The world is mourning the loss of a beloved actor. Ryan O’Neal was best known for his roles on Bones, Peyton Place, and Love Story, for which he was nominated for an Oscar in the 1970s.
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His passing was confirmed by one of his children, his son Patrick. “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.”
“Ryan was a very generous man who has always been there to help his loved ones for decade upon decade. Those same people are heartbroken today and will be for a long time,” Patrick continued.
Ryan was 82 years old. It’s unclear if O’Neal was battling any illnesses at the time of his passing.
“I will share my father’s legacy forever. I will not be deterred from outside voices that say negative things. If you choose to talk shit about my dad, even though you have no clue what you are talking about, you will get called out. If you go that route, I recommend you take a good look in the mirror first,” Patrick added.
“My dad was 82, and lived a kick ass life. I hope the first thing he brags about in Heaven is how he sparred 2 rounds with Joe Frazier in 1966, on national TV, with Muhammad Ali doing the commentary, and went toe to toe with Smokin’ Joe. YouTube has it and trust me, it’s so awesome. Ryan by a majority decision. He loved boxing. And hitting the bag. My dad is a proud member of the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Although they never married, Ryan famously dated Farrah Fawcett for 18 years, reconnecting shortly before her passing in 2009. The former couple shared one son together, Redmond O’Neal.
His son, Patrick, addressed their relationship in his statement.
“Ryan never bragged. But he has bragging rights in Heaven. Especially when it comes to Farrah. Everyone had the poster, he had the real McCoy. And now they meet again. Farrah and Ryan. He has missed her terribly. What an embrace that must be. Together again.”
Ryan is survived by his four children and five grandchildren.
