Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, Ali came from a family of artists. Her mother, Frances, was a creative spirit, working both as an artist and a teacher. Her father, Richard, also pursued art but carried with him the emotional scars of a traumatic childhood spent in an orphanage. Richard’s difficult past often manifested in anger, which impacted his family life. Ali recounted how her father never forgave his biological parents for abandoning him, and much of his adult life was marked by the suppression of his rage.
Despite the emotional turmoil within their family, Ali and her brother, Richard Jr., grew up in a somewhat unconventional household. Money was scarce, and they lived on a wilderness preserve in Pound Ridge, sharing a house with an elderly couple. This living arrangement lacked privacy, which Ali later described as unbearable. Her mother took on various commercial art assignments to keep the family afloat, while her father struggled to sell his paintings. His frustration often boiled over, and her brother became the target of his anger. Ali remembers the pain of witnessing her father’s violent outbursts, which left deep emotional scars.
Despite these challenges, Ali was determined to carve out a creative career for herself. She earned a scholarship to the prestigious Rosemary Hall, a prep school, and later attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts. By the age of 22, Ali moved to New York City, where she landed her first job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. It was a time of excitement and discovery for the young Ali, who was immersed in the fast-paced world of fashion.
Her work in the fashion industry started modestly, but soon her beauty caught the eye of photographer Melvin Sokolsky. He encouraged her to transition from behind the camera to in front of it, and Ali’s modeling career took off. She appeared on magazine covers and in television commercials, and her natural beauty and elegance quickly made her a sought-after model. This exposure led to her inevitable entry into the world of acting.
Ali’s acting debut came in the film A Lovely Way to Die in 1968, but it was her next role in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) that catapulted her to stardom. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. However, it was her role in the 1970 film Love Story that solidified her status as a Hollywood icon. Playing Jenny, a working-class college student, Ali delivered a performance that resonated with audiences around the world. The film became a massive success, and Ali received both an Academy Award nomination and a second Golden Globe for her work.
Despite her newfound fame, Ali’s personal life was equally dramatic. She married film producer Robert Evans in 1969, and the couple welcomed their son, Josh, two years later. However, their marriage was short-lived. During the filming of The Getaway in 1972, Ali met actor Steve McQueen, and the two began an affair. Ali eventually left Evans to be with McQueen, moving to Malibu with her young son.
While her relationship with McQueen was passionate, it was also tumultuous. McQueen, who had his own troubled past, was often controlling and possessive. He didn’t like that Ali had her own career and insisted that she give up work to stay home. Their marriage was marked by McQueen’s demands and jealousy, and it eventually ended in divorce in 1978.
Following her split from McQueen, Ali’s life took a downward spiral. She struggled with substance abuse, arriving on set for the film Convoy both drunk and high. Her addiction led her to quit drugs, but her career was also suffering. Several of her films during this time flopped, and the once-promising Hollywood star found herself at a crossroads.
Ali eventually decided to leave Hollywood behind and pursue a different path. She moved into interior design and took on only occasional acting roles, including appearances in the television miniseries The Winds of War (1983) and China Rose (1985). However, by the mid-1980s, Ali’s life had hit a low point. She felt lost and struggled with feelings of inadequacy, compounded by her addiction to alcohol.
In 1986, Ali made the courageous decision to check herself into the Betty Ford Clinic, where she spent 30 days undergoing therapy. Her son, Josh, who was 15 at the time, witnessed his mother’s struggles and supported her throughout her recovery. Ali emerged from the clinic stronger and more determined to live a healthier life.
Tragedy struck again in 1993 when a wildfire destroyed Ali’s home in California. This loss prompted her to relocate to Tesuque, a small village near Santa Fe, New Mexico. In her new home, Ali found peace and a sense of community. Her neighbors didn’t see her as a former Hollywood star but rather as a valuable member of the town who contributed through volunteer work, such as her involvement with the annual International Folk Art Market.
Although Ali left acting behind, she made a brief return to the stage in 2006, reuniting with her Love Story co-star Ryan O’Neal in the Broadway adaptation of the Danish film Festen. Outside of this brief foray, Ali has stayed out of the spotlight, focusing her energy on causes close to her heart, including animal rights and producing yoga videos.
Even as she enjoys her quiet life in New Mexico, Ali remains open to new experiences. In an interview in 2019, she expressed her ongoing curiosity and desire to stay creative. “I’m not happy when I’m not doing something creative,” she said, reflecting on the fulfillment she finds in her various endeavors.
Her son, Josh Evans, has followed in her footsteps, building a successful career as both an actor and director. Ali is proud of her son and cherishes the close bond they share. She often speaks fondly of her family and the joy they bring her, particularly her grandson, Jackson, who was born in 2010.
Ali MacGraw’s journey from Hollywood star to a quiet life in New Mexico is a testament to her resilience and strength. She has faced personal and professional challenges but has emerged as a woman who values creativity, community, and family above all else. Her story serves as an inspiration, showing that life can take unexpected turns, but with grace and determination, one can find peace and fulfillment.
As Ali MacGraw reflects on her life today, she embraces the peace and wisdom that come with age. Far removed from the pressures of Hollywood, she has carved out a life filled with purpose, creativity, and community involvement. Her journey, marked by personal struggles and triumphs, has shaped her into a woman who values authenticity and simplicity over fame. Surrounded by family and the beauty of her New Mexico home, Ali continues to stay curious and open to new experiences. Her legacy is not just one of Hollywood stardom, but of resilience, transformation, and inner peace.
