Meg Ryan through the years
Meg Ryan marks her 51st birthday on Nov. 19. In her honor, let's look back at the actress' career to this point.
Meg Ryan marks her 51st birthday on Nov. 19. In her honor, let's look back at the actress' career to this point.
Meg Ryan marks her 51st birthday on Nov. 19. In her honor, let's look back at the actress' career to this point.
Less than two years out of high school, Ryan made her film debut in the 1981 drama "Rich and Famous," playing Candice Bergen's daughter. But it was her role as Betsy Stewart on the soap opera "As The World Turns" from 1982 to 1984 that first earned her fame.
In 1983, Ryan appeared in her second film, the horror sequel "Amityville 3-D," with Lori Loughlin among others.
In 1986, Ryan had a small role -- and a memorable line in "take me to bed or lose me forever" -- as the wife of Anthony Edwards' character's wife in "Top Gun."
In between, she appeared in two episodes of the Scott Baio sitcom "Charles in Charge," sporting the apparently mandatory DayGlo 1980s fashion colors.
Ryan acted in the 1986 action/comedy "Armed and Dangerous" with John Candy and Eugene Levy.
"Innerspace" was a 1987 action/comedy starring Ryan with Dennis Quaid and Martin Short.
A year later, Ryan again starred alongside Quaid in the mystery/thriller "D.O.A." The two would later get married on Valentine's Day in 1991.
In 1989, Ryan starred in one of her most famous roles in the romantic-comedy "When Harry Met Sally" with Billy Crystal.
In 1991, Ryan tackled the real-life role of Pamela Courson, Jim Morrison's girlfriend, in Oliver Stone's "The Doors."
Ryan's role in 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle" alongside Tom Hanks would help cement her title as queen of the romantic-comedies.
Ryan chats with her husband, Dennis Quaid, before the start of the Royal Premiere of "Parent Trap" in London on Nov. 9, 1998.
Ryan joined up again with Tom Hanks for 1998's "You've Got Mail."
In 2000's comedy/drama "Hanging Up," Ryan played one of three sisters, the other two were played by Diane Keaton and Lisa Kudrow, who bond over their father's imminent death.
Ryan starred in 2000's action/adventure "Proof of Life" with Russell Crowe, whom she became involved with during filming.
Ryan at the Dec. 4, 2000, Los Angeles premiere of "Proof of Life."
Ryan appears at the premiere of "Proof of Life" on Dec. 4, 2000, with costar Russell Crowe and director Taylor Hackford.
Ryan and Quaid, seen here in this July 8, 1996, file photo, separated in 2000 after nine years of marriage. Their divorce became final on July 16, 2001.
Ryan played Kate in "Kate and Leopold." The 2001 film also starred Hugh Jackman.
Ryan waves during the opening ceremony of the Cannes film festival on Mary 14, 2003.
In the 2003 mystery/thriller "In the Cut," Ryan costarred along with Jennifer Jason Leigh (pictured) and Mark Ruffalo.
Ryan played a boxing promoter in the drama/romance "Against the Ropes" in 2004.
Ryan played Sarah Hardwicke in 2007's "In the Land of Women."
In 2008's "The Women," Ryan played a wealthy New Yorker with a cheating husband. The comedy-drama's all-star actress cast also included Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bette Midler, Candice Bergin and Carrie Fisher.
Meg Ryan attends the Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., on June 17, 2008.
Ryan's most recent movie was the 2009 comedy "Serious Moonlight," costarring Timothy Hutton.
Ryan attends the Metropolitan Opera's 2010-11 season opening night on September 27, 2010, in New York City.
