Ali MacGraw, born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw, rose to fame overnight in the 1970s, captivating audiences with her natural beauty and talent. However, her journey to stardom was far from conventional.
Born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, MacGraw grew up in a family of artists. Her father, Richard, struggled with anger issues stemming from his troubled childhood in an orphanage. This instability affected MacGraw’s upbringing, with the family often struggling financially.
Despite these challenges, MacGraw pursued a creative path. She earned a scholarship to Wellesley College and later worked as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Her striking looks soon led to modeling, and she appeared on magazine covers worldwide.
MacGraw’s transition to acting was unexpected. She landed a small role in “A Lovely Way to Die” (1968) and then starred in “Goodbye, Columbus” (1969), earning a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Her breakthrough role came in 1970 with “Love Story,” opposite Ryan O’Neal.
The film’s massive success catapulted MacGraw to fame, earning her an Academy Award nomination. She married film producer Robert Evans, with whom she had a son, Josh. However, their marriage ended due to her affair with Steve McQueen, her co-star in “The Getaway.”
MacGraw’s relationship with McQueen was tumultuous. He struggled with trust issues, stemming from his own troubled past, and was possessive. MacGraw eventually left him and checked herself into the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986 to address her drinking problems.
After a series of flops, MacGraw stepped away from Hollywood. She settled in Tesuque, New Mexico, and focused on community work and animal rights. In 2006, she reunited with Ryan O’Neal in the Broadway adaptation of “Festen.”
Today, MacGraw’s son Josh is an accomplished actor and director. Despite her own departure from the spotlight, MacGraw remains open to new adventures and creative pursuits.
MacGraw’s story serves as a testament to the complexities of Hollywood fame and the power of resilience. From her unconventional rise to her tumultuous relationships and eventual departure from the spotlight, Ali MacGraw’s life is a fascinating tale of triumph and transformation.
