Tatum O’Neal Responds to Being Disinherited by Father Ryan O’Neal

Tatum O’Neal Responds to Being Disinherited by Father Ryan O’Neal

Tatum O’Neal expressed her intense feelings after learning she had been removed from her late father Ryan O’Neal’s will. The actress, who is 61 years old, reflected on their tumultuous relationship during a recent interview.

Ryan O’Neal passed away at the age of 82 in 2023 after battling congestive heart failure. Tatum revealed to a major publication that she discovered her disinheritance only after his death, which prompted a candid and scathing reaction. In her own words, she remarked, “Keep it, motherf—–.”

Ryan O’Neal had two children with his late ex-wife Joanna Moore, including Tatum and her brother Griffin O’Neal, who is now 60. He also fathered Patrick O’Neal with ex-wife Leigh Taylor-Young and Redmond O’Neal with the late actress Farrah Fawcett.

Tatum O’Neal Reflects on a Troubled Childhood

Tatum and Griffin lived with their mother until 1970, when Moore lost custody due to multiple DUI arrests and ongoing struggles with addiction. She ultimately passed away from lung cancer at the age of 63 in 1997.

Following their mother’s custody loss, Ryan O’Neal took them in. Tatum garnered critical acclaim at just 10 years old, becoming the youngest Oscar winner in history for her role alongside her father in the 1973 film “Paper Moon.” However, she later described a growing rift between them as her career took off.

In her first autobiography, “A Paper Life,” released in 2004, Tatum detailed the complications in their relationship. Following the film’s success, Ryan exhibited jealousy towards his daughter’s achievements. “Things got ugly quick,” Tatum noted during her interview.

Reports of Abuse and Addiction

Tatum O’Neal’s memoir also alleged abuse within their household, recounting instances of both physical and emotional harm. She implicated Ryan’s struggles with substance abuse as contributing factors in their troubled relationship. Additionally, Tatum disclosed being sexually abused by a drug dealer associated with Ryan.

In the interview, Tatum suggested that Ryan’s animosity toward her disinheritance stemmed from the brutal honesty of her autobiography. She stated, “The first book that I wrote was just a f—ing honest book, and that’s what got him.” In a 2004 statement, Ryan denied any wrongdoing cited by Tatum, emphasizing his hope for her recovery.

Ryan expressed disappointment, calling her claims malicious and referencing her history with addiction. He stated, “It is a sad day when malicious lies are told in order to become a ‘best seller.'” He insisted that he supported her healing process.

The Effects of Fame on Their Relationship

Tatum’s portrayal of Annie Loggins in “Paper Moon” drew significant attention, and her success led to additional tensions between father and daughter. Ryan admitted in a 2009 interview that the Academy Award nomination sparked conflict in their family dynamic.

After winning her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Tatum faced further obstacles in her career. Ryan’s disapproval reportedly led to scrapped opportunities, including an audition for Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver,” a role that ultimately earned Jodie Foster an Oscar nomination. Reflecting on this, Tatum lamented, “I never really recovered from that.”

Despite starring in successful films like “The Bad News Bears” and “Little Darlings,” Tatum’s acting career experienced a downturn during her teenage years. She described Ryan as controlling, which undermined her confidence in her abilities. “He was controlling, and telling me, ‘No, you’re not good,’” she revealed. This constant criticism took a toll on her mental health and acting pursuits.

Challenges with Addiction and Personal Struggles

Tatum O’Neal’s challenges didn’t end there. By the time she reached adulthood, she publicly battled addiction. She acknowledged her introduction to alcohol at a tender age and claimed Ryan’s influence exposed her and her brother to drugs.

Her tumultuous romance with tennis star John McEnroe further exacerbated her struggles with substance abuse. They married in 1986 but divorced in 1994 after enduring a highly publicized relationship that mirrored their battles with addiction.

In the years following her divorce, Tatum battled severe heroin addiction, which stunted her career trajectory. She occasionally acted but found roles increasingly out of reach. Tatum and Ryan spent nearly two decades estranged before reconciling in 2009, coinciding with Farrah Fawcett’s death.

In 2011, the pair appeared in a reality series that documented their ongoing efforts to mend their relationship.

Facing Life After Recovery

Tatum O’Neal faced a near-fatal stroke in May 2020, resulting from an overdose involving pain medications. The experience left her in a coma for six weeks, and she now copes with ongoing speech difficulties and chronic pain. In her recent interview, she admitted feeling conflicted about survival after her stroke, stating, “Part of me just didn’t want to make it, you know?”

Encouragingly, Tatum expressed a newfound resolve to leave her destructive behaviors behind. “Now I don’t want to hurt myself,” she affirmed. She is learning to read again following her medical challenges.

Yet, sobriety remains a struggle; she admitted to a relapse triggered by the stress of the U.S. presidential election, a reminder of her turbulent past. “I was with my gay friends, and was like, ‘I’m going to have a glass of wine — maybe two,’” Tatum recalled. The impacts of Ryan’s legacy linger, reminding her of the turmoil she has overcome.

In the wake of Ryan’s passing, Tatum noted a sense of liberation from his shadow. She emphasized, “she was defined as the person who was abused by Ryan,” yet she hopes to redefine herself moving forward.

A Future Focused on Healing and Growth

Tatum’s son Kevin has taken a proactive role in supporting her recovery and is developing a documentary project about her life to help alleviate financial burdens. He noted the positive shifts in her outlook since Ryan’s death, recognizing the profound changes in her perspective.

“As she changes, I think opportunities have begun to change for her,” Kevin remarked. Affirming that she is continuing to evolve, Tatum embraced the idea of being simply herself, “Just Tatum! Without my dad.” These statements reflect her commitment to embracing a healthier future and a deeper understanding of herself.

The struggles faced by Tatum O’Neal are poignant examples of the lasting impacts of family dynamics, fame, and personal resilience. As she navigates the complexities of her recovery, Tatum aims to inspire others through her journey.