After a prolonged battle with leukemia and prostate cancer, Ryan O’Neal pa:ss:ed away on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82. His official cause of d.e.a.t.h was congestive heart failure. In his final public appearances, it was clear that his health had deteriorated significantly. The once-charismatic and energetic actor appeared frail and exhausted.
Despite his Hollywood success, O’Neal’s personal life was often marred by controversy, particularly his tumultuous relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett. For those unfamiliar, Fawcett was an icon of the 1970s, redefining the image of a sex symbol and captivating both male and female fans alike.
Incarcerated in a state hospital
In 1985, O’Neal and Fawcett welcomed their son, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal. However, when O’Neal was laid to rest, Redmond was noticeably absent—a result of his incarceration in a California state hospital at the time of his father’s burial.
Redmond has battled severe substance abuse issues, struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Additionally, he has been diagnosed with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and antisocial personality disorder.
These challenges have led to multiple run-ins with the law and long-term stays in mental health facilities. Despite Ryan O’Neal’s promise to Farrah Fawcett on her deathbed to look after Redmond, their relationship became strained, and Redmond ultimately refused to see his father during his final days.
The situation stood in stark contrast to the events surrounding Farrah Fawcett’s passing in 2009. At that time, Redmond, who was also incarcerated, was granted permission to visit his mother’s bedside in shackles. He later attended her funeral under the same conditions.
Three of four children absent
While Redmond’s absence was somewhat expected, it came as a greater shock that two of O’Neal’s other children were also missing from the small memorial service at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Griffin O’Neal, Ryan’s son from his first marriage to actress Joanna Moore, revealed that he wasn’t even invited. He told the New York Post that he drove 2,000 miles from his home in Houston, Texas, to attend the service, only to find out that it wouldn’t take place until the weekend after Christmas.
According to reports, the funeral was arranged by O’Neal’s son Patrick. Meanwhile, his daughter, Tatum O’Neal, who had a complicated relationship with her father, was also absent, according to The Post.
Redwood-colored coffin’
The intimate ceremony took place inside the chapel at the celebrity-filled Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery, as reported by the Daily Mail. Afterward, O’Neal’s redwood-colored coffin was placed beside the grave of his longtime partner, Farrah Fawcett.
Following her passing, O’Neal expressed regret over how their relationship unfolded, admitting he wished they had spent more time together. However, contrary to speculation, their shared gravestone does not bear an inscription referencing Love Story, the film that made O’Neal a household name. Instead, it simply features both of their names and dates of birth and death.
Rumors that O’Neal or his team had manipulated the situation or exaggerated his connection with Fawcett were firmly denied. Alana Stewart, ex-wife of Rod Stewart and a close friend of Farrah, dismissed any claims that O’Neal took advantage of her or misrepresented their relationship.
