How Rob Reiner's wife influenced 'When Harry Met Sally...' ending
What's the story
Rob Reiner, the director of the iconic rom-com When Harry Met Sally..., originally envisioned a different ending for his film. In early drafts, he had planned for the lead characters to part ways after a brief reunion in New York City. However, this changed when he fell in love with Michele Singer Reiner during filming. Their romance inspired him to revise the script and give it a more romantic conclusion.
Personal connection
Reiner was skeptical about happy ending
Reiner, who had been married and divorced once before, was initially skeptical about lasting love. He told CNN in a 2024 interview that his own experiences influenced the original ending. "It was going to be the two of them seeing each other after years, talking and then walking away from each other." "Because I had been married for 10 years, I'd been single for 10 years and I couldn't figure out how I was ever going to be with anybody."
Script transformation
Harry wouldn't have walked up to Sally otherwise
Reiner met Michele, a photographer, while making When Harry Met Sally... and their relationship changed his perspective on love. He told Wallace that meeting his wife inspired him to change the ending, where Harry runs up to Sally on New Year's Eve. That scene was written by late screenwriter Nora Ephron.
Sequel skepticism
Reiner's stance on a sequel to 'When Harry Met Sally...'
Despite the film's success, Reiner had no interest in revisiting the rom-com for a sequel. In September, he told PEOPLE, "No, I never wanted to do sequels. I don't like them." The film starred Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as two recent college graduates whose friendship evolves into a romantic relationship over time. It is considered one of the best romantic comedies ever made. Unfortunately, both Reiner and his wife died of stab wounds at their residence on December 14.