Legendary actor Ryan O’Neal, best known for his roles in 1970’s classics like “Love Story” and “Paper Moon,” passed away on December 5 at the age of 82. His cause of death was recently revealed to be congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy, according to his death certificate.
O’Neal’s Hollywood Legacy
O’Neal first rose to fame in the 1960s TV soap opera “Peyton Place.” He went on to star in critically acclaimed films like “Love Story” opposite Ali MacGraw and “Paper Moon” with his daughter Tatum O’Neal.
Tatum became the youngest person ever to win a competitive Academy Award at age 10 for her performance in “Paper Moon.” Her father was also nominated for an Oscar for his work in that film.
Beyond his professional success, O’Neal had a storied personal life filled with tumultuous relationships and tragedy. His longtime partner Farrah Fawcett passed away in 2009 after a years-long battle with cancer. Their son Redmond has faced his own struggles with addiction and legal issues over the years.
Details on O’Neal’s Passing
O’Neal died at home in Los Angeles on December 5 at the age of 82. His death certificate, obtained by multiple news outlets, lists his cause of death as congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs in the body. Over time, the heart weakens and fails to function properly. Risk factors include coronary artery disease, heart defects, high blood pressure, diabetes and a previous heart attack.
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. The condition can get progressively worse and can eventually lead to heart failure or irregular heartbeats.
So in O’Neal’s case, it appears that his heart disease and issues with his heart muscle led to congestive heart failure which ultimately caused his death in December.
| Cause of Death | Description |
|---|---|
| Congestive Heart Failure | Chronic condition where the heart can’t pump enough blood & oxygen to organs |
| Cardiomyopathy | Diseases of heart muscle affecting pumping ability |
O’Neal likely struggled with heart issues for years based on his age and health history. But his decades of living a “hard-partying lifestyle,” as some friends described it, probably contributed to his condition over time as well.
Reactions from Friends & Co-Stars
In the wake of O’Neal’s passing, many of his famous friends and former co-stars shared fond memories of the late actor.
Longtime girlfriend Farrah Fawcett preceded him in death back in 2009 after her highly-publicized battle with cancer. O’Neal never remarried and apparently wished to be buried next to Fawcett at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
His famous daughter and “Paper Moon” co-star Tatum O’Neal called him “complicated” but said he tried his best. She’ll remember him most for the “overwhelming feeling of love” between them.
Actor Sylvester Stallone, a close friend of O’Neal’s for 40 years, said he’ll deeply miss Ryan’s “big heart.” Other stars like Mia Farrow, Antonio Banderas and Adam Sandler also posted tributes honoring his memorable film and TV career.
So while O’Neal certainly faced personal demons and controversies off-screen, he clearly made an impact among fellow stars who knew him best. As Stallone put it, “Ryan was one of my dearest friends…he lived the dream.”
What’s Next for the O’Neal Family
O’Neal leaves behind his 3 children – Tatum, Griffin and Redmond. Tragically, his son Griffin was diagnosed with late-stage cancer shortly before his father’s death in December.
Griffin’s health crisis meant he was unable to travel to be by his dad’s side at the end. Now he’ll mourn the loss of his father while continuing his own cancer treatments.
As for Tatum and Redmond, they seem to be focused on remembering their complicated yet beloved father. Tatum said she feels her dad had found “a little peace” in his final days after “a turbulent life.”
She shared that she held his hand and comforted him before he passed – coming full circle after he held her tiny hand on the set of “Paper Moon” nearly 50 years ago.
The O’Neal family clearly has endured immense pain and loss over the years. But Ryan’s children will carry his memory forward – celebrating his acting achievements while acknowledging his personal struggles.
His daughter Redmond perhaps sums it up best – Ryan O’Neal was simply “not perfect, wildly talented, loving, mean, funny, generous and loyal.” Complicated indeed, but never forgotten.
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