In 1970, a modestly budgeted romance film became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting its lead actress into international stardom. Just a few years later, she left her blossoming career behind. Her story, marked by fame, love, and reinvention, has fascinated fans for decades.
Known for her fresh-faced beauty and natural talent, this actress made a late start in Hollywood but quickly became one of its brightest stars. Her role in “Love Story” not only defined her career but made her a symbol of an era.
While her professional rise seemed unstoppable, her personal life told a different story. Over time, choices tied to family and relationships led her to step away from the limelight. By the mid-1990s, she had quietly left Hollywood altogether.
From Art History to Hollywood Stardom
Before she became a Hollywood sensation, her life revolved around art and fashion. Born on April 1, 1939, she studied art history in college, a passion that guided her early career.
After graduation, she worked in New York City at fashion magazines, eventually becoming a sought-after photographer’s assistant. Her impeccable style and striking looks led her to modeling, where she gained significant recognition throughout the 1960s.
At the age of 31, she made a late yet impactful entry into acting. Her first major role came in the 1969 film “Goodbye, Columbus,” a romantic drama that garnered critical acclaim. However, it was her performance in “Love Story” the following year that catapulted her into international stardom.The low-budget film became an unexpected box-office smash, and her portrayal of a young woman facing terminal illness resonated deeply with audiences. By the early 1970s, she had become one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, with roles in films like “The Getaway” showcasing her versatility and charisma.
Reflecting on that period, she once remarked that her sudden stardom felt surreal. “I hadn’t gone to school for acting,” she shared in an interview, “but everything exploded with the stupefying surprise of ‘Love Story.'” Her rise was rapid, but the foundation for a lasting Hollywood career remained uncertain.
Love, Marriage, and Sacrifice
Her personal life was as eventful as her meteoric rise in Hollywood. Over the years, she experienced three high-profile marriages, each shaping her life and career in significant ways. Her first marriage to college sweetheart Robin Hoen ended before her career took off.
Her second husband was Robert Evans, a celebrated Hollywood producer known for classics like “Chinatown” and “Marathon Man.” During their marriage, the couple welcomed their only child, Joshua Evans, in 1971.
Despite their shared ties to the entertainment industry, their relationship grew strained as her fame soared, culminating in their divorce. While still married to Evans, she began a romance with Steve McQueen, her co-star in “The Getaway.”
Their chemistry on-screen mirrored their intense relationship off-screen, leading to her third marriage in 1973. McQueen, already a legendary actor with a reputation as Hollywood’s “bad boy,” had a profound influence on her life and career.
For the next five years, she devoted herself to their marriage and raising her son, stepping away from acting entirely. Their relationship, though passionate, was tumultuous and marked by control, infidelity on both sides, and substance abuse.
McQueen longed for a traditional family life and discouraged her from continuing her acting career. Speaking about that period, she said, “At the time, he didn’t want me to work, so I essentially quit making movies and took care of my child.”
This decision marked the beginning of her gradual retreat from Hollywood, as family and marriage took precedence over her career ambitions.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
While her life seemed enviable from the outside, she faced significant struggles behind the scenes. Her marriage to McQueen was tumultuous, with both partners experiencing highs and lows during their five years together.
Ultimately, their union ended in divorce in 1977, with McQueen’s insistence that she prioritize their home life over her career playing a pivotal role. After accepting a role in the 1978 film “Convoy,” she recalled that McQueen bluntly stated, “In that case, we are filing for divorce.”
They divorced just three years before McQueen’s untimely death. Despite the challenges, she has looked back on her time with McQueen with a mix of gratitude and regret. In interviews, she described their relationship as both thrilling and tumultuous, saying, “There were wonderful days and dreadful days.”
She also expressed a wish that they had both been able to grow old sober together, acknowledging the struggles they faced individually and as a couple. After stepping away from Hollywood during her marriage to McQueen, she wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
In interviews, she admitted to battling impostor syndrome despite her immense success, often questioning whether she was smart enough or pretty enough to belong in the entertainment industry. One of her most profound challenges was her struggle with alcoholism.For years, she downplayed the severity of her drinking, telling herself and others that she wasn’t a real alcoholic. However, she later realized that addiction can manifest in many forms, recalling how she would sometimes drink alone, paint, and even call strangers on the phone.
Her turning point came when she sought treatment at the Betty Ford Center, a decision that changed her life. She has now been sober for over 30 years, and her journey has inspired others facing similar battles.
Reflecting on her past, she described how she used to rewrite history and fantasize about the future. Today, she emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, saying, “I believe in living fully to the very best of my ability. I feel very blessed.”
Her struggles with addiction and the collapse of her third marriage led to a turning point in her life. After years of turmoil, she sought solace far from the pressures of Hollywood.
A New Chapter in New Mexico
In 1993, a fire destroyed her Malibu home, which she interpreted as a sign to start anew. That same year, she relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she embraced a quieter, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Her new life revolved around community work and causes she was passionate about, particularly animal welfare. “I have to restrain myself from bringing home any more strays,” she once quipped, highlighting her dedication to helping animals.
She also built close friendships in her community, where she found comfort in the simplicity of life. “I love it because there are grownup women.[..] who [aren’t] afraid to let their hair go gray,” she shared, reflecting on her contentment with her new surroundings.
This chapter of her life was characterized by purpose and peace, as she fully embraced her life away from the spotlight. From daily walks to yoga and Pilates, she cultivated a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness and gratitude, marking a stark contrast to her earlier years in the limelight.
Her Role as a Mother
While her Hollywood career and personal struggles often took center stage, she consistently emphasized the importance of her role as a mother. Her son, Joshua Evans has always been a central figure in her life.
Joshua followed his parents into the entertainment industry, carving out a career as an actor and director with notable projects like “The Doors” and “Born on the Fourth of July.” Her bond with Joshua has been a source of pride and joy.
In a 1991 interview, she described him as “my favorite human being on the planet.” Even as she faced challenges, including her battles with addiction and her move away from Hollywood, she remained steadfast in her commitment to being a supportive and loving parent.
As she settled into her new life in Santa Fe, her relationship with her son continued to thrive. She expressed deep admiration for the man he had become and his accomplishments in his own right. As the years passed, she came to embrace a life far removed from the glamour and chaos of Hollywood.
A Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
In the years following her departure from Hollywood, Ali MacGraw, the radiant star of the 1970s, occasionally revisited her acting roots, though only on her own terms. In 2016, she reunited with her “Love Story” co-star Ryan O’Neal for a stage production of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters.”
While the experience was fulfilling, MacGraw later made it clear she had no intention of returning to acting permanently, stating, “I have no desire to make acting a part of my life again.” Instead, she focused on personal growth and finding joy in the simple things.
Her daily walks became a form of meditation, providing her with a sense of gratitude for the life she had built. MacGraw’s reflections have also touched on aging gracefully and letting go of societal pressures.
“I don’t care at all about being seen in the latest piece of clothing or knowing the latest song,” she said in 2018. “I don’t feel diminished by not knowing those things. I did it all and was looked at, and that was for another time.”Though her time in the spotlight was brief, her impact on Hollywood remains. She is remembered not only for her iconic performances but also for her courage to step away and redefine success on her own terms. Today, MacGraw lives a life marked by authenticity, purpose, and a legacy that continues to inspire.
