Meg Ryan, celebrated as America's sweetheart in the realm of romantic comedies, has resurfaced with a dramatically altered appearance and is bravely defending herself against the onslaught of criticism.
Her trademark radiant smile, often compared to Julia Roberts', was once the epitome of youthful exuberance, with her captivating blue eyes. Meg Ryan was the reigning queen of 1990s romantic comedies, and her iconic fake scene in 'When Harry Met Sally' catapulted her to stardom, showcasing her innate comedic talent. Little did she foresee the steep cost of defying Hollywood's aging expectations later in her career.
Renowned for her role in over thirty films and cherished by the industry, Meg Ryan has once again captured headlines for her noticeably transformed image. This transformation was unveiled at the premiere of a documentary about her friend Michael J. Fox's battle against Parkinson's. In response to criticism of her altered appearance, Ryan commented, "There is a lot of hate in the world today. It's so easy to judge. Imagine being a hater, how stupid." She expressed these sentiments to 'Daily Mail.'
Meg Ryan's physical transformation serves as a reflection of her tumultuous journey in the world of cinema, coupled with an admitted loss of self-esteem. In 2019, she revealed in an interview with 'El País' that she had "lost interest in acting and the Hollywood scene," confessing that she had never truly considered herself a "passionate actress."
In the iconic 1989 film where she starred alongside Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan possessed a cherubic face with tawny hair, embodying the woman who famously faked on screen. She later cemented her reputation as America's sweetheart with films like 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'You've Got Mail,' both opposite Tom Hanks.
In the early 2000s, Meg Ryan made a bold decision to distance herself from the sweet, romantic image she had cultivated throughout her career. She underwent a transformative shift, trading her innocent persona for a more audacious one.
During this period, she starred in the erotic thriller 'In the Cut' in 2003, baring it all on screen. Reflecting on the experience, she told The New York Times, "This film marked a turning point in my career because I had never been so overtly sexual. The response was harsh."
Her efforts to transition away from romantic comedies were met with disappointment, and she faced increased scrutiny from critics. The handful of films that followed, like 'My Mom's New Boyfriend' alongside Antonio Banderas, which saw limited release only in Spain, did not align with the typical Meg Ryan repertoire.
As she made her way back into the spotlight, her blonde hair returned, and signs of her initial foray into aesthetic enhancements became apparent. Her personal life also garnered considerable attention; after a decade of marriage to Dennis Quaid, they divorced amid rumors of infidelity during the filming of 'Proof of Life' with Russell Crowe. Meg Ryan, who had been a victim of the prevailing chauvinism in Hollywood, eventually transitioned into directing and producing her own projects.
The 61-year-old actress has consistently denied undergoing cosmetic surgery, despite the striking absence of wrinkles and noticeable changes in her cheekbone structure. Her appearance has raised questions, reminiscent of other celebrities, suggesting a potential reliance on hyaluronic acid injections and Botox fillers—treatments distinct from traditional surgical procedures.
