Ryan O’Neal’s cause of death has been revealed weeks after the actor passed away.
According to the death certificate obtained by The Blast, the award-winning actor, who appeared in the likes of Barry Landon, Paper Moon, What’s Up, Doc?, and Peyton Place, died from congestive heart failure, a long-term condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
This comes after the leading man, who was well sought-after by Hollywood directors in the 1970s, suffered from cardiomyopathy for several years.
The disorder affects the heart muscle and causes it to lose the ability to pump blood at normal capacity.
The news comes weeks after the actor’s son, Patrick, shared a heartbreaking statement announcing his 82-year-old father’s passing.
“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us,” he wrote on December 8.
“This is very difficult for my wife Summer and I, but I will share some feelings to give you an idea of how great a man he is. My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life.
“He is a Hollywood legend. Full stop. The growth spurt of the first name Ryan can be traced back to my dad. That’s a fact. He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place 3 days a week (he starred in 500 shows over 5 years) and then of course the name Ryan peaked after Love Story (the film that saved Paramount Studios and earned my dad a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame).”
In his lengthy tribute, the proud son went on to brand his dad as a “highly intelligent” person and an avid reader who was also a generous human being and “the funniest person in any room.”
“As my father, he was second to none. The best and most loving and supportive dad, and I am just so lucky to have had him. We loved playing/watching sports together. Some great frisbee throws on the beach that would last all weekend long. For years. That was our bond,” Patrick continued.
“He supported me in my sports broadcasting career more than anyone other than my wife Summer. If I lacked confidence, he gave me his. And he had so much confidence. I know I made him proud, and that fills my heart. He was my biggest fan and I am really going to miss talking about my teams with him.”
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