Ali MacGraw, star of Ryan O’Neal’s “Love Story,” remembers his “generosity.”

CNN
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Ryan O’Neal is the hero of the movie “Love Story”. Ali MacGraw shared an emotional tribute to him after learning O’Neill’s death Friday.

“Working with Ryan, all those years ago, was one of the great experiences of my film career, and we have remained friends forever,” McGraw wrote in a statement shared with CNN on Saturday via a representative.

The pair left an indelible mark in the 1970 film “Love Story,” in which wealthy Ivy Leaguer (O’Neill) falls in love with a free-spirited girl (McGraw), but watches her die of a terminal illness. The film was a huge success, and both stars received Academy Award nominations for their roles in the film adaptation of Erich Segal’s novel directed by Arthur Heller.

“He was a consummate actor, charming and funny as well. I know that a large part of my success was because of his generosity as my co-star. “It has been devastating to learn how ill Ryan has been for many years now, and I was not surprised to learn of his passing,” McGraw’s statement on Saturday continued. ” Fortunately, he was surrounded by his son Patrick and a small group of close friends throughout his life. My heart goes out to his four children and to the people who loved him most.

“Ryan and I worked together again several years ago with the road company on Love Letters,” she added, referring to the duo. Reunited on stage for the national tour of the play AR Gurney in 2015. “It was a wonderful experience, and I will miss him and the fun we shared…and I pray that he finally finds peace.”

Other stars who have paid tribute to O’Neill include his “What’s Up, Doc?” And “main event” Barbara Streisand, who wrote that she was “sad” to hear about the actor’s death on X (formerly Twitter).

“He was funny and charming, and we will remember him,” she said. books Friday.

O’Neill, who also starred in Barry Lyndon and Paper Moon, died on Friday, according to his son Patrick, who broke the news on social media. The actor was reportedly 82 years old.

“My father passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as much as we do,” Patrick O’Neill said books Friday.

He added: “My dad Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always larger than life.”