It’s time to celebrate because the iconic rom-com “You’ve Got Mail” is officially 25! To mark the milestone, ET is reflecting on interviews with the film’s stars, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, during their press tour for the beloved romantic comedy back in 1998.
In a throwback interview, Hanks, who is now 67, discussed the undeniable chemistry he shares with Ryan on screen. He revealed that the magic between them was effortless, despite not being close pals in real life. The duo first teamed up in 1990 for “Joe Versus the Volcano,” and their undeniable magnetism led to 1993’s “Sleepless in Seattle” and, eventually, “You’ve Got Mail” in 1998.
The film, which centers on the unlikely relationship between independent bookstore owner Kathleen (Ryan) and mega bookstore chain owner Joe (Hanks), also served as a commentary on the franchising of America. Ryan, now 62, shared that “You’ve Got Mail” essentially introduced her to the digital world, and the movie now serves as a time capsule for audiences who lived through the rise of the internet.
As they reflected on the film, both Hanks and Ryan agreed they were not fans of chat rooms and instant messaging, with Hanks admitting he found the experience confusing and Ryan joking about the fast-paced nature and poor spelling in chat rooms.
But one thing Hanks and Ryan did agree on was their mutual admiration for each other’s work. Ryan praised Hanks for his inventive acting style, while Hanks marveled at how she pushed him to be a better actor.
Since “You’ve Got Mail,” Ryan has taken on directing and recently returned to the world of rom-coms with “What Happens Later,” which she co-wrote, directed, and starred in alongside David Duchovny. She expressed her passion for the role of a director in a recent interview, highlighting the intense and intimate experience of collaborating with other creatives.
As for Hanks, he echoed his fond memories of working with Ryan and spoke highly of her mysterious and graceful nature, emphasizing her generous energy and how she easily receives attention from others. Ryan reciprocated the sentiment, praising Hanks for his overall generosity and grace when interacting with others on and off set.
Overall, as “You’ve Got Mail” celebrates 25 years, it’s clear that the film’s impact and the enduring charm of its leading duo continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere.
