Tatum O’Neal Posts Moving Tribute To Dad Ryan O’Neal: “He’s In Heaven Now”; Celebrity Friends Respond With Condolences & Love

Greg Evans
·2 min read

Tatum O’Neal, in a poignant message to well-wishers days after the death of her father, actor Ryan O’Neal, offers a simple but heartfelt, “Thank you everyone for all your love and support,” she says in the Instagram video. “He’s in heaven now.” After a slight pause, the somber-looking Tatum reassures, “Yeah.”

The video, set to Anten’s dreamy, ambient-style instrumental “Hope To See You Again,” is accompanied by a written message: “Me & my kids loved you so much, daddy. You’ll forever be in my heart. Keep each other close, everyone. Life is a journey.”

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After her brief spoken message, O’Neal’s tribute video becomes a montage of photos of her and her dad over the years, touchingly ending with the famous Paper Moon photo of the two actors, in character as Addie and Moses Pray, seated on a quarter moon.

Watch the video below.

Tatum’s IG post was met with an outpouring of sympathy from her many followers, including celebrity friends.

Mira Sorvino, who lost her actor-father Paul Sorvino (and who, like Tatum O’Neal, is an Oscar winner), wrote,
“Sending you love from my whole heart. I know how this feels.”

“Love to you Tatum,” wrote Rosanna Arquette. “Sorry for you loss you worked through a lot together. He’s free now. God bless you.”

“My prayers are with you honey,” wrote Carnie Wilson. “Take care of yourself.”

Bianca Jagger, who has known Tatum for decades and once dated Ryan, wrote, My darling Tatum I am deeply saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May he RIP.”

Others responding to IG post are Cheri Oteri, Patricia Arquette, Joley Fisher, Rosie O’Donnell, the Gogos, Debi Mazar, Linda Blair and Melanie Griffith. Read all the responses in the IG post below.

Ryan O’Neal died Friday, Dec. 8, at the age of 82. Although a cause of death has not been released, he had long battled prostate cancer.

“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go,” wrote son Patrick O’Neal, a longtime Los Angeles sportscaster. “My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us.”

Among Ryan’s many film credits are Love Story, The Main Event, What’s Up Doc and, with daughter Tatum, Paper Moon.

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A post shared by Tatum Beatrice Oneal (@tatum__oneal)

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