Actor Ryan O'Neal, a prominent figure in the film industry during the 1970s, passed away on Friday at the age of 82. One of his most memorable roles was in the tearjerker "Love Story," which became known for its iconic soundtrack and the famous line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
In an interview with "Sunday Morning" in 2021, O'Neal admitted that he had often found himself apologizing throughout his life. "I've had to say 'I'm sorry' a lot in my life, that's all I know," he said.
O'Neal was a talented actor, but he also struggled with personal issues. He played the lead role in Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" and starred alongside Barbra Streisand in "What's Up, Doc?". Additionally, he helped his daughter, Tatum, achieve an Oscar win at the age of 10 in "Paper Moon."
However, O'Neal's public image as the boy-next-door was sometimes contradictory to his personal life, which was marked by a hot temper, substance abuse, and alcoholism.
- In an interview, O'Neal admitted to being a bad parent to his children.
- Ryan and Tatum O'Neal attempted to mend their relationship on television.
Despite the ups and downs, the one constant in O'Neal's life was his relationship with Farrah Fawcett. Although their relationship was on-again/off-again, it was always described as tender by those close to them.
In the year 2001, during O'Neal's leukemia diagnosis, they were together. Five years later, when Fawcett started her own battle with terminal cancer, he stood by her side. He even proposed that they get married near the end, with the hospital chaplain officiating. "She said, 'Okay, let's get married,'" O'Neal revealed in a 2012 interview with "CBS This Morning". "But at that point, she was so weak that he could only administer the last rites."
- Ryan O'Neal shares his love story with Farrah Fawcett in a new book
- Ryan O'Neal takes responsibility for Farrah Fawcett's cancer, blaming himself and his family
Their relationship was reminiscent of the movie "Love Story" – intense and ultimately tragic.
Perhaps the reason why Ryan O'Neal's performance in that film has resonated with us for so long is because it represents a connection we all hope to find before it's too late.
Story produced by Mark Hudspeth. Editor: Emanuele Secci.
See also:
- Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw discuss "Love Letters"
