Ryan O’Neal’s Love Story” co-star Ali MacGraw broke her silence after the actor death at the age of 82 Friday.
Over the weekend, the 84-year-old actress paid homage to Ryan O’Neal, her co-star from the 1970 romance drama. In a statement to Fox News Digital, MacGraw expressed her sentiments, stating, “Working with Ryan, all those years ago, was one of the great experiences of my film career, and we remained friends ever after.”
Discovering the extent of Ryan’s prolonged illness has been heartbreaking, and I was saddened, though not surprised, to learn of his passing yesterday morning. Fortunately, he was surrounded by his son Patrick and a close-knit group of lifelong friends. the actor death
“My heartfelt condolences go out to all four of his children and to those who loved him dearly. Ryan and I collaborated once again several years ago in the road company for ‘Love Letters.’ It was a delightful experience, and I will miss him and the joy we shared. May he finally find peace.”
The specific cause of O’Neal’s death has not been disclosed. In 2012, the actor received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a decade after being initially diagnosed with chronic leukemia.
“Erich Segal directed ‘Love Story,’ a poignant film that chronicles the love story of two Harvard College students with diverse backgrounds. They fall deeply in love, marry, but their happiness is cut short by tragedy.
The movie is an adaptation of the bestselling 1970 novel with the same title, authored by Erich Segal himself.”
“Love Story,” widely regarded as one of the most romantic films of all time, garnered seven Academy Award nominations, including a prestigious nod for Best Picture. Both Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw received Oscar nominations for their performances, and they both secured Golden Globe Awards for their notable roles.
The movie not only achieved critical acclaim but also proved to be a financial triumph, grossing $130 million worldwide. It is often credited with rescuing Paramount Pictures from financial turmoil.
In a 2020 interview with Town & Country, MacGraw and O’Neal reunited to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Love Story.”
Reflecting on the passage of time, O’Neal quipped to the outlet, “It’s been a fast 50. I don’t have those relationships with my wives!”
MacGraw shared her emotional reaction to the story, stating, “I cried, and I thought I was crazy,” recalling her first encounter with the narrative.