Ali MacGraw became a Hollywood superstar almost overnight. But just as quickly as she rose to fame, she vanished from the spotlight. Now, at 84 years old, she lives a peaceful life in a small, remote town, embracing her grey hair and the quietness of her surroundings.
The Early Life of Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw, whose full name is Elizabeth Alice MacGraw, was born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York. Her mother, Frances, was an artist who worked in Paris before moving to Greenwich Village. Her father, Richard, also an artist, had a tough childhood. He grew up in an orphanage and ran away to sea at the age of 16. Later, he studied at an art school in Germany.
Ali once shared about her father, saying, “Daddy was frightened and really, really angry. He never forgave his real parents for giving him up.” This anger often spilled over into their family life, affecting Ali and her brother, Richard Jr.
The family struggled financially. They lived in a house in a wilderness preserve, 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.”
Frances worked hard to support the family, while Richard struggled to sell his paintings, leading to frustration and anger at home. “On good days he was great, but on bad days he was horrendous,” Ali remembered. “Daddy would beat my brother up, badly. I was a witness, and it was terrible.”
Despite the challenges, Ali dreamed of a creative career like her parents. She earned a scholarship to Rosemary Hall, a prep school, and in 1956, she moved to Massachusetts to study at Wellesley College. By 22, Ali had moved to New York City, landing a job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she worked with photographers.
Fashion Work in New York
Ali’s big break came when fashion editor Diana Vreeland hired her. “It was like being a flunkie,” Ali described, comparing it to the movie The Devil Wears Prada. “It was ‘Girl! Get me a pencil!’”
After a few months, fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky noticed Ali’s beauty and hired her as a stylist, giving her a better salary. She worked hard, often staying late into the night. “I don’t know where she got this work ethic,” recalled Ruth Ansel, a former art director. “She would come in at eight a.m. and many times I’d come back at one in the morning and she would still be there.”
As Ali excelled as a stylist, she caught the eye of many, leading her to modeling. Before she knew it, she was gracing magazine covers worldwide and appearing in commercials. Her journey into acting began when she decided she wanted to do more than model, especially after an unusual encounter with surrealist artist Salvador Dali.
Ali MacGraw’s Film Career
Ali made a stunning entrance into the film world. With no formal training, her raw talent and natural beauty captivated audiences. After a small role in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), she starred in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) and won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
But her big break came with the film Love Story. Ali read the script and fell in love with it, weeping with emotion. She fought hard to get a meeting with producer Robert Evans, who, impressed by her passion, cast her in the lead role. “I looked in those blue eyes, and my knees started knocking,” Ali recalled about meeting Evans, who also became her husband.
In Love Story, Ali played Jenny, a working-class college student, opposite Ryan O’Neal. The film became a massive hit when it was released in 1970, earning an Academy Award nomination for Ali and becoming the No. 1 film in the U.S., as well as one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
Life and Love
Ali’s success continued, and she won another Golden Globe for Best Actress. However, her personal life was tumultuous. She and Evans married in 1969 and welcomed their son, Josh, two years later. But their marriage soon fell apart, especially when Steve McQueen entered the picture. Ali described meeting Steve: “I became obsessed.”
Their affair led Ali to leave Evans, moving in with McQueen in Malibu. “Steve was this very original, principled guy who didn’t seem to be part of the system,” she said. But over time, Ali realized that Steve had deep-seated issues from his past that affected their relationship. He struggled with trust and had strict expectations for Ali.
“I couldn’t even go to art class because Steve expected his ‘old lady’ to be there every night with dinner on the table,” Ali remembered. The relationship turned dark, leading her to substance abuse. During the filming of Convoy in 1978, she showed up drunk and high, which was a wake-up call.
Leaving Show Business
As Ali faced challenges in her personal life, her career faltered too. Many of her films flopped, and she found the industry increasingly harsh on women. “It’s brutal for women,” she told The Guardian. “I don’t think there’s a woman over 40 who’s ever been in the spotlight who doesn’t get sick of the media’s questioning. It’s cruel.”
After stepping back from acting, Ali pursued interior design but still made occasional TV appearances. However, she felt lost without a partner and turned to alcohol for comfort. In 1986, she checked into the Betty Ford Clinic to regain control of her life. “The worst stuff happened when I drank,” she admitted.
Family and New Beginnings
Ali’s son Josh, who was just 15 at the time, struggled to watch his mother suffer. After her treatment, Ali became stronger and more focused on her life. Tragedy struck again in 1993 when her California home burned down in a wildfire. She decided to move to a village called Tesuque near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she found peace and purpose in community work.
In Tesuque, her neighbors see her not as a Hollywood star, but as a dedicated community member. Ali has volunteered at the International Folk Art Market, showcasing her commitment to her new home.
In 2006, she reunited with Ryan O’Neal on stage in a Broadway adaptation of Festen, marking a return to the spotlight, though she remains mostly out of it. Ali has since focused on animal rights and even produced yoga videos.
Speaking in 2019, Ali expressed her excitement for new adventures. “One of the lucky things for someone my age is that I’m open and curious,” she said. “I know I’m not happy when I’m not doing something creative.”
Josh Evans: Following in His Mother’s Footsteps
Despite Ali stepping back from acting, her son Josh Evans has continued the family legacy in Hollywood. He was born in January 1971 and began his career with a small role in Dream a Little Dream (1989).
Josh wanted to break into film early on, even seeking out opportunities at studios. When he met Oliver Stone, who was casting Born on the Fourth of July, Josh made a strong impression. “I wanted to play that part, so he got me a meeting,” Josh recalled.
Today, he has built a successful career as both an actor and director, with eight films to his name. “I’m definitely more comfortable on the side of the camera that does not show myself,” Josh explained, reflecting on his passion for storytelling behind the scenes.
A Loving Family
Josh resembles his mother, especially with his striking eyes. In 2019, Ali’s ex-husband Robert Evans passed away, but the family shared warm memories, including a moment when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Josh married Roxy Saint in 2012, and they have a son named Jackson. Ali is a proud grandmother, cherishing every moment spent with her family. “He’s so wonderful,” she said about Josh. “He’s my favorite human being on the planet.”
— roxysaint (@roxysaint) October 30, 2019
Ali MacGraw and Josh Evans continue to shine in their own ways. Their journey from Hollywood stardom to a quieter life is inspiring, and it leaves us wondering what exciting adventures lie ahead for them. What do you think of their story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
