Tatum O’Neal Breaks Silence After Losing Dad Ryan O’Neal, Who 'Meant the World' to Her

• Ryan O'Neal's daughter has opened up about losing her celebrity father.
• Before the father-daughter pair reconciled, they had a longtime rift.
• Since then, Ryan remained close to his daughter and they created great memories.

Ryan O'Neal has passed away at the age of 82. The actor was known for his impactful film and television roles with stellar performances in "Peyton Place" and "Love Story," which made him stand out for his iconic contributions to the entertainment industry.

However, the classic 1973 film "Paper Moon" was his most unforgettable role, which featured his daughter, Tatum O'Neal. In it, Ryan's cunning Bible salesman character was outsmarted by Tatum's sharp and spirited young girl character.

The movie became a major success but also led to an iconic moment in cinema. At just the tender age of nine, Tatum earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the production, becoming the youngest recipient of the prestigious accolade!

Following Ryan's death, his daughter broke her silence, expressing her deep sorrow and affection for her father. In a statement, the actress in mourning shared her heartfelt emotions, stating, "I feel great sorrow with my father's passing. He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me, too."

Tatum vowed to miss him forever, adding: "I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms." Today, she has the kindest words to say about her father and the bond they shared, but things weren't always like that.

For 20 years, Ryan and his daughter were estranged before he suddenly called her in September 2009. A week after making that phone call, the pair met for lunch in Malibu with Ryan's grandson, Sean McEnroe, in tow.

The late star recalled how it felt like time stood still when she walked into the restaurant. He shared how happy she looked and was different from the person he remembered. They spent two hours eating and talking before he apologized.

Tatum realized at that moment that he was all she had when it came to family, and she needed him to be present in her life. She confessed that he was "absolutely everything" to her. Their reconciliation was prompted around nine months before the love of his life, Farrah Fawcett, died.

Tatum reached out to the actress by bringing her food and orchids as an olive branch. The pair spoke for the first time in many years and bonded, leading to a wider reconciliation.

On September 13, 2020, Sean McEnroe, Tatum's son, uploaded two images of the O'Neals and said the first image was one of his most memorable ones. He revealed that the second photo showed the last time they were together in 2003 at the 30-year "Paper Moon" Anniversary. He admitted that he wanted to cry with gratitude that all the people in that picture were still alive and able to reconcile after years of difficulty.

In their last photograph together, taken on Ryan's 82nd birthday, the warmth and affection between the father and daughter were palpable. The pair beamed while seated comfortably next to each other, underscored by Tatum's caption that read, "Happy birthday, dad, I love you."

Days after her father's death, Tatum uploaded an Instagram video showing the past memories they'd built together. The clip started off with Ryan's daughter thanking his and her fans for their "love and support," noting how he is in "heaven now."

In the post's caption, she confessed that she and her children had loved Ryan very much and that he'd forever be in her heart. Tatum urged people to keep each other close because life is a journey.