Meg Ryan recently made a rare public appearance for the first time in six months, showing her support for longtime friend Michael J. Fox ahead of the release of his new documentary about his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

At 61, Ryan has largely stepped away from the public eye in recent years, making her appearance even more noteworthy. According to the Daily Mirror, she attended a special screening of STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which chronicles the life and challenges of the beloved Back to the Future star. She posed for photos alongside Fox, looking cheerful and supportive. However, many fans couldn’t help but comment on her noticeably different appearance, with some saying she looked almost “unrecognizable.”

The Sleepless in Seattle star, who made her first film debut in Rich and Famous (1981), appeared with an exceptionally smooth complexion, which immediately fueled speculation about potential plastic surgery. While Ryan has never openly admitted to undergoing any procedures, the public has long speculated about her possible cosmetic enhancements.

Social media users quickly weighed in with mixed reactions. Some criticized her new look harshly, reviving an ongoing debate about Hollywood beauty standards and the impact of cosmetic procedures. One Twitter user bluntly stated, “This is Meg Ryan. Hopefully, women will learn from this. Plastic surgery is for Frankenstein.” Another commented, “Meg Ryan spent thousands to make herself unrecognizable and hideous.” A third person added, “What did she do to herself? These Hollywood elites overdo the plastic surgery. Get a refund.” Others expressed shock, with one user exclaiming, “Wtf has Meg Ryan done to her face?!”

Despite the negative comments, Ryan has remained largely unbothered by public opinion regarding her appearance. In a candid 2015 interview with Porter Magazine, she addressed the long-standing rumors and criticism surrounding her looks. “I honestly don’t pay much attention,” she stated. “There’s so much negativity in the world today. It’s really easy to judge. Just think about it—being a hater is pretty foolish.”

At the screening event, held at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center, New York, Ryan appeared to be in good spirits, smiling and posing alongside actor Bill Murray and musician Elvis Costello. The evening was dedicated to celebrating Michael J. Fox and his extraordinary resilience in the face of Parkinson’s disease, a condition he has been battling for more than three decades.

Fox, who recently revealed that he never expected to reach the age of 80, has poured his heart and soul into raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed at just 29 years old, the Back to the Future icon initially kept his illness a secret. Over time, however, he became one of the most vocal advocates for research and treatment, establishing the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to find a cure.

In a deeply emotional recent interview, Fox opened up about his struggles with Parkinson’s and how the disease has increasingly taken a toll on his daily life. “I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ harder. It’s gettin’ tougher,” he admitted. “Every day it’s tougher. But, but, that’s, that’s the way it is. I mean, you know, who do I see about that?”

His battle has included a series of major health challenges, including a recent spinal surgery after doctors discovered a tumor on his spine. Although the tumor was benign, it significantly affected his mobility, leading to several dangerous falls. “I broke both of my arms, my elbow, my face, and my hand,” Fox revealed.

During his interview, Fox spoke candidly about his mortality, acknowledging the harsh reality of his condition. “You don’t die from Parkinson’s; you die with it. I’ve been reflecting on the reality of that. … I won’t reach 80. I won’t reach 80.” His words were met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom admire his honesty and bravery in the face of such a relentless disease.

Michael J. Fox’s new documentary STILL promises to be a deeply personal and moving account of his journey, giving audiences an inside look at his triumphs and struggles. The film is expected to highlight not only his diagnosis but also the unwavering support of his family, his efforts to maintain a sense of humor, and his tireless work in raising funds for Parkinson’s research.

While Fox’s battle with Parkinson’s has garnered widespread admiration, Meg Ryan’s reemergence has reignited a different kind of conversation—one centered around Hollywood beauty standards and the judgment celebrities, especially women, often face when their appearance changes.

Many argue that the scrutiny directed at Ryan is unfair and unnecessary, particularly given the pressure placed on women in the entertainment industry to look youthful. Others believe that, as a public figure, she should expect comments about her appearance. Regardless of the divided opinions, Ryan has made it clear that she refuses to let criticism dictate her self-worth.

This latest public appearance has sparked conversations not only about beauty standards but also about aging in Hollywood and the choices women make regarding their looks. Some argue that Meg Ryan, like anyone else, has the right to make decisions about her own body without being subjected to harsh public scrutiny. Others suggest that excessive cosmetic procedures often do more harm than good, reinforcing unrealistic beauty ideals.

At the heart of it all, Michael J. Fox’s courageous battle against Parkinson’s remains the most compelling and inspiring story of the evening. His unwavering optimism and dedication to raising awareness continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

As Fox moves forward with the release of STILL, he remains a powerful voice in the fight against Parkinson’s, proving that his impact extends far beyond the silver screen. His resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and his story is one that will undoubtedly inspire many for years to come.

What do you think about Meg Ryan’s latest appearance? Should people have the right to comment on how celebrities look, or is it unfair to criticize someone’s personal choices?

In the meantime, let’s send our love and best wishes to Michael J. Fox as he continues his fight against Parkinson’s disease. His journey is one of courage and determination, and he deserves all the support he can get.

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