Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra , professionally known as Meg Ryan, is an American actress and producer. After minor roles in film and television, Ryan became a movie star in 1989 when she appeared in When Harry Met Sally. Over the next 15 years she played leading roles in several romantic comedy films, including Sleepless in Seattle , French Kiss , Addicted to Love , City of Angels , You've Got Mail , and Kate & Leopold , grossing a total of over $870 million worldwide. At that time, TIME critic Richard Corliss called her "the current soul of romantic comedy." Ryan was born in... Fairfield, Connecticut, the daughter of Susan Jordan – a former actress and English teacher – and Harry Hyra, a math teacher. Both Susan and Harry were raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. Harry was an all state basketball player. Ryan's mother had appeared in one television commercial and later worked briefly as an assistant casting director in New York City. She supported and encouraged her young daughter's study of acting. Ryan has two sisters, Dana and Annie, and a brother, musician Andrew Hyra, of the band Billy Pilgrim.
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