Photo:Valerie Macon/Getty
Valerie Macon/Getty
Ryan O’Nealshared a great passion with his sonPatrick O’Neal— their mutual love of sports.
Patrick, whoannounced his father’s death on Friday, described the late actor as his “biggest fan” as he spoke of their lifelong connection to sports earlier this year.
“He’s my best friend. I love him and my dad is my biggest fan,” Patrick toldL.A. Downtown Newsin July.
Patrick spoke about his bond with late father Ryan over sport in August.Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Ryan’s love for sport predated his acting career as he started out as a professional boxer in the 1950s. He had some success, winning 18 out of 22 fights including 13 knockouts, reported the outlet, before switching to acting in 1960.
Patrick began his career following in the footsteps of his father as an actor, which he admitted “for sure helped me get an agent and auditions,” landing minor roles in such films asDie Hard 2(1990) andPacific Blue(2000) but he always kept a close eye on the world of sports.
“I always had a love for sports and when I watched games I would always focus a lot on the broadcasters,” Patrick said on theTennis Channel Inside-Inpodcastin August.
“I loved Sports Center and ESPN when it first broke, in ‘83, ‘84, ‘85…I kind of worshipped those guys that anchored Sports Center,” he added.
Ryan pictured with son Patrick at an NHL playoff game in 2013.Noel Vasquez/Getty
Noel Vasquez/Getty
After failing to bag a part in the 2001’sBand of Brothers, Patrick had an “epiphany” to make a career change as a sports anchor and secured his first role on Fox Sports Radio in 2000, he told Tennis Channel’sInside-Inpodcast.
“It’s amazing. I’m thunderstruck. He’s turned me into a real Angels fan, and he’s very good at his job,” Ryan told L.A. Downtown News in July.
In turn, Patrick supported his father in his acting career and in his later achievements, including celebrating the veteran’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a proud moment for them both.
Patrick O’Neal (L) and his father Ryan O’Neal attend an NHL playoff game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on May 23, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.Noel Vasquez/Getty
“I’m pumped we got him his deserved Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where he will live for generations to see,” Patrick told the outlet.
However, when asked about looking back on his storied career, Ryan was adamant he was living in the present.
“I haven’t started to reflect yet,” he explained at the time. “But when I do, you’ll be the first to know.”
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On Friday, Patrickannounced in a poston Instagram that his father Ryan “passed away peacefully.”
The tribute then noted his father’s legendary status in the world of showbusiness, detailing more of his achievements.
“He is a Hollywood legend. Full stop. The growth spurt of the first name Ryan can be traced back to my dad. That’s a fact. He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place 3 days a week (he starred in 500 shows over 5 years) and then of course the name Ryan peaked after Love Story (the film that saved Paramount Studios and earned my dad a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame),” Patrick concluded his post.
The late actor wasdiagnosedwith leukemia in 2001 and prostate cancer in 2012, though he announced in 2013 thathe was “cancer-free.” His cause of death has not yet been announced.
Ryan leaves behind his four children:Tatum, 60, and Griffin, 59, who he shared with Joanna Moore; Patrick, who he shared with Leigh Taylor-Young; and Redmond, 38, who he shared withFarrah Fawcett.
source: people.com
