Tom Hanks' Missed Opportunity: Why He Turned Down 'When Harry Met Sally'

Created: JANUARY 22, 2025

In a recent revelation on the "Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi" podcast, Rita Wilson, wife of acclaimed actor Tom Hanks, shared an intriguing piece of Hollywood history. Hanks was originally offered the lead role in the iconic romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally," but ultimately declined the opportunity.

The reason? His divorce. Wilson explained that Hanks, in the midst of his separation from first wife Samantha Lewes, was simply too content with his newfound single status to relate to the emotional complexities of a character navigating the ups and downs of relationships and divorce, as Billy Crystal's character Harry ultimately does in the film. He couldn't grasp, according to Wilson, how someone going through a divorce could feel anything other than pure joy.

Tom Hanks in a black suit with Rita Wilson in a black pantsuit

Hanks' marriage to Lewes lasted from 1978 to 1987, and they share two children, Colin and Elizabeth. He and Wilson wed in 1988 and have two sons, Chet and Truman. "When Harry Met Sally," starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, premiered in 1989, becoming a quintessential romantic comedy.

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in When Harry met Sally

Interestingly, the film's screenwriter, Nora Ephron, would later collaborate with Hanks and Wilson on "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail." Wilson, an admirer of Ephron's work, actively sought a role in "Sleepless in Seattle," ultimately landing the part of Hanks' sister, Suzy, and delivering a memorable monologue about "An Affair to Remember."

Rita Wilson in a white dress with Tom Hanks in a gray suit

Hanks and Wilson recently commemorated their 35th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring relationship. This anecdote about "When Harry Met Sally" offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of personal circumstances and career decisions in Hollywood.

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