Meg Ryan made the decision to step away from Hollywood at a time when her career seemed to be at its peak. Over the years, however, her focus shifted toward something far more significant than fame: raising her children, Jack and Daisy. Now that both are grown, Meg can look back proudly at the adults they’ve become.
At the heart of Meg’s decision to leave the limelight was her desire to fully embrace motherhood. Reflecting on her journey, Meg often speaks about the profound impact it had on her. Known for films like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, Meg was the queen of romantic comedies, also proving her talent in more dramatic roles. Despite her success, she took a significant break, explaining that she wanted to develop other aspects of her life beyond acting. This decision led her to focus on raising her two children: Jack, her son with actor Dennis Quaid, and Daisy, whom she adopted from China in 2006.
In interviews, Meg has revealed that motherhood fundamentally changed her. She became deeply committed to her family, an experience that even influenced her work behind the camera. By stepping away from the public eye, she found fulfillment in her new role and embraced the challenges and joys that came with it.
In October 2023, Meg reflected on her life as a mother, expressing just how much her children mean to her. She described Jack and Daisy as “a true joy” and emphasized the personal transformation that came with parenting. Becoming a parent, Meg said, made her realize she was no longer the most important person in the room, a shift that was both challenging and rewarding.
After spending years focused on her family, Meg made her return to filmmaking in 2023 with What Happens Later, her first film in eight years. Her time away allowed her to nurture her children and watch them grow into independent, capable individuals. Jack, who shares his parents’ passion for acting, has become a rising star in Hollywood.
Jack Quaid, now in his early 30s, first appeared in The Hunger Games in 2012 but gained wider recognition as Hughie Campbell in the Amazon series The Boys. His career has since flourished with roles in projects like HBO’s Vinyl and the 2022 reboot of Scream. He has also explored voice acting, lending his talents to Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Despite his Hollywood lineage, Jack has carved out his own path, receiving little direct career advice from his famous parents. Instead, he credits their emotional support for helping him navigate the challenges of the industry. Both Meg and Dennis realized their son had talent when he played Bottom in a middle school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a performance that left them both stunned.
While Meg is proud of Jack’s accomplishments, she has also voiced concerns about the difficulties of an acting career, expressing how hard and unpredictable it can be. However, she dismisses the notion that Jack’s success is merely due to privilege, praising his work ethic and natural talent.
While Jack thrives in the spotlight, Daisy has followed a quieter path. In 2006, Meg adopted Daisy from China, a decision that had been on her mind for some time. Meg vividly recalls their first meeting in Shanghai, describing how Daisy stopped crying the moment she was placed in her arms. The bond between them formed instantly, and over the years, Daisy has grown into a confident, intelligent young woman. Meg speaks highly of her daughter, describing her as sharp, poised, and a natural leader.
Though Daisy maintains a more private life compared to her brother, she has captured the admiration of those who watched her grow up. Fans often comment on how much she has changed, noting her beauty and charm.
Raising both Jack and Daisy has been a deeply rewarding experience for Meg. Their unique personalities and talents have enriched her life, and she treasures the close relationships she has with each of them. Jack’s rising fame and Daisy’s quiet strength demonstrate how both children have inherited their mother’s charisma while forging their own paths. Together, they reflect the greatest achievement of Meg Ryan’s life: her family.