Actor Ryan O'Neal of 'Paper Moon' and 'Love Story' dead at 82

Actor Ryan O'Neal and longtime companion Farrah Fawcett arrive at the New York premiere of O'Neal's new movie, "Chances Are."
Actor Ryan O'Neal and longtime companion Farrah Fawcett arrive at the New York premiere of O'Neal's new movie, "Chances Are."

Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal has died. He was 82 years old. His son Patrick O’Neal confirmed details of his father's death on social media.

O’Neal was famous for his roles in major films including "Love Story," the classic 1970 romance movie in which he co-starred with Ali MacGraw.

His son Patrick wrote, "My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us."

Ryan O'Neal's career began to take off with his role in the nighttime soap "Peyton Place," which began in the mid-1960s, and in which he starred with actors like Mia Farrow.

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His son Patrick, a successful sportscaster in Los Angeles, said announcing the death of his father was "the toughest thing" he has "ever had to say."

"Ryan made such an impact and this will be difficult without him. This is, and will be, a huge void in our lives," he said.

O’Neal appeared in major film projects with stars of his day including Barbra Streisand, as well as his Oscar-winning daughter Tatum O’Neal.

The actor was known for his high-profile romance with Hollywood star Farrah Fawcett, who accompanied him to film premieres and other Hollywood events. The actor was also known for his private life as he battled through substance abuse issues and had alleged issues with infidelity that made it into the headlines.

O’Neal made a mark in what is now known as the golden era of 1970s Hollywood. "Love Story" turned O'Neal into a heartthrob for the entertainment press, and his 1973 Depression-era hit film "Paper Moon" — which also starred his daughter Tatum, 9 years old at the time — showed his poignant and comedic acting abilities.

His son wrote of his father, who died on Friday, "I’ll miss you dad. I love you. We love you.No one told a story better than Ryan O’Neal."

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