Tatum O'Neal, the acclaimed actress known for her groundbreaking role in "Paper Moon," is opening up about her complex relationship with her late father, Ryan O'Neal, following his passing in December 2023. At 61 years old, she is navigating the emotional landscape of being excluded from her father's will, a revelation that has resurfaced past traumas and memories from her tumultuous childhood.
Born to actors Ryan O'Neal and Joanna Moore, Tatum became a household name at just ten years old when she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Addie Loggins in "Paper Moon." This remarkable achievement marked her as the youngest recipient of the award at that time. Despite their shared success on screen, Tatum's relationship with her father was far from ideal. Following her parents' divorce in 1970, Ryan gained full custody of Tatum and brought her into a chaotic environment.
Throughout her upbringing in Malibu, she witnessed her father openly using drugs like cocaine and painkillers, while also enduring the instability brought by a rotating cast of women visiting their home. Tatum has alleged that their relationship turned volatile on occasion; she recalls an incident where Ryan allegedly punched her after learning she was nominated for an Oscar while he was not.
In recent years, Tatum has faced significant personal challenges. After a near-fatal overdose in May 2020 that resulted in a serious stroke, she has been on a path to recovery. Tatum now attends recovery meetings via Zoom and emphasizes her commitment to sobriety. She stated, "Now I don't want to hurt myself," reflecting her determination to move forward positively.
Despite the struggles, Tatum has expressed a desire to heal and reconcile her feelings about her father. The news of being left out of Ryan O'Neal's will after his death has been painful for her. She is navigating these feelings while also trying to focus on her recovery journey.
