History of Meg Ryan in Timeline
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.
1939: Original "The Women" Production
In 1939, the original production of "The Women" was released, which would later be remade in 2008 starring Meg Ryan.
1943: Publication of The Human Comedy
In 1943, William Saroyan published "The Human Comedy", which served as the source material for Meg Ryan's 2015 film, Ithaca.
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.
February 14, 1991: Marriage to Dennis Quaid
On February 14, 1991, Meg Ryan married actor Dennis Quaid.
April 24, 1992: Birth of Son Jack Quaid
On April 24, 1992, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid had their son, Jack Quaid.
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".
June 2000: Separation Announcement
In June 2000, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid announced their separation.
2000: Romantic Involvement with Russell Crowe
In 2000, Meg Ryan became romantically involved with actor Russell Crowe while working on the film "Proof of Life".
2000: Rumors of Infidelity during Proof of Life
In 2000, Meg Ryan's public image suffered from rumors that she had cheated on then-husband Dennis Quaid with "Proof of Life" co-star Russell Crowe.
July 2001: Divorce Finalization
In July 2001, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid's divorce became final, amidst allegations of infidelity and Quaid citing Ryan's fame as a factor.
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.
January 2006: Adoption of Daughter Daisy True
In January 2006, Meg Ryan adopted a 14-month-old girl from China, naming her Daisy True.
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.
2010: Relationship with John Mellencamp Begins
In 2010, Meg Ryan began a relationship with American singer-songwriter John Mellencamp.
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.
2014: Relationship with John Mellencamp Ends
In 2014, Meg Ryan's relationship with John Mellencamp ended.
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".
2017: Reunion with John Mellencamp
In 2017, Meg Ryan reunited with John Mellencamp.
November 8, 2018: Engagement to John Mellencamp
On November 8, 2018, Meg Ryan announced her engagement to John Mellencamp.
October 2019: Engagement to John Mellencamp Ends
In October 2019, it was reported that Meg Ryan had ended her engagement to John Mellencamp.
2019: Ryan Described Herself as a Terrible Celebrity
In 2019, Meg Ryan described herself as a "terrible celebrity" who finds fame to be uncomfortable, exhausting and disabling.
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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