Meg Ryan's iconic fake orgasm scene in the film "When Harry Met Sally" is celebrated by many movie enthusiasts as a defining moment in romantic comedy history. However, when it comes to her own children, they have a rather different perspective on it.
In a recent interview with Carol Burnett for Interview magazine, the 61-year-old actress discussed various aspects of her life and career, including that memorable scene set in Katz's Deli from the 1989 film.
During the conversation, Burnett expressed her appreciation for Ryan's numerous cinematic achievements, including the famous fake orgasm scene, and inquired whether it required multiple takes. Ryan disclosed, "We probably did that over and over and over again," shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that went into creating the iconic moment.
Ryan further revealed that the topic of the movie came up that morning during a phone call with her son, actor Jack Quaid, and her daughter, Daisy Ryan. She humorously recounted the conversation, saying, "It’s funny, my son just called me this morning and he’s in New York staying at a hotel that’s right across the street from Katz’s Deli. My daughter was here and everybody was on speaker, and they were like, 'Mom, this is a very unique embarrassment.'"
The 31-year-old actor Jack Quaid, known for his role in "Scream," has previously mentioned his reluctance to watch "When Harry Met Sally." In a 2019 interview with InStyle, he stated, "It’s one of those things, where if you really think about it, you don’t want to see your mom having a fake orgasm in a deli when you’re growing up. I avoided it." However, he eventually watched the movie while preparing for his own romantic comedy, "Plus One," and appreciated its depth beyond that famous scene.
As for Ryan's latest film, "What Happens Later," she shared that it explores the themes of forgiveness and self-acceptance. While it falls within the romantic comedy genre, Ryan explained that it delves into deeper questions beneath the surface. She directed and starred in the film, emphasizing the collaborative process with her co-star David Duchovny.
This project marks Meg Ryan's return to the screen after a hiatus, with her last onscreen role in "Ithaca" in 2015, a film she also directed. Throughout her career, Ryan transitioned from romantic comedies to successful dramatic roles, ultimately stepping away from the Hollywood spotlight over a decade ago. In a candid interview with New York Times Magazine in 2019, Ryan cited exhaustion as a significant factor in her decision to step back, explaining that she felt she was burning through life experiences as an actor. She noted the challenges of fame and its isolating effect, describing it as creating a barrier between oneself and the outside world.
In essence, Meg Ryan's career has been marked by iconic moments, but her perspective on fame and her journey in Hollywood have evolved over time, leading her to explore different aspects of filmmaking and storytelling.
