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.
At the core of Meg Ryan’s decision to leave the limelight was a desire to explore and embrace motherhood fully. Today, Meg is proud of the two young adults she raised. As she reflects on motherhood, it’s clear her most meaningful production has been her family.
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.”
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.
A crucial part of that experience was her role as a mother which she says has changed her. She became fully devoted to raising her two children: Jack, from her marriage with actor Dennis Quaid, and Daisy, whom she adopted from China in 2006.
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.
During her time away, Meg’s perspective on acting also changed. “It’s nice to think of it as a job and not a lifestyle,” she said. Embracing this new outlook, she found balance and fulfillment in nurturing her family, cherishing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
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.”
“Becoming a parent instantly makes you not the most important person in the room,” Meg noted, acknowledging that the shift wasn’t always easy but deeply rewarding.
After years of focusing on her family, Meg returned to filmmaking in 2023 with “What Happens Later,” her first movie in eight years.
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 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.”
Jack’s career quickly gained momentum, with notable roles in HBO’s “Vinyl” and the 2022 reboot of “Scream.” He has also showcased his versatility through voice acting, such as his role as Brad Boimler in “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
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.
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.”
That performance marked a turning point, as both his parents, seated on opposite sides of the gym, realized he had genuine talent. “I had my head in my hands and was like, ‘Oh no… he’s good,'” Meg recounted. She glanced across the room and saw Dennis doing the same.
While proud of Jack’s talent, Meg admitted that seeing her son pursue acting also came with worries. “You don’t wish [a career in acting] on anyone,” she said, alluding to the challenges of fame and rejection. “It’s too hard and it’s too weird.” However, Meg dismisses criticism that Jack’s success is simply the result of privilege.
“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.”
Fans have also taken notice of Jack’s charm, with many leaving glowing comments about his looks. Social media users have called him “hot” and “pretty,” with one admirer gushing, “You look so good, Jack!”
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.
Daisy, bundled in several layers of clothing, had cried for over an hour before being handed to her. But once in Meg’s arms, the toddler instantly stopped crying, looked at her, and fell asleep. That emotional day, marked by fear and trust, felt like a symbolic labor for Meg — an experience that bonded them from the start.
Over the years, Daisy blossomed into a confident and intelligent young woman. Meg has described her daughter as sharp-minded, poised, and naturally in charge. Beyond her intellect, Daisy possesses a soothing presence that, Meg admits, could instantly lift moods or settle disagreements.
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!”
Raising Daisy as a single mother has been both a challenge and a gift for Meg. She acknowledges the responsibility of being a primary role model but also values the other positive influences in Daisy’s life.
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.
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.
