Ryan O'Neal, Beloved Star of Love Story and Peyton Place, Passes Away
Ryan O'Neal, the legendary Oscar-nominated actor known for iconic films like Love Story and Paper Moon, has passed away at the age of 82 His son, Patrick, broke the news on social media O'Neal's remarkable career and the complex dynamics of his personal life made him a true Hollywood Love Story
Ryan O'Neal, a critically acclaimed actor known for his roles in "Love Story" and "Paper Moon," has died at the age of 82. His son, Patrick, announced the news on social media, stating that his father passed away peacefully with his loving team by his side.
He added: "My father Ryan ONeal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life."
CNN has reached out to a representative for Ryan ONeal.
Ryan ONeals breakout role came in 1964 on the nighttime soap opera "Peyton Place."
A Hollywood âLove Storyâ
During the 1960s, ONeal appeared in various TV shows but it was his role in the 1970 film adaptation of "Love Story" that solidified his presence in the film industry. Starring alongside Ali MacGraw, the tearjerker depicted the tragic love story of a wealthy Ivy League student marrying a lively girl who later succumbs to a terminal illness. The film's famous line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry," became iconic. ONeal's performance not only established him as a leading man but also earned him an Oscar nomination. Additionally, he found success in comedy, appearing alongside Barbra Streisand in "Whats Up, Doc?" and "The Main Event," contributing to Paramount Pictures' success under the leadership of MacGraw's then-husband, Robert Evans.
On X (formerly Twitter), Streisand said she was "sad" to hear the news of the actors death.
"He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered," she wrote.
Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw in "Love Story" (1970).
Paramount Pictures/IMDB
Ryan ONeal later starred in a "Love Story" sequel called "Olivers Story," which flopped at the box office.
The actor's diverse career highlights include starring alongside his daughter, Tatum O'Neal, in the acclaimed "Paper Moon," which earned her an Academy Award for best supporting actress. He also appeared in the Stanley Kubrick-directed period film "Barry Lyndon."
In his personal life, O'Neal had a well-known relationship with actress and pin-up model Farrah Fawcett, which often became headline news. This romance came after his previous marriages to actresses Joanna Moore and Leigh Taylor-Young.
Born in Los Angeles, O'Neal initially pursued a career as a professional boxer before transitioning into acting. He appeared in various TV westerns before securing a regular role on "Peyton Place." More recently, O'Neal has had recurring roles on "Bones" and "Bull," and has also made appearances on "Desperate Housewives" and the reboot of "90210."
Strained relationship
Ryan ONeal and his daughter Tatum ONeals off-screen relationship was strained for many years.
In 2011, after battling addiction, the father and daughter, Ryan and Tatum, appeared in their own reality series "Ryan and Tatum: The O'Neals" on OWN. During a CNN appearance, Tatum ONeal showcased a clip from the show.
"What would happen if my father became ill or passed away? Would I be able to handle it? And it struck me that I wouldn't be able to," she expressed in the video. "So I understood that I needed to take action, because what is life without your family? What is life without a father?"
In 2020, Tatum O'Neal's son announced on social media that the family had reconciled.
He had four children, including Tatum O'Neal and a son, Griffin O'Neal, with Moore. He also had a son, Redmond James O'Neal, with Fawcett. Patrick O'Neal, a sportscaster, was from his marriage with Taylor-Young. Earlier this year, his brother, actor Kevin O'Neal, passed away.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNNs Brian Lowry and Lisa Respers France contributed to this report.
