Controversy Erupts at Ryan O’Neal’s Funeral — Why His Son Was Excluded
Hollywood mourned the loss of iconic actor Ryan O’Neal, who passed away on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82. O’Neal had battled prostate cancer for several years and later struggled with leukemia. Congestive heart failure was cited as the official cause of his death. In the months leading up to his passing, he appeared frail and weakened, a stark contrast to the charismatic energy that defined his decades-long career.
A Storied Career in Hollywood
O’Neal began his career in the 1960s with a breakthrough role as Rodney Harrington in the popular TV drama Peyton Place. His portrayal of the complex, handsome young man earned him immediate recognition and set the stage for future stardom.
By the 1970s, he had transitioned seamlessly into film. His role in Love Story (1970) alongside Farrah Fawcett catapulted him to international fame, making him a cultural icon and one of the most sought-after actors of the era. He demonstrated remarkable versatility in Stanley Kubrick’s historical epic Barry Lyndon (1975) and received critical acclaim for Paper Moon (1973), co-starring his daughter Tatum O’Neal. Over the decades, he appeared in films such as The Driver’s Seat (1974), A Bridge Too Far (1977), and Villain (1971), and made guest appearances on TV shows like Columbo and Charlie’s Angels, maintaining relevance across multiple platforms.
Turbulent Personal Life and High-Profile Relationships
While O’Neal’s professional life flourished, his personal life was often tumultuous and public. His decades-long relationship with Farrah Fawcett endured through health struggles, career challenges, and intense media scrutiny. He was by her side during her battle with anal cancer until her death in 2009. Following her passing, he expressed regret over not spending more time with her in her final months.
O’Neal was married three times. His first marriage to actress Joanna Moore produced two children, Griffin and Tatum O’Neal, the latter winning an Academy Award at age 10 for Paper Moon. His second marriage to Leigh Taylor-Young and other relationships shaped a complex family dynamic that often made headlines.
Family Struggles and Funeral Controversy
O’Neal’s funeral at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles was a small, private affair with approximately 25 attendees. Present were his second wife, Leigh Taylor-Young, and his son Patrick O’Neal, a Los Angeles sportscaster. Remarkably absent were three of his other children: Tatum, Griffin, and Redmond O’Neal.
Griffin, estranged for nearly two decades, said he was not invited despite traveling from Houston. He described himself as “the hated son who told the truth,” referencing past conflicts, including a violent confrontation in 2007 at Ryan’s Malibu home. Redmond, son of Ryan and Fawcett, was confined to a California state hospital due to lifelong struggles with mental health disorders and substance abuse. He had also been restrained during Fawcett’s final moments in 2009.
Despite years of estrangement, Ryan reconciled with Tatum in the late 2000s. Their bond deepened after Ryan suffered a stroke in 2020. Tatum visited him shortly before his passing and publicly expressed her sorrow:
“I feel great sorrow with my father’s passing. He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me too. I’ll miss him forever and feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms.”
Final Wishes and Burial Beside Farrah Fawcett
O’Neal’s redwood-colored casket was laid to rest beside Fawcett at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery. The burial sparked debate, with some questioning whether it honored Fawcett’s wishes against a public spectacle. Greg Lott, Fawcett’s college sweetheart, criticized O’Neal, while friends like Alana Stewart defended him, emphasizing the love and care he shared with Fawcett during her final years.
Legacy and Public Defense
Patrick O’Neal, involved in planning the funeral, publicly defended his father’s legacy, emphasizing Ryan’s devotion to family despite the complexities of their relationships. He also raised concerns over Ryan’s omission from the “in memoriam” segment at the Emmys, which later aired in September 2024.
Ryan O’Neal’s life was defined by contrasts: professional acclaim and cinematic achievement alongside personal struggles, family conflict, and public scrutiny. His passing highlights both the pressures of fame and the human need for reconciliation, love, and forgiveness. O’Neal’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of familial bonds, and the enduring impact of a true Hollywood icon on generations of filmgoers.