More than 35 years after When Harry Met Sally… premiered in July 1989, its stars remain romantic comedy royalty. The film shaped cultural conversations about love, friendship and timing — and continues to influence audiences through memorable lines and timeless performances. Today, fans are reflecting not only on the cast’s enduring careers but also on how they united to honor director Rob Reiner following his recent death in December 2025.
A Classic That Changed Hollywood
Billy Crystal’s Harry Burns and Meg Ryan’s Sally Albright became one of cinema’s most beloved “will they/won’t they” couples. Nora Ephron’s Oscar-nominated screenplay introduced cultural touchstones like the iconic Katz’s Deli scene and Harry’s emotional New Year’s Eve speech. The film also shaped the romantic comedy genre for decades, inspiring countless rewatch traditions every Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
Billy Crystal: Still Performing and Mourning a Friend
Billy Crystal remains closely associated with Harry Burns. Since 1989, Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards nine times, voiced Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc., authored books, and returned to Broadway in the Tony-nominated musical Mr. Saturday Night. He reprised Mike Wazowski in Monsters at Work and starred in the Apple TV+ series Before in 2024.
After Reiner’s death, Crystal joined collaborators including Larry David and Martin Short to release a statement honoring the late director and his wife, Michele. The tribute described the couple as “dynamic, unselfish and inspiring,” emphasizing the profound impact of their lives and work.
Meg Ryan: Still Creating Love Stories
Meg Ryan’s performance as Sally earned her a Golden Globe nomination and propelled her to starring roles in classics like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail. More recently, Ryan shifted toward directing. She helmed Ithaca in 2015 and returned to the director’s chair for the 2023 romantic comedy What Happens Later, which she also co-wrote and starred in. Following Reiner’s death, Ryan shared a heartfelt throwback photo and wrote, “Oh how we will miss this man,” thanking the Reiners for believing in love and laughter.
Remembering Late Co-Stars
Carrie Fisher, who played Sally’s confidant Marie, died in 2016 at age 60. Crystal called her “brilliantly talented” and remembered her as an amazing writer and friend. Bruno Kirby, who played Jess, died in 2006 at age 57. Known for films such as Good Morning, Vietnam and City Slickers, his performance helped shape the film’s dynamic portrayals of real, imperfect relationships.
Steven Ford Today
Steven Ford, son of President Gerald Ford, played Sally’s boyfriend Joe. After roles in television and film, including The Young and the Restless, he stepped away from Hollywood following his final credit in 2007.
A Legacy That Lives On
The film’s stars acknowledge that audiences continue returning to When Harry Met Sally… because it captures universal truths about romance, timing and heartbreak. The cast’s recent tributes to Reiner underscore the film’s enduring emotional resonance — both on-screen and behind the scenes.
