Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra,
professionally known as
Meg Ryan, is an American actress and producer. Raised in
Bethel, Connecticut, Ryan began her acting career in 1981 in minor roles, before joining the cast of the
CBS soap opera
As the World Turns in 1982. Subsequently, she began to appear in supporting roles in big screen films during the mid-1980s, achieving recognition in several independent films such as
Promised Land, before her performance in the
Rob Reiner-directed romantic comedy
When Harry Met Sally... brought her widespread attention and her first
Golden Globe nomination.