Meg Ryan recently made her first public appearance in six months to show support for her friend Michael J. Fox at a screening of his new documentary, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie. At 61, Ryan has deliberately stepped away from the public eye in recent years, opting for a quieter lifestyle away from the spotlight. Her rare appearance generated attention, not only because of her support for Fox but also because of her noticeably altered appearance, which sparked a wave of comments online.

Ryan, who rose to fame with iconic roles in films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993), was photographed alongside Fox at the Alice Tully Hall in New York. The images, which captured the two looking happy together, quickly went viral. Fans, however, couldn’t help but focus on Ryan’s appearance, with many expressing shock at how different she looked. Some people even described her as “unrecognizable,” attributing the change to possible cosmetic procedures. These reactions revived old rumors about Ryan possibly undergoing plastic surgery, despite her previous statements denying such claims.

Many online users shared negative opinions, with some harshly criticizing her for supposedly altering her appearance. “What did she do to herself? These Hollywood elites overdo the plastic surgery. Get a refund,” one commenter wrote. Another remarked, “Meg Ryan spent thousands to make herself unrecognizable and hideous.” Despite the criticism, Ryan has made it clear in the past that she does not pay attention to public judgment about her looks. In a 2015 interview with Porter Magazine, she addressed the rumors head-on, stating, “I don’t pay a lot of attention, frankly. There’s a lot of hatred in the world today. It’s so easy to judge. Imagine being a hater, how stupid.”

Ryan’s decision to step away from the limelight, along with her enduring friendship with Fox, highlights the actress’s authenticity and resilience in the face of public scrutiny. At the screening event, she was in good spirits and posed for pictures with other notable guests, including Billy Murray and Elvis Costello, celebrating Fox’s big night. The screening, which marked a pivotal moment for Fox, was part of the lead-up to the release of his documentary, which chronicles his life and ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the young age of 29, has become a prominent advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and research. His documentary sheds light on the challenges he has faced since his diagnosis, providing an intimate look at his personal journey. Fox recently opened up about the toll the disease has taken on him, admitting that his condition is becoming progressively harder to manage. “I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ tougher,” Fox said in a recent interview. “Every day it’s tougher. But that’s the way it is.” Despite the hardships, Fox continues to maintain his sense of humor and determination, even as he faces new health challenges.

Fox also shared that he had undergone spinal surgery after a tumor was found on his spine. Although the tumor was benign, it left him struggling with his mobility, and he suffered injuries after a fall. In his interview, Fox reflected on his own mortality, acknowledging that he doesn’t expect to live to see 80. “You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s,” he said, revealing his thoughts on living with the disease. “I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it… I’m not gonna be 80.”

Through his unwavering courage and willingness to share his story, Michael J. Fox continues to inspire many, while also fostering awareness for Parkinson’s disease. His friendship with Meg Ryan and her rare public appearance to support him underscore their long-standing bond and mutual admiration. Despite facing challenges, both continue to champion causes they believe in while staying true to their authentic selves.