Ryan O’Neal, an iconic actor, passed away on December 8, 2023, after battling leukemia and prostate cancer. He was 82 years old, and his cause of death was congestive heart failure. The actor’s health had severely declined in his final months, leaving behind an image of a once-vibrant Hollywood star now frail and weary.

Known for his roles in beloved films like Love Story and Barry Lyndon, O’Neal rose to fame as the quintessential leading man. His charm and charisma made him a heartthrob, adored by fans during the height of his career. However, his personal life was often marred by controversy, particularly his complex relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett. Fawcett, a cultural icon in the 1970s, was not only a sex symbol but also a respected actress. The two had a tumultuous romance that endured through challenges and ended with Fawcett’s passing in 2009.

In 1985, O’Neal and Fawcett welcomed their son, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal. Redmond, however, was not present for his father’s funeral, which was not surprising due to his ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Currently incarcerated in a state hospital, Redmond has had a troubled life, marked by stints in jail and a series of personal difficulties. Despite his father’s promises to care for him after Fawcett’s death, their relationship deteriorated, and Redmond reportedly refused to see his father during his final years.

The absence of Redmond at the service was noted, but it wasn’t the only surprising aspect of the funeral. Griffin O’Neal, Ryan’s son from his first marriage to actress Joanna Moore, was also absent. Griffin had traveled from his home in Houston, Texas, to attend the service, only to learn upon arrival that the ceremony was scheduled for after Christmas. Griffin, who hadn’t spoken to his father in 17 years following a violent altercation in 2007, expressed his disappointment in not being invited to say goodbye. Despite their strained relationship, Griffin still wanted closure. It was his brother, Patrick O’Neal, a sportscaster, who organized the funeral.

The funeral, held at the Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, was an intimate affair with only about 25 attendees. The service included Leigh Taylor-Young, O’Neal’s second wife, and other close family members. Tatum O’Neal, the actor’s daughter from his marriage to Joanna Moore, also did not attend the ceremony. Their relationship, marked by years of estrangement, was complicated. However, in the last decade, Ryan and Tatum reconciled, and they were able to rebuild their bond. Tatum expressed deep sorrow over her father’s passing, saying in a statement that she felt fortunate to have ended their relationship on good terms.

Following the service, O’Neal’s redwood-colored coffin was taken to its final resting place next to Farrah Fawcett’s grave. The two had been through so much together, and O’Neal had expressed regrets over the time lost with her. Farrah’s grave, which had been left with space for O’Neal’s name, was finally completed with the addition of his details.

While their relationship had its ups and downs, O’Neal’s decision to be buried next to Farrah stirred some controversy. Greg Lott, Farrah’s college sweetheart, and others close to her expressed concerns that O’Neal had overstepped by arranging their shared grave. They claimed that Farrah had never wanted a public burial or monument. Despite these concerns, O’Neal remained steadfast in his desire to be near her, and both their names now adorn the gravestone.

In the wake of his father’s death, Patrick O’Neal has been vocal in defending Ryan’s legacy. He publicly criticized the Television Academy for excluding his father from the 2024 Emmys “In Memoriam” segment and shared his frustrations on social media. However, in September 2024, he expressed gratitude when his father was finally recognized in the televised tribute.

Ryan O’Neal’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, but his legacy, both as an actor and as a complex figure in the public eye, remains. Though his family dynamics were complicated, his influence on the entertainment world cannot be denied.