5 Surprising Facts About Meg Ryan’s Life And Style In 2025

The quintessential American sweetheart, Meg Ryan, is experiencing a major resurgence, captivating public attention not just with her iconic past but with her vibrant, current career moves and rare public appearances. As of December 2025, the actress, writer, and director has firmly re-established herself in Hollywood, particularly within the romantic comedy genre she helped define, following an eight-year acting hiatus. Her latest projects and stunning public sightings in 2024 and 2025 prove that the star of classics like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle remains a powerful cultural force.

The recent spike in interest, often phrased as "show me a picture of Meg Ryan," is driven by her return to the big screen and her surprisingly frequent red-carpet moments. Her self-directed and starring role in the 2023 film What Happens Later was a critical step back into the spotlight, and the subsequent announcement of a major new project with a celebrated director has solidified her status as a relevant and sought-after talent today. This article dives deep into her current life, career, and the details surrounding her latest public image.

Meg Ryan: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Meg Ryan, born Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra, has cemented her legacy as one of the most beloved figures in cinema, particularly as the undisputed "Queen of Rom-Coms." Her career spans decades, moving from dramatic roles to her signature comedic performances, before evolving into a respected director and writer.

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• Full Birth Name: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra
• Date of Birth: November 19, 1961
• Birthplace: Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
• Parents: Susan Jordan (former actress and teacher) and Harry Hyra (math teacher)
• Major Awards/Nominations: Three Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for When Harry Met Sally... (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You've Got Mail (1998).
• Spouse (Former): Dennis Quaid (m. 1991; div. 2001)
• Children: Jack Quaid (b. 1992, with Dennis Quaid) and Daisy True Ryan (adopted 2006)
• Professions: Actress, Producer, Director, Writer
• Directorial Debut: Ithaca (2015)

Ryan began her career in 1981, with early roles including a stint on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. Her breakthrough came with the iconic 1989 film When Harry Met Sally..., which established her as a global star and a defining face of the modern romantic comedy genre, often working with legendary writer/director Nora Ephron.

The Rom-Com Queen’s Triumphant Return to Hollywood

After an eight-year acting hiatus, Meg Ryan made a highly anticipated and critically noted return to the screen in 2023 with the film What Happens Later. This project was particularly significant as Ryan not only starred opposite David Duchovny but also co-wrote and directed the movie, marking her second time behind the camera after her 2015 debut, Ithaca.

1. Directing and Starring in What Happens Later

The film, distributed by Bleecker Street, is a mature take on the romantic comedy, described by Ryan herself as evolving the genre. It centers on two former lovers, Willa and Bill, who are snowed in at an airport overnight, forcing them to confront their past. Ryan explained that the time was right for her return because the script, which she adapted from the play Shooting Star by Steven Dietz, resonated deeply with her. The movie provided a fresh perspective on love and relationships, proving that the classic rom-com structure can still be relevant for older audiences.

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2. The Highly-Anticipated Good Sex Project (2025)

The momentum of Ryan's return continued with the major announcement in May 2025 that she had been cast in Lena Dunham's upcoming romantic comedy, tentatively titled Good Sex. This casting is a huge talking point, as it pairs the veteran rom-com star with one of the most influential contemporary female writers and directors. The project signifies that Ryan is not just revisiting her past success but is actively shaping the future of the genre, working with new voices and exploring modern themes. Fans are already buzzing about the potential for a new classic.

Meg Ryan’s Current Look: A Style Icon in 2024/2025

The question, "show me a picture of Meg Ryan," is often driven by curiosity about her current appearance, which has been front and center during a string of high-profile public events in 2024 and 2025. Far from retreating from the public eye, Ryan has embraced a more visible, high-fashion presence, all while maintaining her signature "effortless" style.

3. Rare Red Carpet Appearances: Met Gala and Oscars

In a surprise to many, Ryan returned to the Met Gala in May 2024 after a 23-year absence. She attended the event, themed "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," wearing a striking, sheer dark gown that was widely praised for its timeless beauty and sophisticated take on the theme. Earlier in the year, in March 2024, she stunned at the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party, where her son, Jack Quaid, was celebrating the success of his Best Picture-winning film, Oppenheimer. These moments provided fresh, high-resolution images of the star, satisfying the public’s desire to see her current look.

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4. The Enduring "Meg Ryan Fall" Fashion Phenomenon

Beyond the red carpet, Ryan’s influence on everyday fashion has seen a major revival, dubbed "Meg Ryan Fall." This trend, which peaked in the fall of 2024, celebrates the cozy, textured, and neutral-toned outfits of her most famous characters, particularly Sally Albright from When Harry Met Sally.... Her style is defined by chunky sweaters, cable knit fabrics, and a relaxed, approachable elegance. She even acknowledged the trend on her own social media in October 2024, posting a picture of Sally Albright-style hats and sweaters with the caption "Ready!"

5. Her Signature Tousled Hair and Paris Fashion Week Moment

The "Meg Ryan haircut"—a tousled, layered, and effortlessly cool style—remains one of her most recognizable features. Her current look is a refined version of this iconic hair, which her stylist, Sally Hershberger, describes as unique to Ryan's current persona. In a nod to her elevated fashion status, Ryan also made an appearance at Paris Fashion Week in September 2024, attending the Loewe show. Her presence at such a major international fashion event underscores her continuing relevance as a style and cultural icon, proving that the star who defined a generation of cinema is still captivating audiences today, both on screen and off.