American actor Ryan O’Neal He died this Friday in Los Angeles, reported his son Patrick O’Neal. He was 82 years old. Known for his leading role in the romantic film Love Story, O’Neal acted in 40 films and television programs every month.
His portrayal of Oliver Barrett in Arthur Hiller’s acclaimed film earned him an Oscar nomination in 1970.
His family has not revealed the cause of death, but O’Neal was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012, according to the specialized press.
“My father died today in peace, with his beloved team at his side supporting him and loving him as he would love us,” his son Patrick said in a series of posts on Instagram.
“My father became an international movie star with Love Story in the early 70s, a decade in which he swept starring in films like What’s Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event y The Driver“his son highlighted proudly.
The Hollywood legend
Ryan O’Neal was born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a mother who was a stage actress and a father who was a novelist and screenwriter. The actor began boxing at school, a sport that helped him develop an impressive physique before landing small roles on television. And then he became one of the most coveted leading men in Hollywood.
In Love Story, considered among the 10 best romantic films of all time, he played Oliver Barret, a Harvard student who falls in love with a student from a different social class.
O’Neal also starred in the comedy What’s Up, Doc (1972), with Barbra Streisand, in addition to the dramatic comedy Paper Moon (1973), along with his daughter, Tatum O’Neal, and the war epic A Bridge Too Far.
The heartbreaker
He was married twice and had four children from three different relationships with whom he had a complicated relationship for years. O’Neal married first actress Joanna Moore, with whom he had two children, including Tatum, and then actress Leigh Taylor-Young, with whom he had a son, Patrick.
“As a human being, my father was very generous. And the funniest person in any room. And clearly the most handsome, but also the most charming. A lethal combination,” his son highlighted.
He had romances with actresses Ursula Andress, Jacqueline Bisset, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Angelica Huston. But in 1979 he met the great love of her life, the actress Farrah Fawcett, remembered for her role in Charlie’s Angels (Charlie’s Angels), with whom he had a son, Redmond.
The couple became one of the most famous in Hollywood. The relationship of the actors gave something to talk about for sentimental dramas, which is why they often starred on magazine covers. They separated in 1997 due to the actor’s infidelity and after seven years they resumed their love story. They remained together until the actress’s death in 2009 due to cancer. Farrah’s death plunged the actor into deep sadness.
“Ryan never boasted. But he has bragging rights in heaven. Especially when it comes to Farrah. Everyone had the poster, he had the real thing. And now they meet again. Farrah and Ryan. He’s missed her tremendously. “What a hug they must give each other. Together again,” said his son.
