Ali MacGraw became an overnight sensation in Hollywood, but just as quickly as she rose to fame, she stepped away from the spotlight. Today, at 85 years old, Ali lives a quiet, peaceful life in a small town, gracefully embracing her gray hair and a slower pace. Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, she was the daughter of two artists. Her mother, Frances, was an art teacher and worked in Paris before settling in Greenwich Village.
Her father, Richard MacGraw, was an artist who struggled with the trauma of a difficult childhood in an orphanage. Having run away at 16 and later studying art in Munich, Germany, he carried deep emotional wounds. Ali recalled her father being a deeply angry man, often unable to forgive his birth parents for abandoning him. Her childhood was marked by financial struggles and a lack of privacy, living with another family in a shared house. While Frances supported the family with commercial art projects, Richard’s frustration over his unsuccessful art career often led to anger directed at their son, Richard Jr. Despite the challenges, Ali pursued her own path, attending Rosemary Hall on scholarship and then Wellesley College in Massachusetts. After college, she moved to New York City and began working as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar, eventually becoming a stylist under fashion editor Diana Vreeland. Her strong work ethic caught the attention of photographer Melvin Sokolsky, and soon Ali transitioned from styling to modeling, appearing on magazine covers and in television commercials.
It wasn’t long before Ali’s modeling career opened the door to acting. She debuted in the film “A Lovely Way to Die” in 1968, but it was her role in “Goodbye, Columbus” (1969) that won her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. The following year, she received a script that moved her to tears—”Love Story.” She was determined to land the role of Jenny and met with producer Robert Evans, head of Paramount Pictures. Not only did she win the role, but Evans also fell in love with her. “Love Story,” released in 1970, became a massive success, making Ali one of the biggest stars of the era. She earned an Academy Award nomination and a second Golden Globe for her performance. She married Evans in 1969, and they welcomed their son, Josh Evans, two years later.
Despite her rising career, Ali’s life took a turn when she met Steve McQueen. Cast opposite him in “The Getaway,” she quickly fell for his rebellious charm. Their affair ended her marriage to Evans, and she moved in with McQueen, bringing her young son along. At first, Ali admired Steve’s authenticity and nonconformity, but soon realized he had deep-seated issues stemming from his troubled childhood. He distrusted women and wanted Ali to give up her career, expecting her to be home every night with dinner on the table. His controlling nature led to their divorce in 1978, with Ali agreeing to a prenuptial agreement that left her with nothing. She later recalled how stifling life had become, unable to pursue her interests or career while Steve surrounded himself with other women.
After her divorce, Ali’s life spiraled. She arrived on the set of “Convoy” in 1978 under the influence of drugs and alcohol, prompting her to quit substance abuse. Although she continued acting, with roles in films like “Players” and “Just Tell Me What You Want,” they flopped, and by the early 1980s, her career had stalled. In interviews, Ali described how brutal Hollywood was for women over 40, with constant scrutiny and unrealistic expectations. She shifted focus to interior design but continued acting occasionally, starring in miniseries like “The Winds of War” and “China Rose.”
By the mid-1980s, Ali struggled with loneliness and addiction. In 1986, she checked into the Betty Ford Clinic, where she spent 30 days in group therapy and emerged stronger. In 1993, her California home was destroyed by wildfire, prompting her move to Tesuque, a small village near Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she became involved in community work and volunteer efforts, including the International Folk Art Market. In 2006, Ali reunited with Ryan O’Neal for a stage production of “Festen.” Over the last two decades, she’s focused on animal rights and producing yoga videos. In a 2019 interview, she shared that she remains curious and open to new experiences, finding joy in creativity rather than fame.
Ali’s son, Josh Evans, followed his parents into show business. Born in 1971, Josh became an actor and director. His early work included a role in Oliver Stone’s “Born on the Fourth of July.” Over the years, Josh has acted in and directed several films, including “The Doors” and “Death in the Desert.” He has expressed a preference for directing over acting, enjoying the storytelling process behind the camera.
In 2012, Josh married musician Roxy Saint, and they have a son, Jackson. Ali adores her family, frequently praising Josh and his partner for their loving and respectful relationship. Despite the challenges she faced, Ali MacGraw built a meaningful life beyond Hollywood, cherishing her family and the legacy of love and resilience she shares with them.
