• Faith: Christianity
• Career: Actor
• Birthday:  April 20, 1941
• Date of Death:  December 08, 2023

Ryan O'Neal was an actor and familiar face in Hollywood for decades, known for his charming smile and captivating performances on screen.

His upbringing was far from ordinary, and it greatly influenced the person he would become. Born on April 20, 1941, in Los Angeles, O'Neal experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by divorce and tragedy. His father, Charles O'Neal, was absent for much of his life, and his mother, Patricia O'Neal, struggled with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, O'Neal discovered his passion for acting at a young age and found solace in the performing arts. This early exposure to the world of entertainment shaped his resilience and determination, setting the stage for his future success in Hollywood.

Ryan O'Neal's acting career was nothing short of impressive, spanning over several decades and encompassing a wide range of roles. O’Neal made his way as an actor by starring in various US television shows in the 1960s. He was a guest actor on shows like "The Untouchables," "General Electric Theater," "Leave It to Beaver" and more. He went on to be a regular on NBC’s "Empire" and later the primetime serial drama "Peyton Place." He catapulted to global fame in 1970 upon starring opposite Ali MacGraw in "Love Story," a film that nabbed him Golden Globe and Oscar nominations.

After "Love Story," O’Neal starred opposite Barbra Streisand in "What’s Up, Doc?" and "The Main Event." Between those films, he made a splash alongside his then 9-year-old daughter, Tatum O’Neal, in the 1973 film "Paper Moon," again earning a Golden Globe nomination.

He played the lead in Stanley Kubrick‘s Barry Lyndon in 1975 and starred in many other films throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s and well into the 2000s.

O'Neal married his first wife, actress Joanna Moore, in 1963. His marriage to Moore was marked by turbulence and ultimately ended in divorce due to their personal struggles. They had two children (including daughter Tatum O'Neal) before separating in 1966. Moore eventually lost custody of their children to O'Neal as a result of her alcoholism and drug addiction. His second marriage was to actress Leigh Taylor-Young, with whom he had a son. They remained friends after divorcing in 1974.

However, it was his relationship with Farrah Fawcett that captured the attention of the public. They were considered one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples and their love story seemed like a fairytale. O'Neal was in a relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett from 1979 to 1997. The relationship was tumultuous due to his infidelity and volatile behavior. Fawcett ended the relationship after she discovered O'Neal was having an affair with actress Leslie Stefanson. O'Neal and Fawcett reunited in 2001 and were together until her death in 2009. They had one son together, Redmond James Fawcett O'Neal.

O'Neal's eldest son, Griffin O'Neal, followed in his father's footsteps as an actor, but their relationship has been strained at times due to personal struggles. Tatum O'Neal, his daughter, also pursued a career in acting and made history as the youngest Oscar winner at the age of 10. However, their relationship faced its share of challenges, including Tatum's substance abuse issues. Redmond O'Neal, Ryan's son with Farrah Fawcett, has struggled with addiction, which resulted in strained relationships with both his father and siblings.

As Ryan O'Neal entered the later years of his life, he faced significant health struggles that impacted both his personal and professional endeavors. O'Neal battled chronic pain and underwent multiple surgeries, including knee replacements. These health challenges took a toll on his physical well-being, making it more difficult for him to maintain the same level of activity in the entertainment industry. The actor was then diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and then with prostate cancer in 2012. O'Neal passed away on December 8, 2023.

Ryan O'Neal's Religious Beliefs

Throughout his life, Ryan O'Neal's Christian faith played a significant role in shaping his journey. His belief in God has provided him with strength, comfort, and guidance during challenging times. O'Neal was open about the role that his faith has played in his personal and professional life, often turning to prayer and seeking solace in the teachings of the Bible.