Ryan O'Neal, the celebrated actor who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Love Story, has passed away at the age of 82, according to his son. O'Neal, an American actor, is most remembered for his performance in the 1970 romantic film Love Story.
The cause of death wasn't disclosed by his family. However, O'Neal had been suffering from chronic leukemia since 2001 and was also found to have prostate cancer in 2012.
He also featured in popular 1970s movies such as What's Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, and A Bridge Too Far.
His son declared his dad as "an iconic figure in Hollywood. Period."
"Today, my father departed this life serenely, surrounded by his caring crew who were there for him," Patrick O'Neal shared on Instagram on Friday.
He further stated that his dad had consistently been his idol.
O'Neal's striking appearance swiftly propelled him from TV soaps to the big screen in the emotional film Love Story. He played the role of a wealthy Harvard student who falls for a girl from a lower socioeconomic background, portrayed by Ali MacGraw.
The American Film Institute ranks the film among the top 10 most swoon-worthy of all time.
He later became a lead actor in the 1972 comedic film, What's Up, Doc?, featuring Barbra Streisand. He then had another opportunity to work with her in The Main Event in 1979.
"It's heartbreaking to learn about the demise of Ryan O'Neal," Streisand shared on X, previously known as Twitter.
"She further added that his humor and charisma were unforgettable."
In the 1973 road comedy-drama Paper Moon, he portrayed a conman from the Depression-era. His co-star was his nine-year-old daughter, Tatum O'Neal, whose outstanding supporting performance earned her an Oscar.
O'Neal also starred alongside a stellar lineup in the 1977 war saga A Bridge Too Far and Barry Lyndon (1975), which was Stanley Kubrick's eagerly awaited sequel to A Clockwork Orange.
However, his fame dwindled towards the late 1970s and only his tumultuous private life maintained his presence in the news.
In 1941, he came into the world in Los Angeles, the son of a stage actress mother and a father who was both a novelist and a screenplay writer.
O'Neal began boxing during his school years and built a notable physique, which led to minor roles on television.
He landed a role in Peyton Place, recognized as the first prime-time soap opera in the United States. This part propelled him to fame, and similar to his colleague Mia Farrow, he successfully transitioned to film.
He had two marriages: initially with the American actress Joanna Moore, who gave birth to their two kids, Tatum being one of them, and later with Leigh Taylor-Young, an Emmy award recipient actress, together they had a son named Patrick.
O'Neal was however equally recognized for his enduring and stormy love affair with the actress, Farrah Fawcett. Their relationship spanned from 1979 to 1997 and then resumed from 2001 up until Fawcett's demise in 2009.
During a 2011 conversation with Piers Morgan, O'Neal expressed that revisiting his movie "Love Story" was quite distressing for him.
"Farrah was taken from me by cancer, and I often ponder [why] such a scenario unfolded in my life," stated O'Neal.
In his homage to his dad, Patrick O'Neal expressed that his father was "talented in his profession, incredibly hardworking, and simply adored acting".
"He further commented about his dad, stating, "In terms of humanity, my father was the embodiment of generosity." He also considered him to be the life of the party with his unbeatable humor. Not only was he incredibly good-looking, but he also had an irresistible charm. A deadly combination indeed."
Patrick also honored Fawcett, his father's enduring sweetheart.
They're reunited once more. Farrah and Ryan. He's been longing for her intensely. Imagine the warmth of their hug. United once again.
Associated Subjects
Further details on this narrative
O'Neal is allowed to retain Fawcett's painting
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