, is an American actress famous for her leading roles in romantic comedies. She rose to prominence in the late 1980s, becoming known for portraying quirky and charismatic women. Ryan became a major Hollywood star during the 1980s and 1990s, earning the nickname "America's Sweetheart" and box-office success in films within the romantic comedy genre.
1989: Golden Globe Nomination for When Harry Met Sally...
In 1989, Meg Ryan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her performance in "When Harry Met Sally..."
1989: Release of "When Harry Met Sally..."
In 1989, Meg Ryan starred in "When Harry Met Sally...", which is ranked among the 10 greatest romantic comedies of all time by the American Film Institute.
1993: Golden Globe Nomination for Sleepless in Seattle
In 1993, Meg Ryan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her performance in "Sleepless in Seattle".
1993: Release of Sleepless in Seattle
In 1993, Meg Ryan starred in "Sleepless in Seattle", which is ranked among the 10 greatest romantic comedies of all time by the American Film Institute.
1998: Golden Globe Nomination for You've Got Mail
In 1998, Meg Ryan received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for her performance in "You've Got Mail".
2001: Release of Kate & Leopold
In 2001, Meg Ryan starred in "Kate & Leopold". The film was mentioned in connection to the success of The Women. The Women was her most successful film since Kate & Leopold.
2003: Support for Wesley Clark's Presidential Campaign
In 2003, Meg Ryan supported Wesley Clark's campaign for U.S. president.
2003: Backlash from "In the Cut"
In 2003, Meg Ryan's role in "In the Cut" drew backlash from critics and fans, leading her to limit her workload and public appearances.
2004: Support for John Kerry in Presidential Election
In 2004, Meg Ryan supported John Kerry in the presidential election campaign.
2008: Release of "The Women"
In 2008, Meg Ryan starred in "The Women", a remake of a 1939 film. Despite a star-studded cast, the film received negative reviews, but it was a financial success, becoming Ryan's most successful film since 2001.
2009: Starring in "Serious Moonlight" and Guest Starring on "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
In 2009, Meg Ryan starred in the independent comedy film "Serious Moonlight" and guest-starred on the seventh season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm". "Serious Moonlight" received mixed-to-negative reviews, though Ryan's performance was praised.
April 2011: Directorial Debut Announcement
In April 2011, Meg Ryan announced that she would make her feature film directing debut in "Into the Beautiful", described as a contemporary "Big Chill" with longtime friends reconnecting, but the project never materialized.
October 2012: Featured in "Half the Sky" and Release of Audiobook
In October 2012, Meg Ryan was featured in the PBS documentary "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide". Also that month, Ryan's audiobook recording of William Saroyan's "The Human Comedy" was released.
October 2013: Failed TV Comedy Project
In October 2013, it was reported that Meg Ryan would return to television to produce and star in a new comedy for NBC, revolving around a former hotshot New York editor, but it failed to get production approval.
2013: Re-teaming with Lisa Kudrow on Web Therapy
In 2013, Meg Ryan re-teamed with Lisa Kudrow on her improvisational comedy series "Web Therapy", filming five episodes.
June 2015: Premiere of "Fan Girl" at Los Angeles Film Festival
In June 2015, the film "Fan Girl", in which Meg Ryan starred, premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. It is an independent comedy about a 15-year-old girl who wants to make a movie about her favorite band, All Time Low.
2015: Directorial Debut with "Ithaca"
In 2015, Meg Ryan made her directing debut with "Ithaca", a drama film based on William Saroyan's 1943 novel "The Human Comedy".
2023: Release of "What Happens Later"
In 2023, Meg Ryan returned to the screen alongside David Duchovny in the romantic comedy "What Happens Later", which she also directed.
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