Ali MacGraw, once a prominent figure in Hollywood, rose to stardom almost instantly, only to step back from the spotlight just as swiftly. Now 84, she has traded in the glamour of show business for a peaceful life in a small, remote town. With her silver hair and graceful aging, Ali has embraced her journey, finding fulfillment away from the fame and fortune that once defined her.
Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, Ali came from an artistic family. Her mother, Frances, was an artist and teacher, while her father, Richard, pursued painting but struggled with emotional scars from a traumatic childhood spent in an orphanage. His unresolved anger often affected their family life, creating tension, especially for Ali’s brother, Richard Jr., who became the target of their father’s outbursts.
Despite the challenges at home, Ali was determined to forge a creative path. She earned a scholarship to the prestigious Rosemary Hall and later attended Wellesley College. At 22, she moved to New York City, landing her first job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Her beauty soon caught the eye of photographer Melvin Sokolsky, who encouraged her to move in front of the camera, leading to a successful modeling career that eventually opened the door to acting.
Ali’s acting career began with A Lovely Way to Die (1968), but her role in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) made her a star, earning her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. The following year, her iconic performance in Love Story (1970) solidified her status as a Hollywood legend, earning her both an Academy Award nomination and another Golden Globe.
Behind the scenes, Ali’s personal life was as eventful as her professional one. She married producer Robert Evans in 1969, and they had a son, Josh, in 1971. However, her marriage ended after she began an affair with actor Steve McQueen during the filming of The Getaway (1972). She left Evans and moved to Malibu with McQueen and her young son. Though their relationship was passionate, it was also fraught with McQueen’s controlling nature. He demanded she abandon her career, and their marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1978.
Ali’s life spiraled downward after her split from McQueen. She battled substance abuse, showing up on the set of Convoy intoxicated. Her addiction eventually led her to seek help at the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986, where she underwent a 30-day treatment program. Her son, Josh, supported her during this challenging time, and Ali emerged determined to lead a healthier life.
In 1993, a wildfire destroyed her home in California, prompting her to move to Tesuque, New Mexico, where she found peace in a close-knit community. No longer seen as a former Hollywood star, Ali became an integral part of the town, engaging in volunteer work and supporting causes like the annual International Folk Art Market.
Although she left acting behind, Ali briefly returned to the stage in 2006, reuniting with her Love Story co-star Ryan O’Neal in a Broadway play. Outside of this, she has focused on causes close to her heart, including animal rights and producing yoga videos.
Today, Ali enjoys a quiet life, staying creative and involved in her community. In a 2019 interview, she reflected on her enduring curiosity, saying, “I’m not happy when I’m not doing something creative.” Her son, Josh, has followed in her footsteps, becoming a successful actor and director, while Ali treasures the close bond she shares with her family, especially her grandson, Jackson.
Ali MacGraw’s journey from Hollywood to a peaceful life in New Mexico is a testament to her resilience and strength. Through personal and professional ups and downs, she has emerged as a woman who values creativity, community, and family above all else. Her legacy goes beyond stardom, reflecting a life of transformation, authenticity, and inner peace.