Ryan O’Neal’s Battle with Cancer
Ryan O’Neal fought leukemia and prostate cancer until his final days. He passed away on December 8, 2023, at 82 due to congestive heart failure. His last public appearances showed a man weakened by illness, a stark contrast to the charismatic actor Hollywood once knew.
A Hollywood Heartthrob
O’Neal captivated audiences in classics like Love Story and Barry Lyndon. In his prime, he was a true heartthrob, adored by fans worldwide. However, his personal life was often overshadowed by scandals, particularly his turbulent relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett.
Farrah Fawcett’s Influence
Fawcett redefined beauty in the 1970s, inspiring both men and women. While teenage boys admired her looks, young girls copied her iconic style. In the 1980s, she proved her talent extended beyond her appearance, earning respect as a skilled actress.
A Son Who Couldn’t Attend
In 1985, O’Neal and Fawcett welcomed their son, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal. But when Ryan was laid to rest, Redmond was absent. He was incarcerated in a California state hospital, struggling with addiction and mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Despite Ryan’s promise to Farrah to care for Redmond, their relationship deteriorated. Redmond refused to visit his father, a stark contrast to his presence at his mother’s 2009 funeral, where he attended in shackles.
Family Rift: Three Children Absent
Redmond’s absence was expected, but two of Ryan’s other children also missed the funeral. His son, Griffin O’Neal, revealed he wasn’t even invited.
“I’m the hated son who told the truth,” Griffin said. “There are dark times in this family. Love means never having to say you’re sorry — and Ryan never did, to anyone.”
Griffin, the son of O’Neal’s first wife Joanna Moore, drove 2,000 miles from Houston, Texas, expecting to attend. But when he arrived, he learned the service was scheduled for the weekend after Christmas.
“I wasn’t even invited to send him off,” Griffin told The New York Post.
Griffin and Ryan had been estranged for 17 years after a violent 2007 altercation in Malibu. Griffin allegedly swung a fireplace poker at Ryan, who responded by aiming a gun at him. “I could have hit him, but I missed,” Ryan admitted.
A Small Memorial
Despite their past, Griffin wanted to say goodbye. His brother, Patrick O’Neal, a Los Angeles sportscaster, didn’t share that sentiment. Patrick, who had grown closer to Ryan, organized the funeral.
Only about 25 people attended, including Patrick’s mother, actress Leigh Taylor-Young. Given Ryan O’Neal’s Hollywood legacy, many expected a grand farewell. His daughter, Tatum O’Neal, also did not attend. Their relationship had been strained for years.
A Father-Daughter Reconciliation
Fortunately, Ryan and Tatum reconciled in the late 2000s after decades of estrangement. After Tatum’s 2020 stroke from a drug overdose, she reunited with Ryan twice, including a visit for his birthday in April 2023.
“I feel great sorrow with my father’s passing,” Tatum said. “He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me too.”
Laid to Rest Beside Farrah
Ryan’s funeral took place at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery. His redwood-colored coffin was placed next to Farrah Fawcett’s grave, fulfilling his wish to rest beside her. Half of Farrah’s gravestone had remained empty since her passing, awaiting Ryan’s name.
Did Ryan Go Against Farrah’s Wishes?
However, controversy surrounded Farrah’s burial. Her former college sweetheart, Greg Lott, claimed she never wanted a public gravesite.
“Ryan created this narrative like it was a great love story,” Lott said. “They sedated her and forged documents.”
Craig Nevius, a producer who worked with Farrah, agreed. “I don’t think Ryan had the authority to decide she would be buried with him,” he said.
Love Story Not Inscribed
Despite speculation, Love Story was not inscribed on their gravestone. Instead, both names and dates were simply engraved. Alana Stewart, a close friend of Farrah’s, dismissed claims that Ryan took advantage of her.
“He and Farrah loved each other deeply,” she said. “She died in his arms, and she was there for him during his leukemia battle. Their love story had dark moments, but Ryan could be the sweetest, funniest guy.”
Patrick O’Neal Defends His Father
Ryan’s son Patrick fiercely defended his father’s legacy. “If you talk trash about my dad without knowing the truth, you will get called out,” he warned on Instagram.
In September 2024, Patrick criticized the Television Academy for omitting Ryan from the Emmy’s ‘In Memoriam’ segment.
“The TV Academy failed miserably,” Patrick wrote. “I won’t be watching, but I’ll enjoy a birthday dinner with my beautiful wife instead.”
Earlier that year, he had expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter): “Wasn’t watching #Emmys, but someone told me they left my dad out. Sad and mad is a paralyzing combo.”
However, in September, Ryan O’Neal was finally honored at the Emmys, ensuring his legacy was properly recognized.
