Paramount Pictures/IMDB
Ryan O’Neill and Ali McGrath starred in “Love Story” (1970).
CNN
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Ryan O’Neal’s “Love Story” costar Ali Magra shared an emotional tribute to him Death of O’Neill On Friday.
“Working with Ryan all those years ago was one of the best experiences of my film career, and we’ve always been friends,” MacGraw wrote in a statement shared with CNN on Saturday through a representative.
The pair made an indelible mark in the 1970 tearjerker “Love Story,” in which a wealthy Ivy Leaguer (O’Neill) falls in love with a free-spirited woman (McGraw), only to watch her die of a deadly disease. The film was a huge hit, and both stars were nominated for an Oscar for their performance in the Arthur Hiller-directed adaptation of the Erich Segal novel.
“He was a talented actor, charming and funny. I know that much of my success was due to his generosity as my co-star. It’s devastating to know how ill Ryan has been over the years, and I’m not surprised to learn that he’s passed away,” McGrath’s statement on Saturday continued. .” Fortunately, she was surrounded by her son Patrick and a small group of lifelong close friends. My heart goes out to his four children and those who loved him so much.
“Ryan and I worked together years ago on the ‘Love Letters’ road company,” he added. A reunion on stage 2015 for the national tour of the play AR Gurney. “It was a wonderful experience and I will miss him and the fun we shared … and I pray that he may finally find peace.”
Other stars paying tribute to O’Neill include his “What’s Up, Doc?” And “The Main Event” costar Barbra Streisand wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she was “saddened” to hear of the actor’s death.
“He was funny and beautiful and will be missed,” she said wrote On Friday.
O’Neill, who starred in “Barry Lyndon” and “Paper Moon,” died Friday, according to his son Patrick, who broke the news on social media. The actor is said to be 82 years old.
“My dad passed away peacefully today, supported by his loving team, who loved him as much as we did,” Patrick O’Neill. wrote On Friday.
He added: “My father Ryan O’Neill has always been my hero. I looked at him and he was always larger than life.
