Back in 1970, Ali MacGraw became a household name when she starred opposite Ryan O’Neal in the iconic romantic drama Love Story, playing the unforgettable Jennifer Cavilleri. Her portrayal of the character was so powerful that it captured the hearts of millions. Over the years, fans wondered what happened to the once-celebrated actress after she stepped away from the spotlight. Let’s dive into her story and find out how her life has evolved since her Hollywood heyday.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Before stealing the show in Love Story, Ali MacGraw, born on April 1, 1939, in New York, made her acting debut in the 1969 film Goodbye, Columbus. Her journey into acting wasn’t without personal challenges. In her early years, she married Robin Hoen from 1960 to 1962. However, her big break came with Love Story, a role that earned her a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, as well as a prestigious Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. It was this role that truly put her on the map and set the stage for her future career.
Her Career After Love Story
Following the monumental success of Love Story, Ali continued to build her acting resume with over a dozen more performances, including the 1972 hit The Getaway with the legendary Steve McQueen. Her personal life also took some significant turns during this period. She divorced her second husband, Robert Evans, in 1973, and shortly thereafter married McQueen, with whom she shared a passionate, albeit tumultuous, relationship. Their marriage lasted until 1978, but unfortunately, they didn’t have any children together. Steve McQueen passed away in 1980 at the young age of 50, succumbing to a heart attack following surgery to remove cancerous tumors from his body.
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Years later, Ali opened up about her marriage to McQueen, expressing heartfelt reflections on what she wished for their relationship. “I wish we had both grown old sober,” she candidly told People in July 2018. “There were wonderful days and dreadful days.” Her honesty about their shared past shows just how deeply she valued the time they had together, despite its challenges.
After her initial success, Ali took a break from acting between 1972 and 1978 before returning to the screen in Convoy. She also made appearances in popular TV series like The Winds of War and Dynasty. Her last known acting appearance was in the 1997 film Glam.
A New Chapter in Life
In 1986, a close friend encouraged Ali to seek help for her alcohol addiction, leading her to check into the Betty Ford Clinic. This experience proved to be life-changing for her, and she later detailed it in her 1990 memoir, Moving Pictures. Reflecting on her time there, she described it as “the most terrifying and life-changing experience I’ve ever had.” Yet, through the struggle, she found a profound sense of peace and order that she had longed for all her life.
Where Is Ali MacGraw Today?
Since her final acting role, Ali has chosen a quieter, more fulfilling life away from the limelight. She relocated to New Mexico, embracing a serene existence surrounded by nature. In a candid interview with The New York Times in May 2024, she shared, “You know, I’m a strange old bird at this point. I live north of Santa Fe, kind of in nature, and I’m very involved with the community. I’m blessed to be in good health, and I know so many people who don’t have that choice. I have a life that makes me happy.”
