Former rom-com icon Meg Ryan has opened up about her infamous 2003 BBC interview with UK host Michael Parkinson, which is widely remembered as one of the most awkward exchanges in British television history. The interview, conducted in the aftermath of Ryan’s bold departure from her romantic comedy roots with her role in Jane Campion’s erotic thriller In the Cut, quickly went viral for its tense and uncomfortable nature.
A Career Shift Sparks Tensions
Meg Ryan, once celebrated as “America’s Sweetheart,” had built her career on iconic rom-com performances in classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail. However, her 2003 decision to star in Campion’s dark, intimate thriller marked a sharp departure from her established image.
The dramatic shift polarized audiences and the media alike. During her appearance on Parkinson’s show to promote In the Cut, the host persistently questioned her about her decision to take on such a bold role, including scenes of nudity.
As the interview progressed, the tension escalated. Ryan grew visibly uncomfortable, offering increasingly terse responses, culminating in the actress advising Parkinson to simply “wrap it up” when he asked her what she would do if their roles were reversed.
“I Wanted to Leave”: Meg Ryan’s Recent Reflection
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Ryan candidly discussed her experience during that ill-fated interview.
“I thought it was so bad. I kept waiting for the break because I was gonna stand up and leave. But the break never came,” Ryan admitted, highlighting her dismay at the unrelenting nature of the interaction.
When asked if she confronted Parkinson after the show, Ryan explained that she had no interest in continuing the matter.
“I left. I was like, wow, I didn’t know who that guy was to begin with, and I don’t have to think about him again,” she remarked.
Parkinson’s Regret Years Later
In 2021, nearly two decades after the incident, Parkinson publicly acknowledged his role in the awkward exchange. Speaking to Deadline, he admitted that his line of questioning had been unnecessarily aggressive and expressed regret over the episode. He conceded that it was far from a shining moment for either himself or Ryan.
A Look Back at Meg Ryan’s Career
Despite the 2003 controversy, Ryan remains one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood. Her collaborations with Nora Ephron on films like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle left an indelible mark on cinema. In her recent interview, Ryan reflected warmly on Ephron’s influence on both her professional and personal life.
“Every piece of advice [Nora Ephron] gave me, from the right type of dinner table to the kind of guy I should marry, was proven to be right,” Ryan shared.
Return to Filmmaking
In 2023, Meg Ryan returned to the spotlight as both director and star of the romantic comedy What Happens Later, where she acted alongside David Duchovny. The film tells the story of two ex-lovers who cross paths at a deserted airport, reigniting old feelings.
This marked a significant comeback for the actress, who has largely remained out of the public eye in recent years, choosing to focus on select projects.
For more updates on entertainment, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: The Times of London, Deadline.
