Ryan O’Neal’s Passing: Details of Cause of Death Unveiled
The actor from 'Love Story' passed away at the age of 82 in December.
Renowned actor Ryan O’Neal’s cause of death has been revealed, following his passing at 82 on December 8. According to The Blast, the actor succumbed to “congestive heart failure,” as detailed in his recently obtained death certificate.
Reports indicate O’Neal battled cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle’s ability to circulate blood throughout the body, for a number of years.
His son, sports presenter Patrick O’Neal, disclosed the news of his father’s death on Instagram. He mentioned Ryan’s health struggles, including a diagnosis of chronic leukaemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012, adding heartfelt remarks about his father’s character and humour.
Describing Ryan as extraordinarily generous, immensely funny, and charmingly handsome, Patrick reminisced about his father’s knack for bringing laughter into any situation. He shared fond memories of their times together, emphasizing Ryan’s passion for making people laugh, a trait he consistently achieved.
Born in LA in 1941, O’Neal gained fame in 1964 with his role as Rodney Harrington in the popular prime time series Peyton Place. Throughout the Seventies, he became a prominent figure in several blockbuster films, notably earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in Love Story and starring in the comedic hit What’s Up Doc? alongside Barbra Streisand.
In her memoir ‘A Paper Life’, Tatum O’Neal detailed the alleged physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, Ryan O’Neal.
During an unsettling incident at the funeral of Griffin’s mother and O’Neal’s long-term partner, Farrah Fawcett, he allegedly made a misguided sexual advance towards Tatum, failing to recognize her as his daughter.
However, Tatum disclosed that she and her father reconciled before his passing, expressing deep remorse at his death. She told People, “He meant the world to me. I loved him very much, and I know he loved me too. I’ll miss him forever, and I feel fortunate that we parted on good terms.”
O’Neal was a father to Tatum and her brother, Griffin O’Neal, with Joanna Moore. He had Patrick with Leigh Taylor-Young, and his youngest son, Redmond, with Farrah Fawcett.
