Ryan O’Neal, an American actor known for his roles in classic films such as “Love Story” and “Paper Moon,” passed away on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82.

The death of O’Neal was confirmed by his son, Patrick O’Neal, in an Instagram post. The precise cause of death was not revealed in the statement, but it was known that Ryan O’Neal had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2012, after earlier overcoming leukemia.

O’Neal was born on April 20, 1941, in Los Angeles, California. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with his role on the television series “Peyton Place.” His career reached its zenith in 1970 with the highly praised film “Love Story,” earning him an Oscar nomination. His 1973 performance in “Paper Moon,” co-starring his daughter Tatum O’Neal, who won an Academy Award, further established his position in Hollywood.

However, Ryan O’Neal’s personal life was fraught with challenges. He shared a long, often turbulent relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett, with whom he fathered a son, Redmond. O’Neal was also the father of Tatum, Griffin, and Patrick from previous relationships. His relationships with some of his children, particularly Tatum and Griffin, were strained, characterized by accusations of physical abuse and contentious interactions.

In addition to his struggle with prostate cancer, O’Neal was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 2001. He underwent successful treatment and went into remission, continuing his work in television and minor film roles well into his later years. Despite his persistence, O’Neal found it challenging to secure leading roles as he aged, resulting in a career filled with smaller-scale projects and TV roles in his later years.

Ryan O’Neal’s life and career included both remarkable achievements in cinema and personal hardships. He was recognized for his roles in films directed by Stanley Kubrick and Peter Bogdanovich, with a career spanning from the 1960s to recent times. O’Neal’s contributions to the film industry were commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The announcement of O’Neal’s death has received tributes from fans and fellow professionals, reflecting on his influence and memorable performances in film and TV.

In their tributes, his children remembered him fondly. Patrick O’Neal described him as “generous, funny, and handsome,” while Tatum O’Neal expressed profound grief over his passing, stating she would “miss him forever.” Tatum also talked about the significance of their shared experiences, both professionally and personally.