Ryan O’Neal Official Cause Of Death Reveals ‘Love Story’ Actor Suffered For Years

Hollywood mourned at the news that Love Story actor Ryan O’Neal died at age 82. And now, two weeks after his death, the official cause of his death has been revealed. 

Find out how Ryan died. And keep reading to learn what his daughter, actress Tatum O’Neal shared. 

Ryan O’Neal’s Cause of Death Revealed

Two weeks after Paper Moon star Ryan O’Neal died, a death certificate has revealed the cause. And it showed that the Oscar-nominated actor died at age 82 from “congestive heart failure,” per People.

O’Neal “passed away peacefully” on December 8, revealed insiders. But the death certificate also revealed that Ryan died after suffering for years from cardiomyopathy.

The condition impacted his heart muscle, preventing it from effectively pumping his blood to the rest of his body.

And the death certificate also revealed that O’Neal passed away at Saint John’s Health Center. His family then buried the actor at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary, in Los Angeles, California.

Tatum O’Neal Mourns Father’s Death

And after learning of her famous father’s death, his daughter Tatum O’Neal reflected on her loss. The two co-starred in the movie Paper Moon. 

Jessa Duggar Welcomes Fifth Baby: Hoping For 19 Kids And Counting Reboot?!

View Story

“I feel great sorrow with my father’s passing,” she revealed. “He meant the world to me. 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.”

And Tatum’s brother, Patrick O’Neal, also expressed his own sorrow at his loss. In a social media post, Patrick shared that his father “has always been my hero.” And he noted that the actor “passed away peacefully” with those he loved beside him.

Ryan O’Neal Reconciled With Farrah Fawcett

Ryan shared Tatum, 60, and her brother Griffin O’Neal, 59, with Joanna Moore. And he shared Patrick, 56, with Leigh Taylor-Young. However, O’Neal shared his youngest son, Redmond, 38, with Farrah Fawcett.

But O’Neal, famous for films as well as TV shows such as Peyton Place, suffered from other health issues for years. For instance, the actor received a diagnosis of chronic leukemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012. 

And Ryan shared that he felt like a survivor. “I’m proud of them, I’ve survived them,” he said of his health struggles. “I thought I was gone. And suddenly I come back. Not the same man I was, but I’m back.”

O’Neal famously reconciled with Farrah after his diagnosis with leukemia. The two had enjoyed a romantic relationship from 1979 to 1997. And after reconciling, the two remained together until Fawcett’s death in 2009.

But a few years ago, the actor reflected on his achievements. And he pointed out that his personal life often received just as much coverage as his film and TV career. As a result, O’Neal joked, “I’ve had so many stories told about me that I don’t even know what my legacy is.”

Tell us what you think. What Ryan O’Neal film ranks as your favorite? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.

Editorial credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com