With her captivating performances in iconic romantic comedies like *When Harry Met Sally…*, *Sleepless in Seattle*, and *You’ve Got Mail*, Meg Ryan captured the hearts of audiences and earned the title of “America’s Sweetheart.” Known for her engaging presence and charming dialogue, she became synonymous with love and fairytale endings. Given her long-standing association with romance on screen, many are curious about her real-life relationships. Here’s a glimpse into her high-profile love life.
The Glamorous ’90s Marriage of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid
Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid’s love story began on the set of the 1987 film *Innerspace*, leading to a romance that blossomed when they starred together in the 1988 thriller *D.O.A.* At the outset, Quaid was the more established actor; however, by their wedding in 1991, Ryan had ascended to become a leading lady in Hollywood. Prior to Quaid, she had briefly dated her *Top Gun* co-star Anthony Edwards in 1986.
In 1992, the pair welcomed their son, Jack, who has grown up to become a talented actor known for roles in films like *Scream* (2022) and *Oppenheimer* (2023), as well as the series *The Boys*.
Despite being one of the most talked-about couples of the ’90s, Ryan and Quaid’s marriage faced challenges, leading to their divorce in 2001. The split garnered extensive media attention and was partly attributed to Ryan’s skyrocketing stardom and Quaid’s struggles with addiction.
Looking back on his marriage, Quaid expressed no regrets, emphasizing the importance of their son and how Ryan truly deserved her success. He shared, “She was ascending as I went into rehab… But I don’t regret anything about my marriage to Meg.”
While both initially maintained that their marriage had dissolved amicably, Ryan later revealed that infidelity had been a significant issue, stating it was painful to discover the details post-divorce. The conclusion of their marriage turned out to be far more tumultuous than any classic rom-com.
Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe: A Scandalous Affair
As her marriage came to an end, Ryan began a passionate romance with Russell Crowe, her co-star in the film *Proof of Life* (2000). Their relationship attracted considerable media scrutiny, tarnishing Ryan’s wholesome image as she was labeled a cheater.
Director Taylor Hackford suggested the affair negatively impacted the film’s box office performance, leading Ryan to take a step back from the limelight and explore darker roles upon her return.
Despite the negative attention, Ryan later clarified that Crowe was not the cause of her divorce, asserting, “He was definitely there at the end, but it wasn’t his fault.” Reflecting on the experience, she found a sense of liberation even amid the chaos and hurt.
In hindsight, Ryan acknowledged the challenges of her relationship with Crowe, admitting, “I hurt him, too, at the end. I couldn’t be in another long relationship.” Yet, Crowe praised her beauty and courage, lamenting the end of their companionship.
Engagement to John Mellencamp: A Roller Coaster Romance
In 2006, during her single life, Ryan adopted her daughter, Daisy. This chapter was followed by her high-profile relationship with musician John Mellencamp, which began in 2010. After initial breakups and reconciliations, they announced their engagement in 2018 but ultimately ended it in 2019.
Reflecting on their history, Mellencamp remarked in a 2023 interview, “I love Meg Ryan… I’m just a s–tty boyfriend.”
During her engagement, Ryan expressed a newfound freedom in her relationship with Mellencamp, stating, “Maybe that freedom is about being a million years old. But I sometimes think relationships are for aliens.” In recent years, Ryan has opted for a more private approach concerning her love life, noting that dating remains just as challenging as ever.
