Ali MacGraw skyrocketed to stardom in Hollywood seemingly overnight, only to vanish from the spotlight just as quickly. Now, at 85 years old, the former actress lives a peaceful life in a remote, small town, embracing aging with grace and proudly wearing her grey hair.

Born Elizabeth Alice MacGraw on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, Ali came from an artistic family. Her mother, Frances, worked in Paris before settling in Greenwich Village, where she married fellow artist Richard MacGraw. Ali’s father, however, carried emotional scars from his own troubled childhood in an orphanage. At 16, he ran away to sea and later studied art in Munich, Germany. According to Ali, he spent much of his adult life struggling with suppressed anger, never forgiving his biological parents for abandoning him.

Financial struggles were part of Ali’s early life. Her family, including her younger brother Richard Jr., lived in modest conditions on a wilderness preserve, sharing a home with an elderly couple and lacking privacy. Frances supported the family through commercial art projects, while Richard’s frustrations over his lack of artistic success often resulted in anger, which he directed toward Richard Jr.

Despite the difficult environment, Ali was drawn to creativity. She earned a scholarship to the prestigious Rosemary Hall prep school and later attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts. By 22, Ali moved to New York and began her career as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Her initial role was humble, likened by Ali to a real-life version of The Devil Wears Prada. However, her work ethic stood out, and fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky noticed her potential. She was promoted to stylist, a role she thrived in for six years.

Ali’s beauty didn’t go unnoticed, and soon she was modeling and appearing on magazine covers worldwide. She even caught the attention of Salvador Dali, who once sketched her nude—though a bizarre experience with the artist ultimately pushed her to pursue acting instead. Her transition into film was swift and impactful. Her first notable role came in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), followed by a Golden Globe-winning performance in Goodbye, Columbus (1969).

Her career-defining moment came with Love Story (1970), a film she loved so much it moved her to tears. After meeting with producer Robert Evans—who would soon become her husband—Ali landed the lead role of Jenny, starring opposite Ryan O’Neal. The film was a massive success, becoming the top-grossing movie in the U.S. at the time and earning Ali an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win.

Ali and Evans married in 1969 and welcomed their son, Josh Evans, two years later. However, their marriage was short-lived. Ali met Steve McQueen during casting for The Getaway (1972), and the chemistry between them was instant. She left Evans and moved to Malibu with McQueen and her son. While initially captivated by McQueen’s rebellious spirit, Ali eventually found his controlling nature suffocating. He resented her independence and demanded she prioritize domestic life over her career. Their relationship deteriorated, and they divorced in 1978 under a strict prenuptial agreement that left Ali with nothing.

Following their split, Ali’s personal struggles deepened. She arrived intoxicated and high on the set of Convoy (1978), prompting her to quit drugs. Her subsequent films, like Players (1979) and Just Tell Me What You Want (1980), flopped, and she found Hollywood an unkind place for women over 40. She eventually stepped away from acting, dabbling in interior design, though she did appear in TV miniseries such as The Winds of War (1983) and China Rose (1985).

Feeling lost without a partner and battling alcoholism, Ali checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986. Her son, then 15, watched her struggle but supported her recovery. After 30 days of group therapy, she emerged stronger. In 1993, she faced another hardship when her California home was destroyed by wildfire. Choosing a quieter life, she moved to Tesuque, New Mexico, where she became an active member of the community, volunteering at events like the International Folk Art Market.

Though largely retired, Ali returned to the stage in 2006, reuniting with Ryan O’Neal for a Broadway adaptation of Festen. More recently, she’s been involved in animal rights activism and released successful yoga videos. Speaking in 2019, Ali said she remains open to new experiences and loves engaging in creative endeavors.

Her son Josh Evans followed in her footsteps, forging a career in Hollywood as an actor and director. Despite growing up with famous parents, Josh initially didn’t dream of working in film. However, a chance meeting with director Oliver Stone led to a role in Born on the Fourth of July (1989), which ignited his career. Josh has since starred in The Doors (1991) and directed several films, including Death in the Desert (2015). While he prefers directing, he’s open to acting if the opportunity arises.

Josh, who resembles his mother, has two marriages under his belt. In 2012, he married singer Roxy Saint, and they share a son, Jackson. Ali, now a proud grandmother, treasures time with her family. She speaks fondly of Josh, calling him her favorite person, and admires the love and respect he shares with his partner.

Ali MacGraw and Josh Evans have found fulfillment in their unique paths, and perhaps the future will bring them together again on stage or screen.