Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were everyone’s favorite on-screen pair of the 90s. The actors starred in two of the most popular romantic comedies of the time namely Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail which went on to become cult classics and Valentine’s Day favourites.
But Hanks and Ryan were also the first choices to play the lead characters in one of Hollywood’s greatest romances, When Harry Met Sally. The film was ultimately made with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan and went on to become a massive hit and an evergreen romantic classic. But the Forrest Gump star who rejected the role, had an interesting reason for his refusal according to his wife Rita Wilson.
Here’s Why Tom Hanks Refused When Harry Met Sally
Before their famous pairing in Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were touted to romance each other in one of Hollywood’s biggest love stories, When Harry Met Sally. Ryan subsequently starred in the film with Billy Crystal in a narrative that followed two people who finally come together romantically after years of chance encounters and failed relationships.
Speaking of the reasons behind Hanks stepping down from the role, the Cast Away star’s wife Rita Wilson said that he was unable to relate to the trauma and sadness that divorce brought as he had not experienced that with his first wife Samantha Lewes.
“People probably don’t know this, but Tom was offered When Harry Met Sally, and he turned it down because he was going through a divorce and he was very happy to not be married. And so he could not understand that a person going through a divorce would have anything other than just like, ‘I’m so happy.”
While it may seem that Tom Hanks missed a golden opportunity to star in one of Hollywood’s classics, the actor’s filmography over the years indicates that he has been the master of his own successful destiny.
Tom Hanks Lends His Support To The Actors Strike
Oscar winner Tom Hanks is one of many A-List stars who are actively participating in the ongoing Actors and Writers Strike to fight for better pay and opportunities for people in the creative industry. The Philadelphia actor was forthright and honest about his stance and what needed to be done to ensure that the entertainment industry moves forward and co-exists in a positive way.
“The financial motor has to be completely redefined. We do not have scripts without writers. And up next is the directors. We do not have filmed stories without directors, and the actors are coming up as well. So there is going to have to be some sit-down. And for the common good of the arts and sciences, and the business of show, like minds are going to have to come down and be equitable, and believe it or not, some type of win-win situation.”
Hanks hoped that his wishes would be fulfilled sooner rather than later and stressed the importance of everyone in the fraternity standing up as one unit to support the cause.
Source: Deadline
