10 fun and interesting Meg Ryan facts

1. Meg Ryan's Career Beginnings Sparked a Boom

Meg Ryan's career began with a bang when she auditioned for the 1981 film, "Endless Love". Although she didn't get the part, which was eventually played by Brooke Shields, it was a pivotal moment in her career that set her on the path to becoming one of the most beloved actresses of the 1990s. Her first major role was in the 1983 film "Rich and Famous", and she went on to star in a string of hit films, including "When Harry Met Sally", "Sleepless in Seattle", and "You've Got Mail".

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2. Meg Ryan asteroid named after her

Meg Ryan is an iconic actress who has achieved a remarkable feat - she has an asteroid named after her! 8353 Megryan is the official name of the asteroid, which is a testament to her lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. It is a fitting tribute to her career, which has spanned over three decades and includes iconic roles in films such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail.

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3. "When Harry Met Sally" Phenom

Meg Ryan's 1989 romantic comedy film "When Harry Met Sally" is one of her most critically acclaimed works, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. The film, which follows the story of two friends who eventually fall in love, has become a classic in the romantic comedy genre and is still beloved by fans today.

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4. Tom Hanks and The Best on-Screen Couple of All Time

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have been widely regarded as one of the best on-screen couples of all time, having starred in three romantic comedies together: "Joe vs. The Volcano", "Sleepless in Seattle", and "You've Got Mail". Their chemistry was undeniable, and the films were all box office successes, with "You've Got Mail" grossing over $250 million worldwide. The two actors have since become close friends, and their on-screen partnership has been celebrated by fans and critics alike.

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5. Iconic Actress, Rejector of Iconic Roles

Meg Ryan has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, but she has also turned down some of the most iconic roles in romantic films. She famously declined the roles of Demi Moore in "Ghost" and Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman", both of which went on to become box-office hits. Despite this, Meg Ryan has still managed to make a name for herself in the industry, with her memorable performances in films such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle".

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6. The actress who turned down 'To Die For'

In 1995, Meg Ryan made a bold decision to turn down the lead role in the movie "To Die For", which was later taken up by Nicole Kidman. The movie went on to become a major success, earning Kidman an Academy Award nomination and grossing over $60 million at the box office. Despite the success of the movie, Ryan's decision to pass on the role proved to be a wise one, as she went on to star in a number of other successful films, including "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail".

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7. Meg Ryan Inspires Savage Garden's "All Around Me"

The famous Savage Garden song, "All Around Me", was inspired by the one and only Meg Ryan. At the time, the band's composer, Daniel Jones, had a huge crush on her, and it was this admiration that drove him to write the song. Meg Ryan has been an inspiration to many, and it's clear that her influence has been felt in the music industry as well.

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8. Meg Ryan Prepares for Role as Boxer

In preparation for her role in the 2004 film, “Against the Ropes”, Meg Ryan took an intensive three-week boxing course. She trained with a professional boxing coach to learn the basics of the sport, including proper stance, footwork, and punching technique. She also worked on her agility and endurance, and even sparred with other boxers to get a feel for the sport. By the end of the three weeks, Meg was ready to take on her role as a boxer in the movie.

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9. The Perfect Model for Young People

As a teenager, Meg Ryan was the perfect model for young people everywhere, appearing in national commercials for Barbie and a variety of other products. Her youthful beauty and charm made her the perfect choice to represent these products, and her success in these commercials helped to launch her career in the entertainment industry.

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10. Two-time Candace Bergen daughter

Meg Ryan has had the unique opportunity to play Candice Bergen's daughter twice in her career. She first appeared as Bergen's daughter in the 1981 drama "The Rich and Famous", and then again in the 2008 remake of the 1939 classic "The Women". Both films were critically acclaimed, with "The Rich and Famous" receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Ryan's performances in both films were praised, with her performance in "The Women" earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.