The Amazing Journey of Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw went from being an unknown to a Hollywood superstar almost overnight! But just as quickly as she rose to fame, she disappeared from the spotlight, leaving many curious about her life. Now, at 84 years old, she has found peace in a small, remote town and embraces her beautiful grey hair as she ages gracefully.
Early Life of Ali MacGraw
Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, Ali had a unique childhood. Her mother, Frances, was an artist who once worked at a school in Paris, while her father, Richard MacGraw, was also an artist with a troubled past.
Richard spent part of his childhood in an orphanage, running away to the sea at 16. He studied art in Munich, Germany, but his tough upbringing left him with deep emotional scars.
“Daddy was frightened and really, really angry. He never forgave his real parents for giving him up,” Ali later shared, explaining how her father’s pain affected their family life.
Growing up was challenging for Ali and her family. Money was tight, and they lived in a small house on a wilderness preserve in Pound Ridge, sharing space with an elderly couple. “There were no doors; we shared the kitchen and bathroom with them,” Ali said. “It was utter lack of privacy. It was horrible.”
While her mother worked hard on commercial art projects to support the family, Richard struggled to sell his paintings, which made him frustrated and angry. Ali’s brother, Richard Jr., often felt the brunt of their father’s fury. “On good days he was great, but on bad days he was horrendous,” she remembered. “Daddy would beat my brother up badly. I was a witness, and it was terrible.”
Despite the hardships, Ali was determined to pursue a creative career. She earned a scholarship to Rosemary Hall, a prestigious prep school, and then moved on to Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she began to carve out her own path.
The Fashion World
At 22, Ali moved to New York City and landed her first job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. There, she was hired by the famous fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who called her a “flunkie.” “It was ‘Girl! Get me a pencil!’” MacGraw recalled, laughing at how demanding the job was.
Ali worked tirelessly, often coming in early and staying late. “I don’t know where she got this work ethic, but 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 for the next day,” said Ruth Ansel, a former art director of Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar.
Her beauty didn’t go unnoticed. After several months, fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky offered her a job as a stylist, and soon she was on magazine covers worldwide. Ali’s big break came when she decided she wanted to act, leaving behind her modeling career.
Rise to Fame
Ali’s journey into film began with a small role in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), but it was her performance in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) that earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Then came her life-changing role in Love Story (1970).
When Ali read the script, she was so moved that she cried twice. Determined to be a part of it, she arranged a meeting with the film’s producer, Robert Evans, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Not only did Evans think she was perfect for the role of Jenny, but he also fell in love with her. “I looked in those blue eyes, and my knees started knocking,” Ali recalled about their first encounter.
Love Story became a monumental success, topping the box office and making Ali a household name. The film earned five Academy Award nominations and won numerous awards, including Ali’s own nomination for Best Actress.
She married Robert Evans in 1969, and they welcomed a son, Josh, two years later. Ali was on top of the world as a star of the 1970s. However, her private life began to unravel.
Love and Heartache
During her marriage to Evans, Ali met Steve McQueen while filming The Getaway. Their instant connection led to an affair that changed everything. “Steve was this very original, principled guy who didn’t seem to be part of the system, and I loved that,” she said.
But McQueen had his own demons. After a troubled childhood, he struggled with trust issues and had strong opinions about Ali’s career. He wanted her to stay home and focus on being a wife and mother. Ali recalled, “I couldn’t even go to art class because Steve expected his ‘old lady’ to be there every night with dinner on the table.” Ultimately, their relationship was fraught with difficulties, and they divorced in 1978.
A Difficult Time
After leaving Hollywood, Ali faced challenges in her personal life. Her films, including Players (1970) and Just Tell Me What You Want (1980), didn’t do well, and she felt the harsh reality of being a woman in showbiz. “It’s brutal for women,” she told The Guardian. “It’s cruel.”
In the late 1970s, she turned to interior design but struggled to find her footing in both careers. Feeling lost and alone, she turned to alcohol, leading her to seek help at the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986. “The worst stuff happened when I drank,” she said. “I lost my judgment; I fancied other women’s husbands.”
Rebuilding Her Life
With the support of therapy, Ali emerged stronger and more determined. She moved to Tesuque, a small village near Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a tragic wildfire destroyed her California home in 1993. “I live in a little village called Tesuque,” she shared, enjoying the quiet life away from the spotlight.
Her neighbors appreciated her community work, especially her volunteer efforts at the annual International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe. Although she left acting behind, Ali returned to the stage in 2006, reuniting with Ryan O’Neal in a Broadway adaptation of Festen.
Outside of acting, she found joy in creating yoga videos and advocating for animal rights. In a 2019 interview, she reflected on her open-mindedness and curiosity, saying, “One of the lucky things for someone my age is that I’m open and curious. There’s not just one thing I love to do and feel bereft if I can’t.”
Family Legacy
Despite stepping away from the limelight, Ali’s family remains connected to Hollywood. Her son, Josh Evans, has built a successful career as an actor and director. He first dabbled in acting with a small role in Dream a Little Dream (1989) but soon landed a significant part in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July.
“I wanted to play that part, so he got me a meeting with Oliver Stone,” Josh recalled, smiling at the memory.
Josh has also directed several films and continues to thrive in the industry. “I am definitely more comfortable on the side of the camera that does not show myself,” he admitted, showcasing his talent behind the scenes.
Ali MacGraw remains a proud mother and grandmother, often sharing the joys of family life. “He’s so wonderful,” she said about Josh. “He’s my favorite human being on the planet.”
— roxysaint (@roxysaint) October 30, 2019
Ali’s life is a testament to resilience and creativity. Even after the ups and downs, she finds joy in her passions and family. As she reflects on her incredible journey, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for Ali MacGraw and her loved ones. Maybe we’ll see them together again on stage or in a movie—what do you think? Share your thoughts below!
