Did Tom Hanks really pass on When Harry Met Sally? The answer is yes, and the reason is as intriguing as the film itself.
Tom Hanks and His “Happily Divorced” Phase
Tom Hanks’ wife, Rita Wilson, recently revealed the backstory behind his decision. Speaking on the Table for Two With Bruce Bozzi podcast, she shared, “He turned it down because he was going through a divorce and was very happy to be not married.”
Back in the late ’80s, Hanks had just divorced his college sweetheart, Samantha Lewes. Instead of wallowing in sadness, he was embracing his newfound freedom like it was a national holiday.
Why He Couldn’t Relate to Harry Burns
The role of Harry Burns, a lonely and brooding divorcee, wasn’t something Hanks felt connected to at the time. His personal life didn’t align with Harry’s heartbreak. As a result, the role went to Billy Crystal, who turned it into rom-com magic alongside Meg Ryan.
Billy Crystal’s chemistry with Ryan? Legendary. The diner scene? Iconic. Meanwhile, Hanks was busy starting a new chapter with Rita Wilson. The couple married in 1988 after meeting on the set of Volunteers.
Rita Wilson Loved the Script
While Hanks passed on the role, Wilson had a different take. “I loved the script. I read it when it came in, and I flipped out,” she said. Her admiration for Nora Ephron, the writer of When Harry Met Sally, eventually led to her audition for Sleepless in Seattle.
No Hard Feelings
Everything worked out perfectly. Billy Crystal’s performance in When Harry Met Sally became genre-defining. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan teamed up for other memorable rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail.
The Perfect Plot Twist
Looking back, it seems Hanks made the right call for himself. His “happily divorced” vibe may not have suited Harry Burns, but it set the stage for his real-life romantic journey. From meeting Wilson to finding lasting love, his life mirrored a rom-com storyline—complete with second chances and a happy ending.
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