Love Story actor Ryan O’Neal has died at the age of 82, his son has announced.
Writing on Instagram, Peter O’Neal wrote: “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.
“This is very difficult for my wife Summer and I, but I will share some feelings to give you an idea of how great a man he is.”
Mr O’Neal went on to talk about how much he looked up to his “bigger than life” father, as well as describing how he “crushed” the 1970s.
He added: “My dad became an international movie star with Love Story at the beginning of the 1970’s, a decade he absolutely crushed by starring in movies like What’s Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver.
“He is a Hollywood legend. Full stop.
“The growth spurt of the first name Ryan can be traced back to my dad. That’s a fact. He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place three days a week (he starred in 500 shows over five years) 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).”
Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw in Love Story in 1970. Pic ITV/Shutterstock
Throughout his career, O’Neal starred in a number of iconic productions, including the projects mentioned by his son, and most recently appeared in Bones, as the father of the main character.
His role in Love Story earned him an Oscar nomination, with it and Paper Moon also earning him Golden Globe nods.
O’Neal is also known for his tumultuous relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett, who initially left him in the late 1990s, before the pair got together again in 2001 until her death eight years later.
