How Michele Reiner Encouraged Rob Reiner to Rethink the Ending of When Harry Met Sally

Rob Reiner (R) and wife Michelle.
Credit :

Jim Spellman/WireImage

Key Details

• Rob Reiner previously revealed that early drafts of When Harry Met Sally did not have the characters end up together.
• The film’s narrative evolved after Reiner’s personal romance with Michele, whom he met while filming.
• The iconic ending, featuring Harry’s race to Sally on New Year’s Eve, is now celebrated as one of the most memorable moments in romantic comedy history.

Although now regarded as a classic romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally almost took a different turn—until director Rob Reiner experienced his own love story.

In a July 2019 interview, Reiner disclosed that the film’s initial drafts did not pair Harry and Sally together. “They meet again in New York, have a little conversation and walk in opposite directions,” he noted.

This changed with the addition of the film’s final scene—where Harry rushes to find Sally on New Year’s Eve—crafted by the late screenwriter Nora Ephron, inspired by Reiner’s romance with Michele, whom he met during filming.

Following their love affair, cinematic history was marked by a poignant ending.

Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner, Meg Ryan.

Andy Schwartz/Castle Rock/Nelson/Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock

When Harry Met Sally features Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as two college graduates who form a connection during a carpool journey from Chicago to New York City. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest romantic comedies, the film chronicles the evolution of their friendship into romance.

In a 2024 interview with CNN‘s Chris Wallace, Reiner elaborated on the film’s original ending, which depicted the characters meeting after years, conversing, and then parting ways. “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,” Reiner explained, attributing these experiences to the film’s conception.

However, this perspective shifted when Reiner met Michele. “I met my wife Michele, who I’ve been married to now 35 years, while we were making the film, and I changed the ending,” he shared with Wallace.

Wallace inquired whether the film’s poignant conclusion could be credited to Michele, to which Reiner confirmed, “That’s right.”

In September, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker expressed that he had no desire to create a sequel, stating, “No, I never wanted to do sequels. I don’t like them.”

Tragically, Reiner and Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14. Reports indicate they were discovered by their daughter, Romy.

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department records reveal their son Nick was taken into custody and is currently being held on $4 million bail.

The couple shared three children, including Nick, who has openly discussed his struggles with addiction starting in his teenage years.

Renowned for directing numerous iconic films, Reiner’s notable works include This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand By Me, The Princess Bride (1987), and A Few Good Men (1992), among others.