Ryan O’Neal looked frail in wheelchair on final outing before his death after star endured decades-long health battle
RYAN O’Neal appeared pale and frail just days before his death, heartbreaking pictures from the last time he was photographed in public show.
The actor, who was pictured in a wheelchair this week, died after years of struggles with his health, including a battle with prostate cancer and a chronic leukemia diagnosis.
Ryan O’Neal looked frail during his last outing before his death Credit: BackGrid
The actor was spotted in Brentwood, California being helped into his car Credit: BackGrid
Photos snapped on November 6 showed the Love Story actor, 82, being helped into the front seat of his car in Brentwood, California.
He appeared thin and frail and was surrounded by various caretakers.
O’Neal was wheeled to the vehicle by his team of helpers.
One staffer was seen lifting the actor from the chair into the car.
He had sunglasses and a green T-shirt on while maintaining a stoic facial expression.
O’neal was a Hollywood icon with an impressive career spanning over six decades.He was known best for his roles in Love Story, Peyton Place and the Oscar-winning film Barry Lyndon.
Ryan was helped into the front seat of his car by aides Credit: BackGrid
He appeared thin but in good spirits Credit: BackGrid
He wore sunglasses and a green shirt and appeared thin Credit: BackGrid
The photos were snapped just over a month before he died Credit: BackGrid
REST IN PEACE
His son, Patrick O’Neal, announced his death on Friday.
“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,” Patrick wrote on Instagram.
“My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life.”
Ryan was an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee who was famously known for his on-and-off relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett.
The pair were an item for three decades.
Fawcett, for her part, died of cancer in 2009 at age 62.
The couple shares one son: Redmond O’Neal, whom they welcomed in 1985.
Ryan has three additional adult children: Griffin, Tatum, and Redmond.
His son Patrick mentioned his father’s relationship with Fawcett in his Instagram post on Friday.
“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.”
Meanwhile, his daughter daughter Tatum, who starred alongside her dad in Paper Moon, shared her “great sorrow” over her father’s death on Friday.
“He meant the world to me,” she told People.
“I loved him very much and know he loved me too. I’ll miss him forever and I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms.”
The actor battled cancer for many years.
It’s not clear, however, if that contributed to his death.
Ryan was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 2001.
He was later diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer.
In 2012, the actor told Reuters: “Although I was shocked and stunned by the news, I feel fortunate that it was detected early and according to my extraordinary team of doctors the prognosis is positive for a full recovery.
“I am deeply grateful for the support of my friends and family during this time, and I urge everyone to get regular check-ups, as early detection is the best defense against this horrible disease that has afflicted so many.”
FANS REACT
Following news of his passing, fans flocked to social media to share condolences for the star.
One wrote: “R.I.P. Ryan O’Neal, a fine actor who became the biggest star in the world and got to headline some of the greatest movies ever made, and looked amazing doing it.”
“So sad to hear the news of Ryan O’Neal’s passing. We made two films together. What’s Up, Doc? and The Main Even. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered,” Barbra Streisand wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Another former co-star, Lee Grant, reacted with: “Impossible to believe that Ryan O’Neal is gone. I felt so welcomed by his Peyton Place, the first big production brave enough to welcome me back from the blacklist.
“An incredible talent, an incredible beauty. A gift of an artist we’re lucky to have so much of captured forever.”
One fan wrote: “I remember finding out Ryan O’Neal was playing Max and was thrilled! Max’s death hurt me just as much as Sweets and Vincents…but to have him pass in real life hurts just as much. Now he is reunited with Farrah.”
Another posted: “Rip Ryan O’Neal I will forever appreciate all the times Ali Macgraw put you on blast in Love Story.”
“Rest in peace Ryan O’Neal who gave one of the best comedic performances of all time in What’s Up Doc?” someone else reacted with.
A fifth commenter gushed: “Ryan O’Neal starred opposite Barbra Streisand in one of the funniest movies ever made, What’s Up Doc? He was hilarious and made it look effortless. He’s also wonderful in PAPER MOON. RIP.”
The actor was best known for his roles in The Love Story and Peyton Place Credit: 2014 Getty Images
Ryan was beloved by many fans Credit: Getty
His famous co-stars, including Barbra Streisand, also adored him Credit: Getty
