Decades after they asked the enduring question of whether men and women can truly be just friends, the cast of When Harry Met Sally... remains one of the most beloved ensembles in cinema history. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the film is experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity, fueled by its 35th anniversary and a viral, highly anticipated reunion of its two main stars. The timeless romantic comedy, released in 1989, not only cemented Meg Ryan’s status as the queen of the genre but also showcased the brilliant comedic timing of Billy Crystal, creating a cultural touchstone that still defines the rom-com landscape today. This article dives into the latest updates, explores the full cast’s current projects, and remembers the essential figures we have lost.
The biggest news for fans in December 2025 is the recent on-screen reunion of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. The duo reprised their iconic roles, Harry Burns and Sally Albright, for a major 2025 Super Bowl commercial, fittingly shot at the legendary Katz's Delicatessen in New York City, the site of the film's most famous scene. The reunion sparked immediate speculation about a potential new movie, a topic both actors have recently addressed in interviews, keeping the spirit of the film very much alive today.
The Main Cast: Full Biography and Career Highlights
The core four actors and the legendary writer and director are the heart of When Harry Met Sally.... Here is a detailed look at the lives and careers of the people who brought this classic to life.
- Billy Crystal (Harry Burns)
- Born: March 14, 1948, Long Beach, Long Island, New York.
- Role in Film: The cynical, witty, and often neurotic Harry Burns.
- Career Highlights: A celebrated comedian, actor, writer, and director. Known for his stand-up, his nine-time hosting of the Academy Awards, and films like City Slickers, Analyze This, and his early work on Saturday Night Live.
- Meg Ryan (Sally Albright)
- Born: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra, November 19, 1961.
- Role in Film: The meticulous, optimistic, and charming Sally Albright.
- Career Highlights: The undisputed star of 90s romantic comedies, including Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail (both with Tom Hanks), and Joe Versus the Volcano. She has since moved into directing, with her most recent film being What Happens Later (2023), which she also starred in.
- Carrie Fisher (Marie)
- Born: October 21, 1956, Los Angeles, California.
- Role in Film: Marie, Sally's quick-witted, pragmatic best friend who marries Jess.
- Career Highlights: An iconic actress and celebrated writer, best known globally as Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars saga. She was also a talented novelist and screenwriter, penning the semi-autobiographical novel and film Postcards from the Edge.
- Bruno Kirby (Jess)
- Born: Bruno Giovanni Quidaciolu, Jr., April 28, 1949, New York City.
- Role in Film: Jess, Harry's best friend and Marie's eventual husband.
- Career Highlights: A highly respected character actor with roles in major films like The Godfather Part II, Good Morning, Vietnam, and reuniting with Billy Crystal in City Slickers.
The 2025 Reunion and The Enduring Legacy of the Rom-Com
The buzz surrounding the film has never been higher, thanks to a combination of nostalgia and new projects. The film’s 35th anniversary in 2024 brought a wave of retrospectives, but the real excitement came with the announcement of the Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan Super Bowl ad in 2025.
The commercial, which recreated the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene at Katz's Deli, served as a powerful reminder of the chemistry between the two leads. In a joint interview, both Crystal and Ryan expressed their affection for the film and for each other. Crystal remarked on their "fantastic chemistry," and the pair even teased the possibility of a future collaboration, though they clarified that a direct sequel is unlikely, preferring to explore a new project together.
The film’s success is largely attributed to the brilliant screenplay by the late Nora Ephron and the direction of Rob Reiner. Ephron, who passed away in 2012, left a monumental legacy in the romantic comedy genre, with other classics including Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail.
Director Rob Reiner, who famously directed classics like The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men, is still highly active in the industry. His most recent high-profile project is the highly anticipated sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which is set for release in 2025.
Remembering the Beloved Cast Members We Have Lost
While the film’s central duo remains active, two of the main supporting stars, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby, have sadly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that are central to the film's success. Their characters, Marie and Jess, provided the perfect counterpoint to Harry and Sally's tumultuous relationship.
The Tragic Loss of Carrie Fisher (Marie)
Carrie Fisher, who played the role of Marie, died on December 27, 2016, at the age of 60, just days after suffering a major heart attack. Her role in When Harry Met Sally... showcased her incredible comedic talent and her gift for delivering cynical, insightful dialogue. Fisher’s ability to balance the global fame of Princess Leia with her sharp, witty writing and acting career made her one of Hollywood’s most unique and cherished voices. Her final film appearance was in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), released posthumously.
The Legacy of Bruno Kirby (Jess)
Bruno Kirby, who played Jess, passed away much earlier, on August 14, 2006, at the age of 57 from complications related to recently diagnosed leukemia. Kirby was a quintessential New York character actor, known for his ability to play fast-talking, street-smart roles. His chemistry with Billy Crystal was a highlight of both When Harry Met Sally... and their later film, City Slickers. His untimely passing was a significant loss to the film community, but his performances continue to be celebrated, especially his memorable turn as Jess, the grounded friend who proves that men and women can, in fact, fall in love.
Other Key Figures and Their Current Status
Beyond the main four, several other figures were crucial to the film’s success and have continued to shape the entertainment world:
- Harry Connick Jr. (Musician): Connick Jr. provided the film’s iconic, Grammy-winning soundtrack, which was his major showbiz breakthrough. He continues to be a highly successful musician and actor, recently reflecting on the film's 35th anniversary and how it transformed his career.
- Estelle Reiner (The Deli Customer): Director Rob Reiner’s mother, Estelle Reiner, delivered the film's most quoted line: "I'll have what she's having," immediately following Sally's infamous scene. She passed away in 2008, but her single line remains one of the most famous in cinematic history.
- The Real-Life Couples: The film is famously punctuated by short interview segments with real-life couples recounting their love stories. This unique narrative device, conceived by Rob Reiner, grounds the fairy-tale romance in relatable, everyday reality, contributing significantly to the film’s topical authority and emotional depth.
The ongoing fascination with the When Harry Met Sally... cast, from the recent 2025 reunion to the poignant memories of those who have passed, underscores the film's status as a masterpiece. It remains a definitive examination of friendship, love, and the complex journey of two people destined to be together. The question of whether Harry and Sally will ever grace the big screen again is still up for debate, but the joy of seeing Crystal and Ryan together again proves that their chemistry is truly timeless.
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