The cause of death for Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal, who peacefully passed away on December 8 at the age of 82, has been disclosed. According to the death certificate obtained by The Blast, O’Neal succumbed to congestive heart failure. The certificate also revealed that he had been grappling with cardiomyopathy for an extended period. Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart muscle, hindering its ability to efficiently pump blood throughout the body, as described by the Cleveland Clinic.
The document specified that Ryan O’Neal breathed his last at Saint John’s Health Center and found his final resting place at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary, both located in Los Angeles.
Ryan O’Neal (Credits: PEOPLE Magazine)
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, O’Neal’s daughter and Paper Moon co-star, Tatum O’Neal, expressed profound sorrow over her father’s passing. She emphasized the deep connection they shared and the fortunate circumstances under which their relationship concluded on amicable terms. Tatum’s brother, Patrick O’Neal, also paid tribute to their father on Instagram, describing him as his hero who peacefully departed with loved ones by his side.
Ryan O’Neal, survived by his children Tatum (60), Griffin (59), Patrick (56), and Redmond (38), had faced health challenges in the past. Diagnosed with chronic leukemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012, he openly discussed his battles with these illnesses in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE. Reflecting on his journey, O’Neal expressed pride in overcoming these health issues and returning, albeit as a changed man.
Notably, his leukemia diagnosis played a pivotal role in the reconciliation with Farrah Fawcett, with whom he was romantically involved from 1979 to 1997. The couple stayed together until Fawcett’s passing in 2009. In the 2021 interview, O’Neal pondered on the legacy he would leave behind, acknowledging the multitude of stories told about him throughout the years.
