Ryan O’Neal’s Battle with Cancer Ends in Tragedy, Son Absent from Funeral
Ryan O’Neal fought a long and exhausting battle against leukemia and prostate cancer before passing away on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82. His death, caused by congestive heart failure, marked the end of a distinguished Hollywood career. But despite the public mourning of the beloved actor, his son did not attend the funeral.
O’Neal’s health had significantly declined in his final years, and the last images of him reflected a far more frail version of the man who once captivated audiences with his charm and charisma.
A Star’s Rise and Personal Struggles
O’Neal’s breakthrough came in iconic films like Love Story and Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, cementing his status as a heartthrob. He earned admiration from women around the world during his heyday. Yet, his personal life, especially his turbulent relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett, often overshadowed his professional accomplishments. Farrah, a trailblazing figure in the 1970s, became an icon not only for her beauty but for her evolving career as a talented actress in the 1980s.
In 1985, Ryan and Farrah had a son, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal, but Redmond’s life has been marked by struggles with addiction and mental health issues. By the time his father passed away, Redmond, who has faced numerous incarcerations and stays in mental health facilities, was notably absent from the funeral, being incarcerated at a state hospital in California.
A Family Divided
Redmond’s absence wasn’t the only surprising aspect of the memorial service. Two of Ryan O’Neal’s other children were also missing, with Griffin O’Neal, from Ryan’s first marriage, revealing that he was not even invited to the ceremony.
Griffin, who drove 2,000 miles to attend, arrived only to discover the service wouldn’t be held until after Christmas. He told The New York Post that he had been left out of the event, despite the fractured relationship he had with his father. The two hadn’t spoken in 17 years after a violent altercation in 2007, but Griffin still wanted a chance to say goodbye.
The memorial was organized by Ryan’s second son, Patrick O’Neal, a sportscaster, who had become closer to his father in the years leading up to his death. The service, held at the Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, was attended by only about 25 people, including Patrick’s mother, actress Leigh Taylor-Young. Despite Ryan’s significant mark on Hollywood, his memorial was a small affair.
Tatum O’Neal: A Complex Relationship
Ryan’s daughter, Tatum O’Neal, also did not attend the memorial. Their strained relationship had been difficult for years, with Ryan admitting in 2009 that he was “a hopeless father.” However, in the late 2000s, they reconciled, and their bond grew stronger in the years before Ryan’s passing. After his death, Tatum expressed deep sorrow, saying, “He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me too.”
A Controversial Burial
Ryan O’Neal’s final resting place is next to Farrah Fawcett, whom he had shared a long and sometimes complicated relationship with. He had expressed regret about not having more time with her, and his wish to be buried beside her was ultimately fulfilled. However, this choice sparked controversy when Farrah’s college sweetheart, Greg Lott, accused Ryan of disregarding her final wishes. He claimed that Farrah never wanted a public monument or burial, and that Ryan had manipulated the situation after her death.
Despite these accusations, friends of the couple, like Alana Stewart, a longtime confidant of Farrah, defended their relationship, stating that Ryan and Farrah had a deep, enduring love for each other.
A Son’s Defense
Patrick O’Neal, determined to defend his father’s legacy, addressed those who criticized Ryan’s actions. He vowed to call out anyone who tarnished his father’s name without understanding the full story. His efforts were further highlighted when, ahead of the Emmys, he criticized the Television Academy for omitting Ryan from the “In Memoriam” segment.
After much effort, Ryan was finally recognized during the Emmys, and Patrick posted a tribute, acknowledging his father’s love for television and his humility.
Ryan O’Neal’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, but despite the family’s complicated history, Patrick remains determined to honor his father’s legacy.