Hollywood veteran Ryan O’Neal has passed away. The actor’s death was revealed by his son, Patrick O’Neal, along with a heartbreaking tribute.
Ryan was known for his iconic roles in the film, “Love Story,” and “Peyton Place.”
Before his passing, he was diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and then with prostrate cancer in 2012.
Ryan O’Neal Has Passed Away At Age 82
As revealed by his son Patrick, the movie star died surrounded by his loved ones after battling several illnesses in the past few years.
“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us,” Patrick started on Instagram. “This is very difficult for my wife Summer and I, but I will share some feelings to give you an idea of how great a man he is.”
He continued, “My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life. When I was born in 1967 my dad was already a TV star on Peyton Place. That’s where he met my mom Leigh Taylor-Young, and about 9 months later (give or take a date night or two) I was born.”
Patrick O’Neal Reminisces On His Father’s Legacy
While paying his tribute to his late father, Patrick also made sure to talk about how much of a star Ryan was, by highlighting some of his most iconic work.
“My dad became an international movie star with Love Story at the beginning of the 1970s, a decade he absolutely crushed by starring in movies like What’s Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver,” he wrote.
Patrick noted that the “growth spurt of the first name Ryan” could be traced back to his dad whom he described as ” a Hollywood legend. Full stop.”
Adding to the touching message, he continued, “He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place 3 days a week (he starred in 500 shows over 5 years), and then of course the name Ryan peaked after Love Story (the film that saved Paramount Studios and earned my dad a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame)”]
