Meg Ryan, one of America’s sweethearts, captured our hearts with her talent and charm during the 80s and 90s. With her short haircut and starring roles in iconic romantic movies like “You’ve Got Mail” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” she became a household name that will never be forgotten.

At 61 years old, Meg Ryan recently made a comeback on the red carpet after taking a graceful hiatus from the limelight. Fans were surprised by her transformation, but let’s take a moment to reflect on her incredible journey.

Born in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1961, Meg Ryan grew up in a family of educators. Despite her parents’ divorce and a strained relationship with her mother, she didn’t let anything hold her back. In fact, she even changed her surname to Ryan, her grandmother’s maiden name, as a symbol of her independence.

After attending the University of Connecticut and New York University, Meg Ryan embarked on a career in acting. Starting with soap operas and TV commercials to make ends meet, she soon caught the attention of industry insiders and dropped out of college to pursue her passion.

Her breakout role came in the 1986 film “Top Gun,” which became the highest-grossing film of the year. With her talent and undeniable charm, she quickly became known for her roles in family-friendly, romantic movies. However, Meg Ryan has revealed that she wanted to explore other roles but was often typecast in the “girl next door” mold.

In 1991, she married actor Dennis Quaid in a unique ceremony held in their hotel room. Unfortunately, their marriage faced challenges, and Meg later found out that Dennis had been unfaithful. Despite this painful experience, she persevered and continued to excel in her career.

Her role in “When Harry Met Sally” propelled her to even greater success and solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Collaborating with Tom Hanks once again, she captivated audiences in “Sleepless in Seattle” and received a third Golden Globe Award nomination.

Meg Ryan’s career took a brief turn towards darker roles, but they didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. She ultimately returned to the romantic genre, starring alongside Tom Hanks once again in “You’ve Got Mail.”

While her personal life may have faced ups and downs, Meg Ryan has remained resilient. She prioritizes being true to herself and has stepped away from the limelight to embrace who she wants to be.

Now at 61 years old, Meg Ryan continues to turn heads with her timeless beauty and undeniable talent. Although we may not see her on the screen as often, her impact on the world of film and her enduring charm will always be remembered.