The life and career of Ryan O'Neal is being remembered by some of the biggest names in entertainment following the heartbreaking death of the Hollywood legend.
The charismatic actor, who graced the silver screen for over six decades, passed away on Friday (December 8) at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
O'Neal's passing was confirmed by the actor's son, Patrick O'Neal, on Instagram - who revealed that the Love Story star "passed away peacefully" yesterday.
The actor's daughter, Oscar-winning actress Tatum O'Neal, later told PEOPLE: "I feel great sorrow with my father's passing... He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me too. I'll miss him forever and I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms."
Among those to pay tribute to the late icon is former flame Barbra Streisand, who wrote on Instagram: "So sad to hear the news of Ryan O’Neal’s passing [...] We made two films together, What’s Up, Doc? and The Main Event. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered."
O'Neal's Peyton Place co-star Mia Farrow also paid tribute to the late Hollywood heartthrob on Instagram, writing in a tribute post: "I was 18 when we made the pilot for Peyton Place. He was several years older than me, happily married to a gorgeous actress Joanna Moore and they had a new baby (Tatum). He was so confident and very, very funny!"
"There were times when he made me laugh so uncontrollably that we had to stop shooting," she added. "He was my first, very secret crush. I was so shy I could barely look at him."
Lee Grant - who starred alongside O'Neal in Peyton Place - took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to pay tribute, writing: "Impossible to believe that Ryan O’Neal is gone. I felt so welcomed by his Peyton Place, the first big production brave enough to welcome me back from the blacklist.
"An incredible talent, an incredible beauty. A gift of an artist we’re lucky to have so much of captured forever."
In a series of touching Instagram posts, Patrick O'Neal wrote of his father: "My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life."
"As a human being, my father was as generous as they come," he continued. "And the funniest person in any room. And the most handsome clearly, but also the most charming. Lethal combo. He loved to make people laugh. It’s pretty much his goal. Didn’t matter the situation, if there was a joke to be found, he nailed it. He really wanted us laughing. And we did all laugh. Every time. We had fun."
Born on April 20, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, Charles Patrick Ryan O'Neal embarked on a career that would make him a household name in Hollywood. Raised in a modest family, O'Neal's early life was a testament to his resilience and determination. He attended the University of Redlands on a basketball scholarship but soon found his true calling in the world of acting.
O'Neal's career began in earnest during the 1960s when he made his mark on both television and film. His handsome looks and undeniable charm quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. He gained recognition with roles in TV series like Peyton Place and The Big Valley.
However, it was O'Neal's performance in the iconic film Love Story (1970) that would forever etch his name in Hollywood history. Starring opposite Ali MacGraw, the poignant love story touched the hearts of millions and catapulted him to superstardom. O'Neal's unforgettable portrayal of Oliver Barrett IV earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
His success in Love Story was just the beginning of an illustrious career filled with memorable roles. O'Neal showcased his versatility by taking on a wide range of characters. He seamlessly transitioned from romantic leads to compelling dramatic roles, always delivering performances that left a lasting impact.
In Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon (1975), O'Neal demonstrated his dramatic prowess, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the complex and morally ambiguous Redmond Barry. His role in Paper Moon (1973) showcased his comedic talents, earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
O'Neal's remarkable career was punctuated by awards and nominations. In addition to his Academy Award nomination for Love Story, he received recognition from various prestigious award bodies. His contributions to the world of entertainment were celebrated with nominations for Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, and more.
As we remember Ryan O'Neal today, it's impossible to overlook his enduring impact on Hollywood and the hearts of those who watched his films and admired his talent. His work will continue to inspire actors and filmmakers for generations, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of cinematic history.
Our thoughts go out to O'Neal's family, friends, and fans at this time.
