Ryan O'Neal dies aged 82 as tributes pour in for The Paper Moon and Love Story actor

O’Neal sparked health fears last month after he was seen with a helper being aided into his vehicle from a wheelchair in California.

The actor was wheeled down the street with two carers lifting him from under his arm into the front seat of his car.

WATCH HERE: Ryan O'Neal dies aged 82

“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go,” Patrick began.

“My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us.

“This is very difficult for my wife Summer and I, but I will share some feelings to give you an idea of how great a man he is.

“My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life.

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“When I was born in 1967 my dad was already a TV star on Peyton Place. That’s where he met my mom Leigh Taylor-Young, and about 9 months later (give or take a date night or two) I was born.

“My dad became an international movie star with Love Story at the beginning of the 1970’s, a decade he absolutely crushed by starring in movies like What’s Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver.

“He is a Hollywood legend. Full stop. The growth spurt of the first name Ryan can be traced back to my dad. That’s a fact.

“He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place 3 days a week (he starred in 500 shows over 5 years) and then of course the name Ryan peaked after Love Stoy (the film that saved Paramount Studios and earned my dad a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Tatum, who starred alongside her father in Paper Moon and even won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role at the age of 10, later shared a statement with People.

“I feel great sorrow with my father's passing,” she said.

“He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me too.

“I'll miss him forever and I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms.”

Other celebs, including those he starred beside, have also paid tribute to the matinee idol, including Barbra Streisand, Sharon Stone and Mia Farrow.

Streisand posted on social media: “So sad to hear the news of Ryan O'Neal's passing.

“We made two films together, What's Up, Doc? and The Main Event. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered.”

Stone wrote: “It's w deep sadness I post this. RIP Ryan O'Neal,” adding a heart emoji.