Ali MacGraw: A Star’s Rise and Fall
Ali MacGraw became a Hollywood icon almost overnight. However, just as quickly as she shot to fame, she vanished from the limelight.
Today, at 85, she lives quietly in a small town, embracing aging gracefully with her gray hair.
Early Life and Family Struggles
Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, Ali’s family faced hardships. Her mother, Frances, was an artist, while her father, Richard, had a troubled childhood. Richard, who had endured an orphanage and ran away to sea, struggled with anger and suppressed trauma. Ali recalled how her father’s rage affected their home life.
Money was tight, and the family lived in a shared house with an elderly couple. Ali described the lack of privacy as unbearable. Her mother, Frances, worked multiple art jobs to support them, while her father struggled with his art sales, leading to frustration and anger at home.
Pursuit of Creativity and Career Beginnings
Despite a tough upbringing, Ali aimed to follow a creative path. She earned a scholarship to Rosemary Hall, then attended Wellesley College. By 22, she moved to New York and landed a job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Fashion editor Diana Vreeland hired her as an assistant, where Ali worked under demanding conditions.
Eventually, fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky noticed her beauty, and Ali moved into styling, a job she excelled at for six years. Her hard work earned her a reputation in the industry.
From Fashion to Film
Ali’s success in fashion soon led her to modeling. She graced magazine covers and appeared in TV commercials. But her breakthrough came when she decided to become an actress. Her transition was swift, and her natural beauty captivated audiences.
After a small role in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), Ali starred in Goodbye, Columbus (1969), earning a Golden Globe. But her true international breakthrough came with Love Story (1970). The romantic drama, in which she played Jenny, a college student, became a massive hit. It was the sixth highest-grossing film of its time.
Love Story and Stardom
Love Story earned Ali an Academy Award nomination and several other accolades, including a second Golden Globe. During filming, she met producer Robert Evans, who would become her husband in 1969. They had a son, Josh Evans, in 1971.
Though Ali was the star of the 1970s, her marriage to Evans ended after an affair with actor Steve McQueen. Ali was drawn to McQueen’s original and principled character, but their relationship was tumultuous.
Struggles and Personal Life
Ali’s relationship with McQueen had its own challenges. He had trust issues, stemming from his childhood, and didn’t like that Ali worked. She eventually realized she couldn’t accept his controlling behavior. Their marriage ended in 1978, and soon after, Ali’s career began to suffer.
She turned to alcohol and checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986, seeking help. Her son Josh struggled to watch his mother’s decline, but after 30 days in therapy, Ali emerged stronger.
Life After Hollywood
By the early 1980s, Ali left Hollywood for good. She briefly worked in interior design and appeared in a few TV miniseries, but her career faltered. In 1993, a wildfire destroyed her California home, prompting her to move to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In Santa Fe, she found fulfillment through community work and volunteer efforts, including helping at the International Folk Art Market. She also found a new passion in animal rights and yoga.
Later Years and Family Legacy
Although Ali MacGraw stepped away from acting, she returned to the stage in 2006, reuniting with Ryan O’Neal in Festen on Broadway. Outside of this, she has kept a low profile but remains open to new adventures. Ali has said, “There’s not just one thing I love to do.”
Her son Josh, following in his mother’s footsteps, pursued a career in acting and directing. He made his film debut in Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and later directed several films, including Death in the Desert (2015).
Josh has made a name for himself behind the camera and seems more comfortable there. “I am definitely more comfortable on the side of the camera that does not show myself,” he says.
Conclusion
Ali MacGraw’s journey from Hollywood stardom to personal struggles and a quiet life in New Mexico is a testament to her resilience. While she may no longer seek the spotlight, her legacy, both on screen and in her personal life, continues to resonate.
