Ali MacGraw, the iconic actress who stole hearts with her role in Love Story, recently revealed the painful and turbulent truth about her marriage to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen. At 85, MacGraw, in her memoir Moving Pictures, takes a candid look at the highs and devastating lows of her whirlwind relationship with McQueen, offering a glimpse behind the glamorous façade that captivated the world.
Their romance, which began on the set of The Getaway in 1972, was like a perfect storm—two troubled souls with intense passion, haunted by their painful pasts, colliding in an explosive love affair. On the surface, they seemed like the epitome of a Hollywood power couple. McQueen, the “King of Cool,” was renowned for his rugged charm and tough-guy image, while MacGraw was a rising star, admired for her beauty and fragile vulnerability. Together, they became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. But behind closed doors, their love story was far from a fairy tale.
MacGraw’s childhood, marked by emotional instability, set the stage for her search for love and security. Raised in a family filled with financial difficulties and her father’s mental health struggles, MacGraw grew up craving the stability she never had. She found her way to success in the fashion world before her breakout role in Love Story catapulted her to fame. Yet, despite the adoration of millions, MacGraw was still that wounded little girl looking for love.
McQueen, on the other hand, had his own painful history. Abandoned by his father at a young age and shuffled between orphanages, McQueen’s childhood left him with a deep-seated fear of abandonment and a self-reliance that kept everyone, including MacGraw, at arm’s length. His rebellious nature, matched with his need for control, created a combustible mix when he met MacGraw.
Their relationship began with intense chemistry on set, which quickly turned into a passionate, all-consuming love affair. Despite being married to producer Robert Evans at the time, MacGraw left him for McQueen, embracing a love that, though fiery, was also full of heartache and sacrifice. MacGraw’s memoir reveals the emotional toll of their relationship, particularly the manipulation and control McQueen exerted over her once they were married. His insecurities and jealousy manifested in explosive outbursts, creating an environment of emotional abuse. McQueen demanded that MacGraw give up her flourishing acting career, insisting that she stay at home and live in his shadow.
MacGraw, in love with the man she believed could heal his emotional scars, complied. She signed a prenuptial agreement and sacrificed her career and sense of self for McQueen. His fear of losing her, though, led to a suffocating control over her life. He forbade her from meeting with colleagues or appearing in public without his permission. Yet, his own behavior was hypocritical—he openly flirted with other women, further deepening the emotional wounds MacGraw had already sustained.
Her sacrifices, however, came at a significant cost. Over time, MacGraw realized that McQueen’s demons were beyond her ability to heal, and his control and emotional abuse began to wear her down. She was left feeling trapped in a gilded cage, surrounded by wealth and fame but devoid of freedom and self-worth. The breaking point came when MacGraw expressed a desire to return to acting, something that was a vital part of her identity. McQueen, unable to cope with the thought of her reclaiming her independence, threatened to leave her if she pursued her career again. It was this ultimatum that marked the end of their marriage.
Their divorce in 1977 was a painful chapter for MacGraw. Having given up everything for McQueen, she was left with nothing—no career, no assets, and a shattered sense of self. But it was the emotional scars, not the material loss, that proved to be the most difficult to heal. MacGraw spiraled into alcoholism, using the substance as a way to numb the pain of her broken marriage and lost identity.
However, in her darkest days, MacGraw found a way to rebuild her life. After seeking help at the Betty Ford Clinic, she began her journey of recovery. Through yoga and meditation, MacGraw slowly rediscovered her sense of self and learned to forgive herself for the mistakes she made in the name of love. Her path to healing was long and arduous, but she emerged from it stronger and more resilient than ever before.
MacGraw’s journey of self-discovery continued as she left Hollywood behind and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she embraced a quieter, more peaceful life. She found fulfillment in animal advocacy, using her fame to promote animal welfare and raise awareness about the importance of protecting animals. She also found a new sense of purpose through her collaboration with yoga master Eric Schiffman, releasing the popular yoga video Ali MacGraw: Yoga Mind and Body, which introduced millions to the practice of yoga.
In her later years, MacGraw’s life has been a testament to personal growth and healing. No longer defined by her tumultuous marriage to McQueen, she has found peace within herself and a renewed sense of purpose. Her story serves as a reminder that love, while powerful, can never come at the expense of one’s identity and well-being. Ali MacGraw’s legacy is not only marked by her film career but also by her ability to overcome adversity and emerge as a strong, independent woman who learned to love herself after years of sacrificing for a love that could not save her.
