Meg Ryan Revealed How She Unlocked the Key To Happiness in Her 60s

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Meg Ryan’s comeback in Hollywood might be one of the most refreshing returns — her happiness radiates from every angle now. That wasn’t a common sight in the final years before she disappeared from the public eye, and now she’s sharing why she’s in such a different place in her life — it has everything to do with her age.

At 62, Ryan revealed to the Italian publication, IO Donna, that aging is a privilege she takes to heart. “I appreciate my years, I say that seriously,” she explained. “I appreciate my age. For me, now, it is more important to say clearly what you think rather than pleasing others and trying to make everyone happy.” She admitted that she feels “almost liberated” by eliminating the people-pleasing aspect of her life because it gives her a sense of freedom.

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SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 14: Meg Ryan attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14: Meg Ryan attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California.

“I have said certain things and made observations about love and relationships. And for trying to be honest,” she added. “I can finally look back and be in the present at the same time.” The When Harry Met Sally star exited the spotlight in 2009 when her daughter, Daisy True, 20, was a preschooler and the timing was perfect for her to leave the entertainment industry, which she considers “a job and not a lifestyle, behind for a while.

“And that is a great way of navigating it for me. I took a giant break because I felt like there’s just so many other parts of my experience as a human being I wanted to develop,” she told People last year. Her return to work came with the 2023 movie, What Happens Later, which she directed and starred in. “It took me this long to have something to say,” she told The New York Times. “My interest in this movie isn’t about Hollywood’s perception of me. I’m not interested in controlling that. I don’t think I can….”

So fans are likely getting the unfiltered version of Ryan. She says what she means, and she means what she says, but isn’t that a more interesting place to be in life? It gives her a stronger perspective to tell stories, especially for women over 60, which Hollywood often forgets about. But Ryan is here to remind everyone she’s thriving, women are thriving, and she has a point of view that is going to be heard.

Before you go, click here to see actresses over 50 who are more successful now than ever.

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