Ryan O’Neal, ‘Love Story’ and ‘Paper Moon’ Star, Dies at 82
variety.comCarmel Dagan Staff WriterOscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal, who came to prominence on TV’s “Peyton Place” and became a top star of the 1970s in films including “Love Story,” “What’s Up, Doc?,” “Paper Moon” and “Barry Lyndon,” died Friday, his son Patrick said on Instagram.
He was 82.He was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and with prostate cancer in 2012.“Ryan was a very generous man who has always been there to help his loved ones for decade upon decade,” said Patrick O’Neal’s post, “My dad was 82, and lived a kick ass life.
I hope the first thing he brags about in Heaven is how he sparred 2 rounds with Joe Frazier in 1966, on national TV, with Muhammad Ali doing the commentary, and went toe to toe with Smokin’ Joe.” In later years, O’Neal’s acting work often took a backseat in media coverage to his personal travails involving his combative relationship with longtime companion Farrah Fawcett, who died of cancer in 2009, and with his children, including Redmond O’Neal and actress Tatum O’Neal.
But in the 1970s, he was a top star, and in 1973 ranked behind only Clint Eastwood in terms of box office draw, ahead of Steve McQueen, Burt Reynolds and Robert Redford.“Love Story” was the No.
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