Ryan O'Neal, the legendary leading man of the 1970s known for his unforgettable performances in iconic films like "Love Story" and "Paper Moon," has died at the age of 82, according to his son Patrick O'Neal. Ryan had been battling chronic leukemia since 2001 and prostate cancer since 2012.

The news of O'Neal's passing was confirmed by his son Patrick, who took to Instagram to express his grief and share heartfelt memories of his father. Patrick described Ryan as a generous and charming man who had a talent for making people laugh. He reminisced about the joyful moments they shared together and how his father's humor always brought smiles to their faces.

O'Neal's Hollywood career skyrocketed with his breakthrough role as Oliver in the classic romantic tearjerker "Love Story" in 1970. The film, adapted from the best-selling novel by Erich Segal, earned O'Neal an Oscar nomination and became a cultural phenomenon. He played a wealthy college student who falls in love with Ali MacGraw's character, Jenny, only to witness her tragic battle with a rare blood disease.

Following the success of "Love Story," O'Neal went on to star in several remarkable films of the decade. He showcased his versatility by collaborating with renowned directors and actors. O'Neal shared the screen with Barbra Streisand in "What's Up, Doc?" (1972) and "The Main Event" (1979), and his most memorable on-screen partnership was with his young daughter, Tatum O'Neal, in Peter Bogdanovich's Depression-era drama "Paper Moon" (1973).

Additionally, O'Neal portrayed the title character in Stanley Kubrick's historical drama "Barry Lyndon" (1975) and worked with Bogdanovich once again in "Nickelodeon" (1976). His performances in these films demonstrated his range as an actor and solidified his status as a Hollywood icon of the 1970s.

Before his time in the spotlight, O'Neal gained recognition for his role as Rodney Harrington on the popular TV series "Peyton Place," which aired from 1964 to 1969. He was married and divorced from actresses Joanna Moore and Leigh Taylor-Young before embarking on a 30-year relationship with the late Farrah Fawcett, best known for her role in "Charlie's Angels." Their relationship endured its ups and downs but ended tragically with Fawcett's death in 2009.

Ryan O'Neal's contribution to the film industry was immeasurable, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. His talent, charm, and unforgettable performances will be remembered and cherished for years to come. O'Neal's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and entertainers.

In his memoir "Both of Us: My Life with Farrah," published in 2012, O'Neal shared intimate details about his relationship with Fawcett. Later on, he reunited with his "Love Story" co-star Ali MacGraw for a national tour of the stage play "Love Letters" in 2015.

Ryan O'Neal's passing leaves behind a remarkable career and a legacy that will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved his work. He is survived by his children Tatum, Griffin, and Patrick. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ryan O'Neal.