“Sleepless in Seattle” star Meg Ryan felt “liberated” following her messy divorce: “Dennis [Quaid] was not faithful to me for a long time, and that was very painful.

Meg Ryan, the seasoned Hollywood veteran, endured years of blame for her divorce from her former husband. However, it turns out that the reality of the situation was more nuanced than initially perceived.

Actress Meg Ryan was married to actor Dennis Quaid for a decade, tying the knot in 1991 and eventually parting ways in a tumultuous divorce in 2001.

The couple initially separated in 2000 amidst rumors of Ryan’s high-profile affair with actor Russell Crowe. However, in a candid revelation years later, Ryan disclosed that the breakdown of her marriage to Quaid was not solely her responsibility.

According to Ryan, the public was unaware of the true dynamics of her failed marriage, as her affair with Crowe overshadowed the challenges she faced with Quaid:

“It was a great story. But what wasn’t in the story was the reality of my marriage for nine years. Dennis was not faithful to me for a long time, and that was very painful. I found out more about that once I was divorced.”

Ryan clarified that Crowe wasn’t the reason for the marriage’s demise, emphasizing that he was present towards the end but not the cause.

Following the divorce, Ryan admitted to being “a mess” and unintentionally hurting Crowe. She refrained from entering another committed relationship at the time, explaining, “I couldn’t be in another long relationship; it wasn’t the time for that. So, I got out.”

In a previous interview with Oprah Winfrey, Ryan described her marriage with Quaid as “unhealthy,” expressing mutual unhappiness.

Ryan asserted that she was not positioning herself as a “victim” in the scandal, characterizing her divorce as both “painful” and “liberating.” She emphasized that she did not leave her marriage for Crowe but because “it was not working.”

Despite the challenges, Ryan shares a son, Jack, with Quaid, born in April 1992.

Post-divorce, Ryan chose to adopt a 2-year-old girl named Daisy from China in 2006. She described the adoption process as not being on a mission but a desire to connect with someone. Ryan believes there was nothing random about it, stating, “She is the daughter I should have.”

Ryan took a hiatus from acting to focus on raising her children. Daisy’s arrival, facilitated by a seemingly destined journey, added a new dimension to Ryan’s life. The mother of two praised Daisy’s compatibility, asserting that her love for her adopted and biological children is the same.

In an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2008, Ryan shared the serendipitous events leading to her becoming Daisy’s mother, highlighting the emotional impact of receiving a photo and message while en route to India.

Following the adoption, Ryan embraced single motherhood, finding it manageable. Jack, her son, pursued a career in acting, expressing his passion and acknowledging his close relationship with his mother.

Ryan’s journey as a mother, both biological and adoptive, showcases her commitment to family and personal growth. Her son, Jack, who followed in her footsteps as an actor, highlighted the supportive environment fostered by Ryan and Quaid. Ryan’s mother-daughter time with Daisy is filled with love and compatibility, reinforcing the notion that family bonds transcend biological ties.

In November 2020, a glimpse into Ryan and Daisy’s everyday life revealed a routine trip to Trader Joe’s, emphasizing the normalcy and closeness within their family dynamic.