Ali MacGraw, best known for her iconic roles in “Love Story” and “The Getaway,” continues to shine at the age of 84. Despite her past fears about aging, she has embraced her years with grace and elegance.
In the past, MacGraw had expressed her concerns about turning 80. She described a moment of panic, waking up and realizing how quickly time was passing. “In November, I started to wake up in the middle of the night thinking, ‘Oh my God, the rest of the trip is so short compared to the one behind me. I’m going to be 80,’” she shared. This sense of urgency and awareness of her mortality made her reflect deeply on her life and past experiences.
Despite these fears, MacGraw has transformed her perspective on aging. She has done significant work to confront her past mistakes and regrets, leading to a more peaceful and content state of mind. “I don’t want to sit in anger anymore, pretending everything’s wonderful because I want people to like me,” she said. “But that takes work and concentration to change, [and] I couldn’t have done it [alone]. So the years go by, [and] I’m lucky, I am blessed and happy, and doing the best I can.”
MacGraw’s life has seen considerable change recently. After her home in Malibu was destroyed by wildfires, she decided to relocate to a quaint village called Tesuque, north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Concerned about global warming and frequent natural disasters, she moved to ensure a safer environment for herself and her animals. Initially, she looked for a smaller property near Malibu, but when that didn’t work out, she found a charming tiny cottage in Tesuque.
“I live in a little village north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, called Tesuque. I had helped a friend design her house [there]. I bought a tiny cottage there which is where I still live in the mountains… I love my life,” MacGraw explained. Since moving, she has become involved in the local artistic community and enjoys the rich cultural mix of Native American and Spanish influences.
MacGraw’s personal life has also been a journey of growth. She has been married three times, with her relationships being a significant part of her life story. Her first marriage to Robin Hoen lasted two years. She then married Robert Evans, CEO of Paramount Pictures, with whom she had her son, Josh Evans. However, MacGraw’s marriage to Evans ended when she had an affair with her “The Getaway” co-star, Steve McQueen. Though her relationship with McQueen was intense, it eventually deteriorated, leading to another divorce.
Despite these challenges, MacGraw has always found joy in her role as a mother and grandmother. Her son Josh, who initially didn’t have a passion for acting, eventually moved into directing. He married Roxy Saint and has a son named Jackson, making MacGraw a proud grandmother.
Reflecting on her past, MacGraw acknowledges the personal work she has done to understand and grow from her experiences. “I start my day in gratitude, [and]…I guess it’s many decades of work, but I’m grateful for it because I’m happy, and I feel very grounded. I don’t feel frightened. I am certainly one of the luckiest people I’ve ever heard of,” she said.
Today, Ali MacGraw enjoys a peaceful life in Tesuque, focusing on her passions for design and cultural pursuits. Although she has stepped away from acting, she remains a beloved figure, embracing her life with the same grace and elegance that has defined her remarkable career.