New York City: The iconic actress was seen strolling through the city at 85, reconnecting fans with the legacy of her classic film, ‘Love Story.’ Reflecting on her significant impact in Hollywood and her life beyond the screen, admirers share heartfelt memories of meeting her.
Hollywood actress Ali MacGraw, now 85 years old, captured the attention of fans earlier this week as she was seen walking through the streets of New York City. This sighting comes 55 years after the release of her critically acclaimed film, “Love Story,” which has long been regarded as one of the most romantic films in cinematic history.
MacGraw was photographed outside the Lowell Hotel, a location situated near the iconic Central Park and the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. On this occasion, she donned a sleek black suit and styled her silver hair in an elegant tight bun, completing her look with a chic black clutch handbag.
Recollections of her star power remain strong among fans. Sarah Bolton shared her experience of meeting MacGraw on Instagram, stating, “Meeting her is something I will never forget – a true beauty inside and out.” Another admirer, Dina De Luca, referred to her as a “timeless beauty,” while numerous others expressed their admiration with love heart emojis directed at the actress.
“Love Story,” a film directed by Arthur Hiller and released in 1970, tells the poignant tale of Oliver Barrett IV, played by Ryan O’Neal, and Jenny Cavilleri, portrayed by MacGraw. The narrative follows their romance, which unfolds against the backdrop of disapproval from Oliver’s father. The story takes a heartbreaking turn when concerns about Jenny’s health arise, complicating their aspirations of starting a family.
The screenplay for “Love Story,” which was also written by Erich Segal, drew inspiration from real-life experiences at Harvard, particularly from actor Tommy Lee Jones and former politician Al Gore. Jones would go on to appear in the film as Hank Simpson, marking the beginning of his illustrious acting career.
MacGraw was drawn to the project after reading the script, leading to Paramount Pictures’ decision to produce the film as a showcase for her talents. Prior to her role in “Love Story,” she had achieved critical acclaim for her performance in “Goodbye, Columbus,” earning a Golden Globe Award for Best New Actress and a BAFTA nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.
Despite its modest initial budget of $2 million (approximately £15 million in 2025), “Love Story” became a monumental financial success, grossing $173 million (around £1.1 billion adjusted for inflation in 2025), making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
MacGraw’s performance at the Golden Globes propelled her into the spotlight even further, as she won the award for Best Actress, surpassing strong competitors such as Faye Dunaway and Glenda Jackson. Although she enjoyed a meteoric rise during the late 60s and early 70s, MacGraw stepped back from the public eye in the mid-70s, choosing to take on only a few projects thereafter, including “The Getaway” in 1972, “Convoy” in 1978, and “Players” in 1979.
This period coincided with her marriage to actor Steve McQueen, with whom she had a notable affair while filming “The Getaway.” In her autobiography, MacGraw has candidly discussed her struggles with alcohol dependence and sex addiction, further highlighting the complexities of her life beyond the silver screen.
The event illustrates not only MacGraw’s enduring legacy in the film industry but also the lasting impact “Love Story” has had on popular culture over more than five decades.
Source: Noah Wire Services
