Ryan O’Neal dead: ‘Love Story’ star proved himself equally adept at drama, comedy, action

Ryan O’Neal, the Oscar-nominated American actor, has died at the age of 82, said his son Patrick, who posted the news on social media.

The Hollywood star is best known for his role in the 1970 romance film Love Story, and several landmark films including Paper Moon, repots BBC.

The Hollywood legend was diagnosed with chronic leukaemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012.

Patrick O’Neal wrote on Instagram on Friday saying that his dad passed away peacefully today.

He added that his father Ryan O’Neal has always been his hero. He looked up to his father, who e was always bigger than life.”

Ryan O’Neal’s death followed decades in which the actor was better known for his personal life than for his work.

He was originally known for his role in 1964 on the nighttime soap opera “Peyton Place”.

When O’Neal became one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, few stars shone brighter in the 1970s.

He proved his equal skill in action, humor, and drama.

In 1970, O’Neal made an indelible mark on the movies in adaptation of the “Love Story,” a novel by Erich Segal, after starring in several TV shows throughout the 1960s. He starred opposite Ali MacGraw in the film.

In the film story, a wealthy Ivy Leaguer (Ryan O’Neal) marries an outspoken girl (MacGraw), only to watch her die of a terminal illness. The line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”, popularizes the story.

The actor also starred with his daughter Tatum O’Neal in “Paper Moon,”. For the movie, she was awarded an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Off screen, O’Neal had a long relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett.

Born in Los Angeles, O’Neal trained to become a professional boxer before he began his film and TV careers.