Tatum O’Neal, the Oscar-winning actress and former child star, is struggling to move on from the painful legacy of her late father, Hollywood icon Ryan O’Neal. Despite years of alleged abuse and neglect, the Paper Moon actress was devastated to learn she had been cut from his $30 million will—his final act of cruelty.
Tatum, 61, has long battled addiction, a struggle she believes was fueled by her father’s toxic influence. Sources close to her say she remains haunted by his treatment, even after his death in 2023.
A Childhood Marked by Trauma
Tatum’s tumultuous relationship with Ryan began in her early years. While he helped launch her career with Paper Moon, their bond was anything but loving. Insiders claim Ryan exposed her to drugs and alcohol when she was just six years old.
When she won an Academy Award at age 10, beating out her father, he reportedly reacted with rage, refusing to attend the ceremony. The emotional scars left by his alleged physical and verbal abuse would follow her into adulthood.
Decades of substance abuse, fueled by childhood trauma, led to a downward spiral. In 2020, she suffered a stroke from a prescription morphine overdose, leaving her in a coma for six weeks. Despite her life-threatening condition, Ryan never reached out.
A Father’s Final Betrayal
In 2023, while still recovering from her stroke and working to regain motor skills, Tatum visited her aging father. Rather than offering support, Ryan allegedly encouraged her to take a pill. She resisted, but the encounter left her so shaken that she relapsed into drinking that same day.
When Ryan passed away months later, Tatum learned he had left her nothing in his multimillion-dollar estate. Many believe the decision was revenge for her 2011 memoir, which exposed his alleged drug use, violent outbursts, and neglect of his children, including her brothers Griffin, Patrick, and the late Redmond O’Neal.
Friends say she could have used the inheritance to pay off the massive medical bills she accumulated after her hospitalization. But despite the financial setback, those close to Tatum insist she feels relief knowing her father can no longer control her life.
Finding Closure Amid Pain
Tatum, who still walks with a cane and continues therapy to relearn reading skills, has called Ryan’s passing “liberating.” However, those close to her say the pain he inflicted will never fully fade.
“She knew what kind of vindictive person he was,” a source shared. “She could have really used the money, but she has peace of mind knowing he’s no longer around to hurt her.”
Although she has tried to move forward, her father’s actions and cruelty remain a heavy burden. “She’s tried, but his abuse and callousness will haunt her to the grave,” a friend said.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
Discover more from Today's Esquire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
