Gio (00:00):
We're going to turn now to the passing of a legendary actor, Oscar nominee Ryan O'Neal, one of Hollywood's leading men for decades, appearing in films like Love Story, Paper Moon, and What's Up, Doc? ABC's Chris Connelly is here in our studio to take a look at his life and legacy. Good morning to you, Chris.
Chris Connelly (00:15): Hey, good morning to you, Gio. Yes, a handsome heart throb on 1960s television, a leading man in films of the '70s and '80s. Ryan O'Neal knew great success as an actor, even as his often turbulent personal life attracted public attention of a different kind.
Ryan O'Neal (00:30): Taxi lady.
Chris Connelly (00:31): Ryan O'Neal lept to fame on the ABC drama, Peyton Place, alongside Mia Farrow.
Ryan O'Neal (00:36): I was a little shook up last night, Alison. I wouldn't blame you if you just said forget it.
Chris Connelly (00:40): It opened the door to the movies. There, the former boxer's rugged good looks and charisma earned immediate attention. For many, his onscreen pinnacle would come in 1970 with his starring role in Love Story opposite Ali MacGraw.
Ryan O'Neal (00:53): I give you my hand, I give you my love, more precious than money.
Chris Connelly (01:00): He'd star in director Peter Bogdanovich's screwball comedy, What's Up, Doc?, opposite Barbara Streisand.
Ryan O'Neal (01:06): Oh God, I've forgotten the point.
Chris Connelly (01:07): In 1973's Paper Moon, when he'd star with his daughter Tatum O'Neal, she'd be an absolute sensation as grifter in training Addie Pray.
Tatum O'Neal (01:16): And she wrote, "Happy birthday, Addie on the enemy." You just go look and see.
Chris Connelly (01:20): At 10 years of age, Tatum would be nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar. And...
Tatum O'Neal (01:25): All I really want to thank is my director, Peter Bogdanovich, and my father. Thank you.
Chris Connelly (01:32): 2001: A Space Odyssey's Director Stanley Kubrick would cast O'Neal and the glowing by candlelight Barry Lyndon with Marisa Berenson.
Ryan O'Neal (01:39): Sir, let those laugh that win.
Chris Connelly (01:43): By then, O'Neal's own intimate life and misadventures had made him a tabloid fixture. His rages and emotional volatility would color several of his well chronicled relationships. In her memoir, Anjelica Houston would describe O'Neal grabbing her hair and hitting her in the forehead. With some of his children, there would be conflicts and periods of estrangement. But overnight, his son, Patrick O'Neal, recalling the father he loved.
Patrick O'Neal (02:08): I just wanted to share what a special man my dad is. And I think sometimes that is lost when they hear things about Ryan O'Neal. He was the greatest father that I could have ever asked for. I just love the man so much. I really do, and it's a big loss for me.
Chris Connelly (02:25): In the '80s, Ryan O'Neal's romance with Farrah Fawcett would grab headlines. Together, they had a son, Redmond. After a 1997 breakup, they'd reunite in 2001 as O'Neal battled leukemia. Then just as his character had done on screen in Love Story, he'd be by his loved one's side as Farrah faced the ravages of cancer.
Ryan O'Neal (02:46): I'm very happy going to her house every day, if she's awake or not, or tending to her, and that's my life. I'm not interested in anything but seeing to her comfort.
Chris Connelly (02:59): Her saga and theirs, chronicled by Barbara Walters in a 2009 ABC News special.
Ryan O'Neal (03:05): She was everybody's love, wasn't she?
Chris Connelly (03:10): In the same hospital room where she passed away 14 years ago, Ryan O'Neal died Friday at the age of 82. Patrick O'Neal calling Farrah Fawcett the love of his father's life. And on social media, Mia Farrow recalling her co-star from the 1960s, saying simply, "Rest in peace, dear Ryan."
Speaker 6 (03:31): Wow.
Gio (03:31): Same hospital room. Yeah, just amazing.
Speaker 6 (03:33): I've got chills.
Gio (03:34): Absolutely. And Chris, so good to have you in here from LA. We really appreciate- [inaudible 00:03:38]
Chris Connelly (03:37): Thank you very much.