The Rise and Fall of Ali MacGraw: A Hollywood Legend’s Journey
Ali MacGraw became a shining star in Hollywood almost overnight, capturing hearts with her beauty and talent. But just as quickly as she soared to fame, she stepped away from the spotlight, leaving many to wonder why.
Now, at 84 years old, Ali enjoys a peaceful life in a quiet, remote town. With her beautiful grey hair and graceful demeanor, she has embraced aging in her own unique way.
A Humble Beginning
Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, Ali’s early life was shaped by creativity. Her mother, Frances, was an artist who worked at a school in Paris before settling down in Greenwich Village.
Her father, Richard MacGraw, was also an artist, but he had a troubled childhood that haunted him. He grew up in an orphanage and ran away to sea at 16, eventually studying art in Munich, Germany.
“Daddy was frightened and really, really angry. He never forgave his real parents for giving him up,” Ali shared. This anger often spilled over into their home life, making it difficult for Ali and her brother, Richard Jr.
Struggles at Home
Ali’s family faced financial hardships. They lived in a house in the woods of Pound Ridge, sharing it with an elderly couple. “There were no doors; we shared the kitchen and bathroom with them,” Ali recalled. “It was utter lack of privacy. It was horrible.”
While Frances worked hard to support the family with art assignments, Richard struggled to sell his paintings, which led to frustration and anger directed at his children. “On good days, he was great, but on bad days, he was horrendous,” Ali remembered. The impact of their home life left scars on the young girl, but it also sparked her desire to pursue a creative career.
Ali excelled in school and earned a scholarship to Rosemary Hall prep school. By 1956, she was off to Wellesley College in Massachusetts. At just 22, she moved to New York City and landed a job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where her fashion journey began.
A Fashionista in the Making
Ali quickly made a name for herself in the fashion world. Hired by the legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, Ali described her role as a “flunkie.” “It was ‘Girl! Get me a pencil!’” she laughed. She worked tirelessly, often staying late to prepare for the next day.
“She had an incredible work ethic,” recalled Ruth Ansel, a former art director at Vanity Fair. “Ali would come in at eight a.m., and many times I’d come back at one in the morning, and she would still be doing things!”
Ali’s beauty caught the eye of photographer Melvin Sokolsky, who promoted her to stylist. Before long, she was gracing magazine covers and modeling in commercials. Despite her success, a memorable encounter with the famous artist Salvador Dali made her rethink her career. When he began to suck her toes during a sketch session, she declared, “I’d rather be an actress than a model!”
Hollywood Stardom
Ali leaped from the world of fashion to film with remarkable speed. Her first role was in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), but it was her starring role in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) that earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
The script for Love Story crossed her desk, and she was captivated. “I read it and wept twice because of how much I loved it,” she said. After a meeting with producer Robert Evans at the Beverly Hills Hotel, he fell for her charm. Ali landed the role of Jenny, a working-class college student, opposite Ryan O’Neal.
When Love Story hit theaters in 1970, it became a massive success, capturing the hearts of audiences everywhere and making Ali a household name. It became the sixth highest-grossing film in U.S. history at that time, and Ali received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
Love and Heartbreak
Ali and Robert Evans married in 1969, and they welcomed their son, Josh, two years later. However, their marriage soon began to unravel. When Steve McQueen visited their home to cast Ali in The Getaway, the two stars shared an undeniable connection. “I looked into those blue eyes, and my knees started knocking,” Ali admitted. “I became obsessed.”
Ali’s affair with McQueen led her to leave Evans and move to Malibu with her son. “Steve was this very original, principled guy who didn’t seem to be part of the system, and I loved that,” she reflected. Yet, as time passed, Ali realized that Steve had his own demons from his troubled childhood, and their relationship became strained.
Despite her success, Ali felt suffocated by Steve’s demands and jealousy. “I couldn’t even go to art class because Steve expected his ‘old lady’ to be there every night with dinner on the table,” she said. Ultimately, the marriage ended in 1978, with Ali abiding by a prenup.
A Dark Time
After her divorce, Ali faced a difficult period in her life. She turned to alcohol, and her career began to falter. Movies like Players (1970) and Just Tell Me What You Want (1980) failed to resonate with audiences. “It’s brutal for women,” she said about returning to Hollywood. “There’s cruelty in the questioning the media lays on you.”
In 1986, after hitting rock bottom, Ali checked herself into the Betty Ford Clinic for help. “The worst stuff happened when I drank,” she admitted. “I lost my judgment; I fancied other women’s husbands.” Her son Josh witnessed his mother’s struggles, which deeply affected him.
After her recovery, Ali faced another tragedy when a wildfire destroyed her home in California in 1993. Seeking peace, she moved to a small village near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she found a supportive community that valued her for her contributions, not her past fame.
A New Chapter
Although she stepped away from acting, Ali made a brief return to the stage in 2006, reuniting with Ryan O’Neal for a Broadway adaptation of Festen. She also became involved in animal rights and produced several popular yoga videos. “One of the lucky things for someone my age is that I’m open and curious,” Ali said. “I know I’m not happy when I’m not doing something creative.”
Her son, Josh Evans, has forged his own successful path in Hollywood as an actor and director. Born in January 1971, he grew up in the industry but found his way on his own terms. After a small role in Dream a Little Dream (1989), he worked hard to get a part in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July.
“When I sat with him, Oliver asked, ‘Oh, you think you look like Tom Cruise?’” Josh recalled with a laugh. “Four months later, I got a call to audition, and I got the part. It was very exciting!”
A Loving Family
Josh has enjoyed a successful career, both in front of and behind the camera, while staying close to his mother. Ali has embraced her role as a grandmother, cherishing her family time. “He’s my favorite human being on the planet,” she said of Josh. “His relationship with his girlfriend is filled with friendship and respect.”
Although Ali MacGraw stepped away from the bright lights of Hollywood, her story continues to inspire. From a challenging childhood to becoming a celebrated actress and a devoted mother, her journey reflects resilience and creativity. Who knows what adventures lie ahead for this remarkable woman? As she says, “I’m always open to new things.”
— roxysaint (@roxysaint) October 30, 2019
What do you think of her incredible journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
