Remembering Ryan O'Neal: Hollywood Icon of the '70s and Beloved Film Star
Legacy of a Versatile Actor Known for Love Story, Paper Moon, and Filmography Diversity
Leading Hollywood star Ryan O'Neal, who made his name in movies like Love Story (1970) and Paper Moon (1973), died on Friday at the age of 82, according to his son Patrick, who posted the news on Instagram.
The younger O'Neal posted a lengthy message and a photo of a sunset on Saturday, stating that his father had passed away quietly "with his loving team by his side." He continued by talking about how his father was his hero and how he had always respected him.
In the beginning of the 1970s, "My dad became an international movie star with Love Story. He absolutely crushed that decade by starring in movies like What's Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver," he added.
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The younger O'Neal also wrote about the origins of his father's first name and referred to him as a "Hollywood legend." "He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place three days a week (he starred in 500 shows over five years) and the name Ryan peaked after Love Story (the movie that gave my dad a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and saved Paramount Studios)," he spoke.
One of the biggest stars of the 1970s, O'Neal's magnetic presence and adaptability helped him succeed in a variety of genres, including comedies, thrillers, and dramas. Alongside Barbra Streisand, he collaborated with directors such as Peter Bogdanovich on the screwball comedy What's Up, Doc? in 1972 and the crime thriller Paper Moon in 1973. Additionally, he worked with Stanley Kubrick on the crime comedy The Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973) and Barry Lyndon (1975).
Oliver Barrett IV in Love Story, for which O'Neal received both critical and Academy Award nominations, was one of his most famous roles.
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