In 1987, Tom Hanks turned down a movie because he was getting divorced. It went on to earn $193,000,000
Rita Wilson said Tom Hanks turned down the lead in *When Harry Met Sally* while he was going through a divorce and felt happy to be single. The story matters as a notable Hollywood “what if”: the romantic comedy became a much-loved film, with Billy Crystal ultimately playing Harry.
Wilson recalled that Hanks could not relate to the character’s loneliness after a relationship ends, a theme shaped in part by director Rob Reiner’s own experience. Richard Dreyfuss, Michael Keaton and Albert Brooks also declined the role before Crystal was cast opposite Meg Ryan; the headline says the film went on to earn $193 million.
- Hanks declined the role while enjoying life after divorce.
- Billy Crystal was cast opposite Meg Ryan.
- The film’s reported earnings were $193 million.