Veteran Hollywood actor Ryan O’Neal has passed away at the age of 82 and it’s time to look back at his cinematic journey filled with some memorable and underrated performances. The heartthrob stuntman showed his versatility in the roles he took on and delivered some iconic scenes that still resonate with the audience today.
The former boxer discovered his true potential thanks to Hollywood’s golden era and continued to work in the industry for many years until recently, despite some major health scares. For his contribution to the world of acting, Ryan O’Neal has received multiple honors including Academy Award nominations back in the day.
Exploring Ryan O’Neal’s five must-watch movies
Revisiting the late actor’s filmography reminds audiences of the vast variety of characters he has dealt with on the silver screen. Particularly, five films stand out in his career which showcase his talent and cement his legacy as an acting legend. Let’s take a look at them.
1) Barry Lyndon
It goes without saying that if an actor has worked with the legendary Stanley Kubrick, then their filmography enters the elite record books by default. And Ryan O’Neal took on the titular role in the epic period masterpiece Barry Lyndon, which came out in 1975.
The way Ryan O'Neal & Marisa Berenson communicate in this scene with their eyes in Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" (1975) is peak Cinema.
The world will miss you, Ryan! pic.twitter.com/fZ2YRLs49F
— DepressedBergman (@DannyDrinksWine) December 9, 2023
The 18th century drama follows Redmond Barry and how he deals with different turning points of his life such as love, war and society. While the film is still celebrated for its groundbreaking cinematography and production design or even its haunting background score, O’Neal’s performance is often overlooked.
The actor does a fantastic job at portraying the naive young Irish rogue Redmond Barry who transforms into the noble and seasoned Barry Lyndon. Ryan O’Neal demonstrates what a great performer he could be even without the use of excessive dialogues especially in the crucial duel scenes.
2) The Driver
A nameless protagonist who talks very less and specializes in driving getaway cars for robberies – if you’re thinking of Ryan Gosling’s character from Drive, think again. Ryan’s performance in the 2011 film was inspired by his namesake’s neo-noir crime thriller, The Driver.
This 1978 film was directed by Walter Hill and serves as a spiritual predecessor to many films like Drive, Baby Driver and even Quentin Tarantino films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. Ryan O’Neal’s quiet intensity fits perfectly into the film’s brooding atmosphere and gritty action sequences.
He was The Driver.
Deeply saddened to hear the passing of veteran actor Ryan O’Neal. pic.twitter.com/QSEhEHHC67
— StudiocanalUK (@StudiocanalUK) December 9, 2023
Bruce Dern stars alongside O’Neal as the detective who sends a gang after the driver in an attempt to catch him in his act. The Driver works as an excellent suspense-driven crime thriller mainly thanks to the subtle yet powerful performance from Ryan O’Neal.
3) Love Story
While the first two films continue to be the strongest points of the actor’s legacy, Love Story (1970) was the movie that put Ryan O’Neal on the Hollywood map. It still remains one of his most popular performances in his career mainly thanks to iconic lines like “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”
The romantic drama was directed by Arthur Hiller and features O’Neal as Oliver Barrett IV opposite Ali MacGraw as Jennifer Cavalleri. The actor is spot on with his portrayal of a wealthy Harvard law student who falls in love with the musically inclined Jenny despite differing social backgrounds.
Love Story earned seven Oscar nominations including a Best Actor nod for Ryan O’Neal, which established his emotional appeal with the audience. The film had such a huge cultural impact that the female protagonist’s name Jennifer became the number one feminine baby name in 1970 and held the position for 14 years.
4) Paper Moon
Ryan O’Neal had the privilege of working with some of Hollywood’s all-time filmmaking greats. This includes the inimitable Peter Bogdanovich who made Paper Moon in 1973 with O’Neal and his daughter, Tatum. The comedy-drama revolves around the delightful chemistry between the real-life father and daughter.
One of my favorite scenes in PAPER MOON is this one between Ryan O’Neal and Tatum O’Neal. #RIPRyanONeal pic.twitter.com/jE3inYDgVl
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) December 8, 2023
The late actor plays a conman who travels with a young girl during the period of the Great Depression. Ryan O’Neal’s character Moses Pray is full of charisma, particularly in hilarious scenes like the one where the young Addie demands the $200 he owes her. It’s an essential watch for people who want to see the actor at his comedic best.
5) What’s Up, Doc?
Another Bogdanovich directorial in the list is ‘What’s Up, Doc?’ which was released a year before Paper Moon. Paired opposite the iconic Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’Neal plays a musicologist caught up in a comedy of errors involving some stolen jewels and mistaken identities.
His character Dr. Howard Bannister is a solid eccentric fit for this movie that almost works as a nostalgic tribute to old screwball comedies. Furthermore, the film is filled with memorable moments like the car chase scene which rely heavily on Ryan O’Neal and Barbra Streisand’s comedic timing.
Our heart goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Ryan O’Neal during this difficult time, as we fondly remember the underrated Hollywood icon with his memorable performances.
