Life has taken some incredible turns for Meg Ryan, and motherhood has been a game-changer. "When I became a mom, it was like pressing a reset button," Meg, who is now 63, told Closer Weekly. With a son, Jack, 26, and a daughter, Daisy, she found herself shifting gears in a profound way. "It made me more authentic. I feel like I’m truly being myself now," she shared in an exclusive interview.

Rediscovering Her Passion for Creativity

These days, Meg isn’t just focused on her family—she’s also reigniting her passion for work. After rekindling her romance with musician and painter John Mellencamp, Meg feels more inspired than ever. At the Bentonville Film Festival, she opened up about her evolving identity. "I’ve never really thought of myself as just an actor," she admitted. "Deep down, I’m a writer at heart. So diving into writing felt like the next natural step." This newfound focus led her to explore directing—a role that allows her to bring her creative vision to life.

From Acting to Directing: A Natural Evolution

Meg made her directorial debut in 2015 with the World War II drama Ithaca, which starred her son Jack alongside her. Now, she’s working on another exciting project: a film set in the world of publishing in New York City. "It’s a throwback to those classic movies where everyone talks fast and witty," she explained with excitement. "It’s a love letter to the golden age of cinema, but with a modern twist."

Read also:
Laila Ali Shares Life Lessons From Her Iconic Father Muhammad Ali

Ithaca brought Meg back together with one of her all-time favorite collaborators: Tom Hanks. "Tom is just incredible—so brilliant, so much fun, and so generous," she gushed. "He’s even better than you think he is." As she ventures into this new phase of her life, Meg is embracing the opportunity to create her own material. "I got tired of waiting around to be picked for projects," she confessed. "As an actor, you’re just a small piece of the puzzle. But when you produce, you start understanding the bigger picture. Now, I feel like I’m in the driver’s seat."

Love and Marriage: What’s Next for Meg?

There’s even more to look forward to in Meg’s life. According to Closer Weekly, she might be tying the knot later this year. "Next fall seems like the most likely time," an insider revealed. John Mellencamp, now 69, proposed to Meg way back in 2013—and he’s been asking ever since. "He opened up his heart and told Meg that he’d be lost without her," the source said. "That really struck a chord with her." It’s clear that Meg has found both professional fulfillment and personal happiness as she continues to write her own story.

For more scoop on your favorite celebrities, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands—or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with exclusive updates!