Life wasn’t easy. The family lived in near-poverty on a wilderness preserve, sharing a kitchen and bathroom with an elderly couple. Despite the challenges, Ali’s artistic heritage and drive shone through. She earned a scholarship to Rosemary Hall prep school, then went on to Wellesley College in Massachusetts, laying the groundwork for a future in creative fields.
From Fashion to Hollywood
By age 22, Ali had moved to New York City and landed her first job at Harper’s Bazaar as an assistant editor. Working under the legendary Diana Vreeland, she honed her skills in the world of fashion—long hours, relentless deadlines, and meticulous attention to detail. Within months, fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky noticed her striking looks, hiring her as a stylist. Ali excelled, eventually transitioning to modeling, appearing on magazine covers worldwide.
Her modeling career led naturally to acting. After a small role in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), she starred in Goodbye, Columbus (1969), earning a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Her breakout came with the 1970 romantic drama Love Story, where she played Jenny alongside Ryan O’Neal. The film became a cultural phenomenon, hitting No. 1 at the U.S. box office and earning Ali an Academy Award nomination, along with a second Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Love, Fame, and Personal Struggles
During this meteoric rise, her personal life drew as much attention as her on-screen success. She married producer Robert Evans in 1969, and they had a son, Josh Evans. The marriage ended when Ali fell for Steve McQueen, a romance that brought both passion and challenges. McQueen’s controlling tendencies, coupled with Hollywood pressures, pushed Ali into a dark period of alcohol abuse. She later sought help at the Betty Ford Clinic, emerging stronger and determined to rebuild her life.
Career Challenges and Reinvention
The 1970s and 1980s brought mixed success in Hollywood. Some films flopped, and the industry’s scrutiny of aging actresses proved brutal. Ali stepped back from acting, exploring interior design, volunteer work, and later yoga and wellness projects. Yet she never lost her creative spark, returning briefly to television with The Winds of War (1983) and China Rose (1985), and even reuniting with Ryan O’Neal for a Broadway adaptation of Festen.
Life Today
Ali now resides in Tesuque, New Mexico, living a quiet life devoted to family, community, and creativity. She volunteers at the International Folk Art Market, supports animal rights, and continues producing yoga content. She remains open to new opportunities, embracing a philosophy of curiosity and creativity at any age.
Her son, Josh Evans, has followed in her footsteps, carving out a career in acting and directing. With eight films as a director and roles in movies like The Doors (1991), Josh honors the creative legacy passed down from Ali, while carving his own path in Hollywood.
Ali MacGraw’s journey—from poverty and family trauma to Hollywood fame, personal heartbreak, and reinvention—is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the courage to redefine success on one’s own terms. Though she left the spotlight decades ago, her legacy continues to inspire, both through her films and the life she has built away from the cameras.
What’s your favorite Ali MacGraw movie or moment? Share your memories in the comments and celebrate a true Hollywood icon!