Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra (born November 19, 1961), known professionally as Meg Ryan, is an American actress. Famous for playing quirky, charismatic women, she dominated the romantic comedy genre in the 1980s and 1990s. Dubbed “America’s Sweetheart”, she became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Ryan made her acting debut in 1981 with the drama Rich and Famous and joined the CBS soap opera As the World Turns in 1982. She appeared in Top Gun (1986), Promised Land (1987), and starred in When Harry Met Sally… (1989), earning a Golden Globe nomination.
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Meg Ryan Net Worth
Meg Ryan has an estimated net worth of $85 million. Over her 40+ year career, she became a beloved leading lady, especially in romantic comedies, earning $10-15 million per film at her peak. Her real estate portfolio highlights her investment skills. She owned a Bel-Air mansion, sold for $11.1 million after listing at $14.2 million, later bought by James Han for $18.5 million.
On Chappaquiddick Island, she purchased a property for $6.5 million and sold it in 2019 for $11 million. She also bought and sold a New York City loft, purchased for $4.625 million and sold for $9.85 million, and invested $10 million in a Tribeca condo in 2017.
This substantial income often positioned her as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. Her fortune is attributed to her Meg Ryan Net Worth and directing roles in hits like Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and When Harry Met Sally.
Early life
Meg Ryan was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, to Susan Jordan (née Duggan), a former actress and English teacher, and Harry Hyra, a math teacher of Polish descent. Raised Catholic, she attended St. Pius X Elementary School. She has two sisters, Dana (d. 2022) and Annie (d. 2019), and a brother, musician Andrew Hyra of Billy Pilgrim.
Her parents divorced when she was 15. Ryan graduated from Bethel High School in 1979 and studied journalism at the University of Connecticut and New York University, leaving college early for acting. She adopted the surname Ryan from her maternal grandmother’s maiden name when joining the Screen Actors Guild.
Career
Meg Ryan’s career began with her film debut in Rich and Famous (1981), followed by a notable role in As the World Turns (1982-1984). She gained widespread recognition in Top Gun (1986) and later starred alongside Dennis Quaid in Innerspace (1987). Ryan’s major breakthrough came with When Harry Met Sally… (1989), which cemented her as a leading actress in romantic comedies, leading to hits like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and You’ve Got Mail (1998).
Venturing beyond her comfort zone, she impressed critics with her role in When a Man Loves a Woman (1994). The 2000s saw Ryan in diverse roles, including Proof of Life (2000) and Kate & Leopold (2001). Her performance in In the Cut (2003) marked a dramatic shift. She directed and starred in Ithaca (2015) and returned with What Happens Later (2023), showcasing her continued passion for storytelling.
Personal life
Meg Ryan married actor Dennis Quaid on February 14, 1991. They have one child, Jack Quaid, born April 24, 1992. They separated in June 2000 and divorced in July 2001, with allegations of infidelity on both sides and Quaid citing Ryan’s fame as a factor. Ryan dated actor Russell Crowe while filming Proof of Life (2000).
In January 2006, she adopted a girl from China named Daisy True. From 2010 to 2014, she dated singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, reunited in 2017, got engaged in November 2018, but ended the engagement in October 2019.
Why did Meg Ryan quit acting?
Meg Ryan quit acting due to industry changes, including the rise of streaming services and shifting audience preferences, which influenced her decision to step back from her acting career.
FAQs about Meg Ryan Net Worth
- What is Meg Ryan’s net worth? – Approximately $85 million.
- How did Meg Ryan earn her wealth? – Primarily through her acting career and savvy real estate investments.
- What are some of Meg Ryan’s notable films? – “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail.”
- Has Meg Ryan invested in real estate? – Yes, she has made significant investments in properties in LA, NYC, and Montecito.
- What philanthropic work is Meg Ryan known for? – She has worked with CARE, focusing on ending poverty by empowering women.
