Tatum O’Neal Speaks Out After Death of Father Ryan O’Neal

Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal

Tatum O'Neal shared a heartbreaking statement as she mourned the loss of her father Ryan O'Neal, who passed away at the age of 82 on Friday, Dec. 8.

The 60-year-old Academy Award winner, who co-starred in Paper Moon with her late father, said she feels "great sorrow with my father's passing" in a statement first published by People. "He meant the world to me."

"I loved him very much and know he loved me too," she added. "I'll miss him forever and I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms."

Years ago, Tatum's son Sean McEnroe hinted that there had been a family reconciliation after "years of hardship," a dynamic that Tatum previously addressed in her 2004 autobiography, A Paper Life.

"This is one of the most memorable photos of my life," Sean shared in a 2020 Instagram upload. "The last time we were all together was at the 30-year Paper Moon Anniversary in 2003. I could cry tears of gratitude that everyone in this photo is still alive and that we were all able to come together again after so many years of hardship. The entire West Coast is burning, but if the O’Neals can reconcile, truly anything is possible," he wrote.

Tatum's touching tribute honoring the Oscar nominee came shortly after her 56-year-old half-brother Patrick O'Neal announced the death of their father, whom he remembered as a "great man."

Related: Barbra Streisand Remembers 'Charming' Co-Star Ryan O'Neal Following His Death

"So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go," the sportscaster began in a statement on his personal Instagram page. "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."

"He is a Hollywood legend," Patrick went on, "Full stop."

Patrick discussed his father's life and legacy at length in a series of other posts made to the picture-sharing platform. He described Ryan as "generous as they come" and "the funniest person in any room."

"And the most handsome clearly, but also the most charming. Lethal combo," he added.

Ryan is best known for his roles on Peyton Place and Love Story, which he received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for the latter in 1970. Other acting credits include Paper Moon, What's Up, Doc, A Bridge Too Far, Barry Lyndon, The Main Event and The Driver.

Along with Tatum, whom Ryan shared with his first wife and late actress Joanna Moore, and Patrick, who he welcomed with his second wife Leigh Taylor-Young, the late actor is survived by his two other children: Griffin O'Neal, whom he also shares with Moore, and Redmond O'Neal, whom he welcomed with late actress Farrah Fawcett, in addition to several grandchildren.

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