Ali MacGraw became a Hollywood superstar overnight. However, just as quickly as she rose to fame, she disappeared from the entertainment industry altogether.
Today, the 85-year-old actress has settled down in a small, remote town and is aging gracefully with her grey hair.
Early Life
Ali MacGraw, whose full name is Elizabeth Alice MacGraw, was born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, USA. Her mother, Frances, was an artist who worked at a school in Paris before settling in Greenwich Village. Her father, Richard MacGraw, was also an artist. Ali was born in 1939.
Richard MacGraw, her father, had issues stemming from his childhood, which made him somewhat different from others. He had endured a terrible childhood in an orphanage and ran away at the age of 16 to go to sea. Later, he studied at an art school in Munich, Germany.
Ali shared that her father never forgave his real parents for abandoning him and carried the rage and hurt throughout his adult life.
A Difficult Family Life
Ali’s family struggled financially as well. Her mother, Frances, worked on various commercial art projects to support the family, while her father struggled to sell his paintings, which made him very frustrated. Her brother, Richard Jr., became the victim of her father’s anger at home.
Ali grew up in a house with no privacy, sharing a home in Pound Ridge with an elderly couple. “There were no doors; we shared the kitchen and bathroom with them. It was complete lack of privacy. It was horrible,” Ali recalled.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Ali always knew she wanted to pursue a creative career. She earned a scholarship to Rosemary Hall and later attended Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
Starting Her Career in New York
At 22, Ali MacGraw moved to New York and landed her first job as an assistant editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Here, she began working with photographers and soon became a notable figure in the fashion industry.
Ali worked hard under the direction of fashion editor Diana Vreeland, and in a short time, she became a stylist with a better salary. She quickly rose to prominence as a model, gracing magazine covers and appearing in advertisements.
Breakthrough in Hollywood
Ali had no formal acting training but possessed a natural beauty that captivated audiences. She quickly gained attention, and after a small role in A Lovely Way to Die (1968), she landed a lead role in Goodbye, Columbus (1969), which earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
In 1970, Ali MacGraw achieved major stardom with Love Story. Her role in the film became iconic, and Love Story became a massive hit, earning several awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Ali.
Personal Life and Her Relationship with Steve McQueen
Ali’s personal life also attracted significant public attention. She married film producer Robert Evans, but their marriage did not last. While shooting The Getaway (1972), Ali met and developed a romantic relationship with Steve McQueen, a Hollywood legend.
Although they had some happy times together, the relationship was turbulent. Steve McQueen had his own psychological issues stemming from a difficult childhood, which ultimately strained their relationship. Ali decided to leave Evans and live with McQueen.
However, Ali soon realized that the relationship with Steve McQueen was not sustainable. McQueen had high demands and was controlling in the relationship. Ultimately, Ali ended her marriage with him in 1978.
Leaving Hollywood and a New Life
After several unsuccessful films, Ali MacGraw decided to step away from the entertainment industry. She briefly explored interior design but also participated in some small projects such as the TV miniseries The Winds of War (1983) and China Rose (1985), before disappearing from the spotlight.
In 1986, Ali faced a difficult period in her life, struggling with alcohol and depression. She entered the Betty Ford Clinic for treatment. After 30 days of therapy, Ali emerged stronger.
A New Life After Hollywood
After the turmoil, Ali MacGraw moved from Los Angeles and settled in a small town near Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she engaged in community work and volunteer efforts, including her participation in the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe.
Although she retired from acting, Ali continued to explore creative endeavors, producing popular yoga videos and actively engaging in animal rights work.
Family and New Passions
Ali’s son, Josh Evans, also followed in his parents’ footsteps and pursued a career in film. However, Josh was more drawn to directing than acting. He has enjoyed a successful career as both an actor and a director.
Although she has stepped away from the spotlight, Ali maintains close ties with her family and continues to spend time with her grandchildren. She calls her son Josh the most important person in her life and is deeply devoted to her family.
Despite leaving acting behind, Ali MacGraw remains an icon of creativity, resilience, and passion, always embracing new adventures and continuing to pursue her love for creative expression.
Lucky Colors for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign has specific lucky colors that can enhance positive energy, bring good fortune, and boost confidence. Here are the lucky colors for each sign:
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)
🔥 Lucky Colors: Red, Orange, Scarlet
🔺 Why? These bold and fiery colors enhance Aries’ passion, confidence, and leadership.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
🌿 Lucky Colors: Green, Pink, Earthy Tones
🔺 Why? Green symbolizes growth and stability, while pink brings harmony and love.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
💛 Lucky Colors: Yellow, Light Green, White
🔺 Why? These colors boost Gemini’s communication skills, creativity, and adaptability.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Silver, White, Light Blue
🔺 Why? These soothing colors reflect Cancer’s emotional depth, intuition, and connection to the moon.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
☀️ Lucky Colors: Gold, Orange, Yellow
🔺 Why? These royal and radiant colors highlight Leo’s charisma, confidence, and strength.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
🌾 Lucky Colors: Green, Brown, Beige
🔺 Why? Earthy and natural tones enhance Virgo’s practicality, wisdom, and sense of order.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)
🎀 Lucky Colors: Pink, Blue, Pastel Shades
🔺 Why? These colors promote Libra’s sense of balance, love, and diplomacy.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Red, Burgundy
🔺 Why? These deep colors represent Scorpio’s mystery, intensity, and transformation.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
💜 Lucky Colors: Purple, Royal Blue, Dark Yellow
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Sagittarius’ adventurous, spiritual, and optimistic nature.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Gray, Dark Green
🔺 Why? These colors reflect Capricorn’s discipline, ambition, and grounded energy.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
🔵 Lucky Colors: Blue, Electric Blue, Silver
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Aquarius’ innovation, originality, and connection to the future.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Sea Green, Lavender, Aqua
🔺 Why? These dreamy colors boost Pisces’ creativity, intuition, and emotional depth.
Using these lucky colors in clothing, accessories, or surroundings can help attract positive energy and success! 😊✨