Meg Ryan has opened up about how she feels about her 60s, stating that she feels more "liberated" the older she gets.
Most of us know Ryan from 1989's When Harry Met Sally, where her chemistry with co-star Billy Crystal set the standard for on-screen romance, but she quickly cemented her legacy in the following years after starring in films like Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, and Proof of Life.
In more recent times, the actress has shifted her focus to philanthropy, aiding with causes involving Women's Rights as well as environmental conservation.
But despite stepping away from the spotlight, she still remains one of the industry's most well-loved stars and at 62, she's sharing some wisdom with us all.
Speaking during a new interview with the Italian news outlet IO Donna, Ryan discussed how her perspective on life has changed since she reached her more mature years.
"I appreciate my years, I say that seriously," she said, as per a translation by Daily Mail. "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 continued, emphasizing how freeing it is to be rid of all that pressure: "I feel almost liberated because I have said certain things and made observations about love and relationships. And for trying to be honest. I can finally look back and be in the present at the same time."
Elsewhere, the star also opened up about stepping away from fame and how it impacted her life.
"I needed other experiences, to meet people outside the film industry," she told the outlet. "For this reason I moved to New York, I raised my daughter Daisy, and then on I started traveling, especially to distant countries."
And this really changed the way she saw life.
"When you are up to your neck in the 'bubble of fame' you cannot suddenly free yourself from it, you always remain somehow lost in the labyrinth of notoriety," she continued, before adding that she'd had enough of it all.
"But you know what? I'd had enough, I'm happy to have made that choice and moved away from that world: I became a better and more interesting human being," she concluded.
But despite her feelings towards the industry, she has not given up her love for what she does best, recently co-writing and making her directorial debut in the 2023 romantic comedy What Happens Later.
She also starred in the flick, which was released back in November, alongside Twin Peaks alum David Duchovny.
Speaking of the project to the Associated Press, Ryan said: “It’s hopefully a movie that just unzips you a little bit, like in terms of your heart.
"It’s not a cynical movie at all. It’s vulnerable. But maybe around the holidays, people are more open to seeing movies like that," she added.
While the movie did not receive as much praise as one would hope, it seems as though the 62-year-old is very proud of what she's achieved - as she should be!
