Tatum O’Neal has recently expressed her feelings after finding out that she was excluded from her father Ryan O’Neal’s will. The actress, 61, revealed that she only learned about this decision following his passing in 2023. Ryan O’Neal, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like “Love Story,” died at 82 due to congestive heart failure.
In a candid discussion with Variety, Tatum shared her reaction to being cut out: “Keep it, motherf—–,” she remarked, showing her discontent with the situation. For much of her life, Tatum had a strained relationship with her father, influenced by both personal struggles and family dynamics.
Ryan O’Neal had two children, Tatum and Griffin, with his late ex-wife Joanna Moore. He also had two other children from different relationships, reflecting a complex family background. Tatum, at just 10 years old, became the youngest person to win an Oscar for her role in the 1973 film “Paper Moon,” where she starred alongside her father. However, their relationship soured afterward, with Tatum claiming Ryan was jealous of her success, leading to conflicts between them.
In her memoir and interviews, O’Neal has shared troubling accounts of their family life, including allegations of both physical and emotional abuse from her father, who also struggled with substance addiction. Despite these challenges, Tatum aims to move forward after Ryan’s death, emphasizing her desire to leave self-destructive habits behind.
Tatum has faced her own battles, particularly with addiction. She has spoken on how her turbulent childhood influenced her later struggles, including a high-profile marriage to tennis star John McEnroe, which ended in divorce. Despite the ups and downs of her career and personal life, Tatum is finding clarity and a sense of freedom following her father’s passing.
Although she has faced health issues, including a serious stroke in 2020, she is determined to improve her life and is actively working on her recovery. Tatum’s journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the strength it takes to confront and overcome life’s challenges.
In the wake of her father’s death, Tatum feels a newfound liberation, stating that she wishes to define herself beyond her past experiences with Ryan. As she continues to heal, her focus is on embracing her identity and moving towards a brighter future.
