Tatum O'Neal's Hollywood Childhood Was A Waking Nightmare

Tatum O’Neal made cinematic history with her staggering performance in the 1973 film Paper Moon. Many remember her as a shy 10-year-old girl—smiling widely and grasping her golden Oscar. But Tatum O’Neal’s story is far more nuanced than her one day of glory. It is a tale both dark and winding, lying outside the spotlight and illuminating an upbringing that no child should ever endure.

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Narrated by: Justis

[Robinwhiteart]

She was used her entire life. It is amazing she survived at all. Somewhere in her there is a great strength.

[IrishGal]

My heart goes out to Tatum. People can say what they want, but when you grow up being emotionally and physically abused, it leaves scars that no one can understand unless you’ve experienced it. I can’t even imagine having to grow up in the public spotlight on top of dealing with that kind of abuse and trauma. It’s a wonder she made it through to adulthood as so many like her wound up either overdosing or taking their own lives. I think it’s really messed up for some of these people to judge her when they couldn’t possibly know what it was like to live her life! I wish only the best for her and her children! 💕

[nadinedavies]

Her father hit on her at Farrah;s funeral. She had to say, " Dad it;s me Tatum" Sums him up totally. She's a strong, beautiful survivor ❤

[bruce]

Tatum is 5 years younger than I am. Beautiful woman who has been through so much in her life. Survived a stroke and a 6 week coma. Amazing strong woman.

[tracyjacoby]

Tatum was so amazing in Paper Moon! Loved her in that film and so happy she won the academy award. I hope she's living a happy life now.🥺💕

[cynthiaparker]

When i was a teenager tatum and i were pen pals . She was always kind and generous. She didn't act like a celebrity and was very relatable. Years later i moved to L.A and was managing a theatre where celebrities came in on a daily bases . Ryan Oneal came in twice with farrah and twice i had him thrown out . Farrah was lovely and i felt sorry for her . Both times she apologized for his behavior as well as calling the next day to apologize again . He was a complete ass and wanted everyone to bow down to him.

[Bubbles-n-Lipgloss]

Can you imagine how different Tatum would be if she had even 1 good parent? She is strong, accomplished n clean. Funny how 3 of Ryan’s 4 children all have experienced extreme substance abuse issues? I totally believe her about her childhood and Ryan.

[tracycraft]

I’m so proud of Tatum for getting clean as best she could. She’s such a lovely person and it doesn’t surprise me she turned to drugs and such so cope with the nightmare that was her life. She’s so much more than just a tragic Hollywood back story! She’s strong and is doing the best she can! Bravo Tatum! ❤

[clairemalone]

The most shocking thing I heard about their relationship was when Tatum attended Fawett's funeral her father didn't recognise her and he tried to hit on her.

[timothynichols]

Tatum is a very kind person. She has been in the public eye since she was very young. That isn't easy. She is an absolute sweetheart though

[JJ]

she deserves a good life - as a child she was simply constantly abused. God Bless her strength! what a woman to survive all those horrible people!

[rnkim]

and insanely wealthy oprah grifting off of such tragedy for tatum for her own gain is just disgusting... i hope more people learn about oprahs selfish and opportunistic dealings in this life, like how she acted with her devastated hawaiin fire neighbors

[matthewronsson]

Sad to hear that Ryan was so petty as to be jealous of his own daughters success. There is a reason that Actors generally try to avoid roles in which they are opposite to a kid or a dog, because they naturally steal attention i.e. scene stealers. It seems Ryan should have known this and even if he did not, that's some ego to get jealous when she was so successful at her role.

[Sheluvsthes]

Wow. She overcame so much.What an incredibly strong and resilient woman. It's so sad that her father could never take accountability for his actions and all the pain he caused her. Sometimes all a person needs to hear from a parent who caused alot of damage is, "I'm sorry I screwed up. I should have done better with you." I think just hearing these words can heal alot of broken hearts and prevent alot of drug overdoses. Words have power. If you love your kids, give your kids the closure they need so they can move on with their lives.

[meemz]

People think that Hollywood stars have glamorous lives. Many are just messed up selfish broken people that have no business bringing kids into the world. I hope Tatum has some peace in her life.

[DanielLiebert-ip]

After Farrah Fawcett's funeral, Tatum says Ryan O'Neill started hitting on her. She said "Dad, I'm Tatum.".

[cornishmaid]

At the end of the day, she’s just a human being with all the frailties that go with it. ❤

[VikkiBounds]

It's so sad when children aren't raised properly. Growing up can be difficult enough in the best of circumstances but it becomes so much harder when the parents are not doing what they should be. 😢

[karenbrown]

My Mother took me to see Papermoon and took me to see every one of Tatum's films. We're the same age, but appears I was better off as just a boring regular child. Don't like Oprah! Good report!!!

[rickyspirals]

Man, we need a biopic about her make a film.