Meg Ryan stepped away from Hollywood when it seemed she had it all. But as the years passed, her focus shifted toward nurturing two lives far more important to her than fame. Now, her children Jack and Daisy are all grown.
Meg’s career soared with films like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” cementing her reputation as the queen of romantic comedies. She also proved her talent in dramas such as “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Courage Under Fire.”
Meg Ryan at the premiere of “When Harry met Sally,” in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
But as her fame reached its peak, Meg decided to step away from the spotlight. “I took a giant break because I felt like there were so many other parts of my experience as a human being I wanted to develop,” Meg explained.
Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan at Fox Studios in Century City, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images
In 2016, Meg revealed that motherhood had changed her on a fundamental level and shaped her ability to direct films. “I have two kids, and I think that part of my life served my [ability] to direct the best,” she shared.
Meg Ryan on September 25, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In October 2023, Meg shared that raising her kids required a profound personal transformation; one that enabled her to build a relationship with her children she now deeply values. “I have two of the greatest kids,” she added. “They’re just a blast. It is just a true joy.”
After years of focusing on her family, Meg returned to filmmaking in 2023 with “What Happens Later,” her first movie in eight years.
Meg Ryan attends The 2024 Met Gala on May 6, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Raising her children away from the spotlight allowed Meg to watch them flourish into their identities. For Jack, the son she shares with Dennis, following in his parents’ footsteps became an inevitable calling.
Jack and Dennis Quaid spotted in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Jack Quaid, now 32 years old, is making a name for himself as a talented and charismatic actor. He got his start in 2012 with a small role in “The Hunger Games,” but his breakout moment came with his portrayal of Hughie Campbell in the hit Amazon series “The Boys.”
Though Jack comes from acting royalty, he has navigated the industry with independence. Surprisingly, his parents take a hands-off approach to his career. “They don’t really give me advice,” Jack shared. “I’ve never asked them, ‘How should I perform this scene?'” Instead, their emotional support has meant the most to him.
Meg Ryan and son Jack Quaid attend the game on April 6, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Jack’s love for performing began at an early age. As a child, he entertained family members with magic tricks — though he admits they weren’t very good. “Like, ‘You see this pencil? Now it’s gone,'” he recalled. His passion for acting blossomed when he played Bottom in a middle school production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Meg Ryan and son Jack Quaid on May 31, 2004 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Meg Ryan and her son Jack Henry Quaid are seen in New York City on March 28, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Meg Ryan and son Jack Quaid are seen in Los Angeles California on January 19, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
“That ‘nepo stuff’ is so dismissive of his work ethic, his gifts, and how sensitive he is to the idea of his privilege,” she explained. “Jack is really talented — more of a natural than I’ll ever be.”
While Jack has embraced the public eye with his rising acting career, Daisy’s journey has unfolded in a different but equally meaningful way.
In 2006, Meg’s life changed forever when she adopted Daisy True Ryan from an orphanage in China. Adoption had always been on Meg’s mind, and she viewed it as a deliberate, conscious decision. Meg vividly recalls the emotional first meeting in Shanghai.
Meg and Daisy Ryan on the streets of SOHO in New York on September 11, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Meg Ryan and Daisy True are sighted in Paris, France on July 4, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Meg and Daisy Ryan are seen in New York City on November 10, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Fans who followed Daisy’s early years now express their amazement at how much she has grown, leaving comments like, “Cutie,” “Beautiful,” “She’s adorable ❤️” and “Oh my goodness, how time flies. She’s not a little girl anymore!”
She finds comfort in the special dynamic of their relationship, which has become a profound source of joy. Describing their bond as almost magical, Meg Ryan believes they were destined to be in each other’s lives.
Meg and Daisy Ryan in Paris, France on July 1, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Together, Jack and Daisy not only has their mother’s charisma but also captured the public’s hearts with their individual talents and unique personalities. While Jack thrives in the spotlight, Daisy maintains a quieter but equally captivating presence.