Meg Ryan played the role of Betsy Stewart (also known as Betsy Montgomery and Betsy Stewart Andropoulos) on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns from 1982 to 1984. This was one of her first major acting roles and served as a launching pad for her career in film.
During her time on the show, her character was part of a very popular romantic storyline with the character Steve Andropoulos, played by Frank Runyeon. Their on-screen wedding on May 30, 1984, was a major television event, attracting an audience of 20 million viewers and becoming the second highest-rated hour in American soap opera history.
Ryan left the show to pursue other film opportunities, eventually becoming known as “America’s Sweetheart” through her iconic roles in romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally... and Sleepless in Seattle. Other notable actors, such as Julianne Moore, also got their start on As the World Turns.

































