Tatum O’Neal Opens Up About Haunted Past and Abusive Relationship with Dad Ryan

Despite giving his daughter her biggest break in the hit 1973 film Paper Moon, Ryan O’Neal’s relationship with his daughter Tatum has been nothing short of tumultuous. Tatum, who was only 10 years old when she starred alongside her father in the film and received an Academy Award nomination, faced physical abuse and neglect from her father when he failed to attend the awards ceremony after not receiving a nomination himself.

Years of substance abuse took a toll on Tatum, culminating in a stroke in 2020 after a prescription morphine overdose. The stroke left her in a coma for six weeks, unable to walk, talk, or see. Throughout her recovery, her father never reached out to offer support or comfort.

Despite her ongoing battle with substance abuse and efforts to regain her motor skills, Tatum made the difficult decision to visit her father shortly before his death at the age of 82. Instead of receiving gratitude or support, Tatum was offered drugs by her father, pushing her further into her struggles.

Tatum has bravely spoken out about her traumatic past and the impact her father’s actions have had on her life. She continues to work towards healing and recovery, despite the challenges she has faced.