Ali MacGraw Pays Tribute to Ryan O'Neal — Inside Their Relationship 53 Years since 'Love Story'

• The Oscar-nominated star Ryan O'Neal passed away on December 8, 2023, leaving his family, friends, and fans heartbroken.
• Following the 82-year-old actor's death, many celebrities took to social media to pay him tribute, including Ali MacGraw.
• MacGraw, who played O'Neal's girlfriend and wife in "Love Story," fondly remembered her beloved co-star and their lovely time together.

On Friday, December 8, 2023, Ryan O'Neal took his last breath at a hospital in Santa Monica, California. The actor, who grappled with prostate cancer from 2012 onward, a decade after his initial diagnosis of chronic leukemia, passed away at the age of 82, leaving his loved ones and fans in pieces.

Born in Los Angeles on April 20, 1941, O'Neal initially ventured into the world of boxing before transitioning to acting in 1960. Things turned around for him in 1964 when he starred as Rodney Harrington on the ABC nighttime soap opera "Peyton Place." The series quickly gained popularity, providing a pivotal upswing to his career.

Subsequently, O'Neal achieved notable success in the realm of cinema, particularly with his roles in "Love Story" (1970), earning him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor, as well as in "What's Up, Doc?" (1972) and "Paper Moon" (1973), among many others.

The news of O'Neal's death was confirmed by one of his sons in a social media post. "So this is the toughest thing I've ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us...My father Ryan O'Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life," wrote Patrick O'Neal on Instagram.

Patrick further stated, "He is a Hollywood legend...The growth spurt of the first name Ryan can be traced back to my dad...He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place 3 days a week, and then, of course, the name Ryan peaked after Love Story (the film that saved Paramount Studios and earned my dad a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame)."

Ali MacGraw Remembers Her Beloved Co-Star

Following O'Neal's death, numerous friends took a moment to reflect on the cherished moments they had shared with the late star. Among them was his co-star Ali MacGraw, who starred as his love interest in "Love Story," adapted from Erich Segal's novel of the same name.

The late star shared his belief that destiny had orchestrated his collaboration with MacGraw for the play.

In a public statement shared online, MacGraw, 84, reflected on her collaboration with O'Neal in the 1970 classic romantic/thriller. She revealed that working with O'Neal 53 years ago had been one of the great experiences of her film career, and they remained friends ever after. The "China Rose" actress described him as a skilled actor who was both charming and funny.

MacGraw continued to share her thoughts, stating that she knew a significant part of her success was due to O'Neal's generosity as her co-star. She expressed it had been devastating to learn just how ill he had been for many years, and she was not surprised to hear of his passing.

MacGraw mentioned that her heart went out to O'Neal's children and the people who loved him the most. The "National Causes" alum said she was relieved to hear that O'Neal was surrounded by his son and a small group of close friends in his last moments.

"My heart goes out to all four of his children and to the people who loved him most. Ryan and I worked together again several years ago with the road company for 'Love Letters.' It was a wonderful experience, and I shall miss him and the fun we shared……and I pray that he will find Peace at last," expressed MacGraw.

In their iconic roles, MacGraw portrayed the working-class character Jenny Cavilleri, while O'Neal took on the role of the preppy Oliver Barrett IV. Despite coming from different backgrounds as university students, Jenny and Oliver fell in love and eventually tied the knot. Their on-screen journey took a poignant turn when, on the brink of starting a family, they discovered that MacGraw's character was grappling with an undisclosed illness.

The film, known for evoking millions of tears and strong emotions, is also remembered for delivering the classic line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

The Stars Reflected on Their Magical On-Screen Chemistry

In 2021, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their iconic film, the two stars reflected on their work relationship and off-screen friendship. When questioned about her chemistry with O'Neal, MacGraw replied, "We had absolutely nothing in common. He was a California kid, had been a movie star, was athletic."

Despite the differences, MacGraw, who was a newcomer in the acting arena at the time, reminisced, "We just clicked." Meanwhile, O'Neal concurred, saying, "It was magic." The impact of the script moved MacGraw profoundly, though she couldn't foresee its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. She remarked, "I had no idea, up until the night we saw it and the whole audience was crying at the end."

Recalling a moment, O'Neal recounted driving by the Village Theater in L.A.'s Westwood area with a few friends "to see if there was a line," he explained, adding, "There was one all the way around the block, and when we asked, 'Is this for this show?' They said, 'No, it's for the next one.'"

One of MacGraw's cherished scenes involved playing in the snow with O'Neal without any dialogue. The "Glam" actress mentioned that they were making snow angels and engaging in various activities to loosen up. She emphasized that, for someone unfamiliar with the craft like herself, it provided a significant relief because there was no need to worry about forgetting lines.

MacGraw attributed the movie's success to O'Neal, director Arthur Hiller, and other behind-the-scenes crew members. She stated, "They all knew what they were doing. And so, because I've worked so long behind the camera and loved it, I have huge respect for that part of what makes a movie great. And all the pieces went together."

The Star Couple's Lovely Reunion

In 2015, MacGraw and O'Neal reunited for a performance of "Love Letters," the highly acclaimed Broadway play by A.R. Gurney, hosted at Fort Lauderdale's Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

MacGraw conveyed her delight about their reunion, expressing that it felt wonderful to be back together and highlighting that their chemistry remained unchanged. O'Neal agreed, saying, "We are more than friends. [Ali] is like my sister, only she had better lock her door at night so I can't get in there. We have some unfinished business, and we are running out of time!"

The late star shared his belief that destiny had orchestrated his collaboration with MacGraw for the play. He fondly expressed that the prospect of working together again was a dream come true. O'Neal spoke highly of MacGraw, describing her as an original, generous, and sensitive individual.

The "Paper Moon" actor expressed that he and MacGraw never had any arguments or disagreements throughout their many years of working together.