Meg Ryan stars in the thriller "In the Cut" which is opening the London Film Festival in October. Ryan has become known for romantic comedies, even though she has appeared in more serious films. "In the Cut" will prove to be a surprise to some of her fans.
Early years: Ryan was born Nov.19, 1961, in Fairfield, Conn. Her mother was a casting agent. Ryan enrolled at the University of Connecticut to study journalism but dropped out to pursue acting. Ryan is her mother's maiden name.
Career: With her mother's help, Ryan landed a role on a short-lived television series, and then made her film debut in "Rich and Famous." She later won a recurring role on the soap opera "As the World Turns," appearing from 1982 to 1984. She then got a role in "Top Gun," which brought her more recognition.
Ryan's first leading role was in the hit "When Harry Met Sally." In 1991, she appeared in "The Doors." She followed with "Prelude To a Kiss," "Sleepless in Seattle," "When a Man Loves a Woman" and "Courage Under Fire." "You've Got Mail" was released in 1998, then "City of Angels," and in 2000, "Proof of Life" and "Hanging Up." In 2001, "Kate & Leopold" was released.
Personal: Ryan briefly dated actor William Keane. In 1991, she married actor Dennis Quaid. They have one child. Ryan met actor Russell Crowe while filming "Proof of Life." They had an affair, which ended her marriage to Dennis Quaid in 2001. Crowe married singer Danielle Spencer in April.
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In 1993, Ryan established a production company called Fandango Films, now Prufrock Pictures.
In her words: "It would be really great if people would realize that stars are only people with the same weaknesses and flaws, not immaculate idols."
Web link: www.undying.com/celeb/Meg_Ryan/
Compiled by Carol Bradley Bursack
Sources: Associated Press, Nyny.essortment.com, Saidwhat.co.uk
