Ali MacGraw, a Wellesley College graduate, began her career as a photographer’s assistant and a fashion magazine model before becoming a movie star. When she was 31, she made a huge impact in “Goodbye, Columbus,” winning her first Golden Globe.
She was a successful celebrity, but she also put her family first. MacGraw welcomed Josh Evans into the world three marriages later, during her second marriage to movie producer Robert Evans.
After three years of marriage to Robert, the actress moved on with her third ex-husband, Steve McQueen, whom she met on the set of “The Getaway” in 1972.
The couple married the following year and moved to Malibu with their children from previous marriages. When this happened, MacGraw, who was already regarded as the world’s top female box office performer, took a break from the industry to devote more time to her sole child.
The “Goodbye, Columbus” actress admitted that McQueen’s celebrity was too much for her, and he barred her from working.
She retired at a young age but stayed at home with her child for five years. Her marriage failed despite her efforts, and when McQueen died a few years later, she was left penniless (they signed a prenup).
MacGraw’s life outside of performing was tragic, but it ended happily. In her memoir “Moving Pictures,” the actress wrote that drinking and having toxic relationships hurt her life.
Fortunately, in 1986, she walked into the Betty Ford Center and saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Her stay there had a profound impact on her, altering her life path. Her exact words are:
“The single most significant thing that happened to me was my renewed faith in a higher power. And I began to feel the underlying calm and sense of order that I had long desired.”
Even though she and her “Love Story” co-star Ryan O’Neal were reunited, MacGraw wasn’t in a hurry to land a film role. The actress insisted she had retired from acting for good.
Priorities for the Wellesley College alum included community service and advocacy. She did yoga, volunteered in the community, and rescued animals. These activities assisted her in maintaining her youthful attractiveness.
MacGraw has always gotten along well with her son-in-law. She supported his decisions when he was younger and continues to do so today.
Even though MacGraw acknowledged that being a grandparent may be difficult and is the “hardest of jobs,” she enjoys spending time with her grandson. She never hesitates to seek him for assistance with putting together a movie.
Josh was accompanied by Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner’s daughter, and his then-girlfriend Natasha Wagner in 1991 when he went to see his mother in Santa Monica. The proud mother yelled after the visit:
“He’s truly amazing. He goes out with a girl I’m crazy about and is my favorite person on the globe. Their connection is largely based on friendship and respect, among other things.”
Today, Josh is a contented husband and father who shares a child with Roxy Saint, his spouse at the time. He had a previous union with Charis Michelsen.
He also possessed his parents’ performance genes and a successful love life. Josh has a successful Hollywood acting and directing career. The Doors, The Prince of Air, and Born on the Fourth of July are a few of his well-known compositions.
The renowned film producer Robert passed away in 2019, and his ex-wife MacGraw and their son expressed their condolences in a joint statement that read:
“Bob made a significant contribution to the film industry, and my son Joshua and I will miss him terribly. He’ll be regarded as a titan in memory.”
The “Love Story” actress never missed an opportunity to honor Robert with her son while he was still alive. They bowed their heads in adoration as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, marking the occasion.
Ali Macgraw is the grandma of one grandchild.
MacGraw is a kind ex-wife and a proud mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with her one and only grandchild, Jackson.
Josh and Saint had been dating for about ten years and got married two years following the birth of their kid. They are fortunate to have the “Love Story” actress immersed in her role as a grandma.
Even though MacGraw acknowledged that being a grandparent may be difficult and is the “hardest of jobs,” she enjoys spending time with her grandson. She never hesitates to seek assistance when putting together a movie.
The “Goodbye, Columbus” actor keeps herself busy when Jackson is not around by working with Ibu. This South Carolina-based organization encourages women to become self-sufficient through their abilities (with textiles). She unveiled a line dubbed “ali4ibu” as a brand ambassador.
In her longstanding adopted homeland of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the former model first met Susan Hull Walker, the creator of Ibu. While attending the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, they became friends.
Soon, the women collaborated to make clothing of all sizes and forms using textiles from other cultures. She stated about her experience working with the company that it restores the proper balance of cultures, adding:
“I adore how genuine it is. I adore the sentiment at its core and the subject matter.”
Hull Walker had a similar opinion: “She has led a life of selfless devotion. She has always dressed in an “ibu-like” manner and is a style icon.”
Being a mother to her son and a grandma to Jackson—her two favorite people, whose pictures sit on her fridge—makes MacGraw feel full amid her life of fulfillment, helping women discover freedom by generating chances and enjoying culture.
