Ali MacGraw, the renowned actress and style icon, has lived a life marked by triumphs and tribulations. From her early days as a model and fashion assistant to her rise to fame in films like “Goodbye, Columbus” and “Love Story,” MacGraw’s journey is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Born Elizabeth Alice McGraw in 1939, MacGraw grew up in a humble household in Pound Ridge, New York. She recalls the challenges of sharing a small apartment with no doors, describing it as “an utter lack of privacy. It was horrible.” After graduating from Wellesley College, MacGraw moved to New York and began working at Harper’s Bazaar, earning $54 a week.
Her entry into modeling and acting was serendipitous, with fashion designer Melvin Sokolsky discovering her at Harper’s Bazaar. MacGraw’s modeling career took off, and she eventually transitioned to acting, landing her breakthrough role in “Goodbye, Columbus” without formal training.
MacGraw’s personal life has been marred by three failed marriages, including to legendary producer Robert Evans and screen icon Steve McQueen. She candidly admits that her inability to express herself and assert her identity led to the demise of these relationships.
After her divorces, MacGraw shifted her focus to raising her son, Josh, and rediscovered herself. She settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she found a sense of community and anonymity. Residents appreciate her for her volunteer work and social activism, rather than her Hollywood fame.
Now in her 80s, MacGraw remains committed to her passions, including animal welfare and women’s empowerment. She has been recognized as a Santa Fe Living Treasure for her community service.
MacGraw’s approach to aging is refreshingly honest; she has abandoned hair dye and prioritizes a healthy lifestyle. “The healthier one lives, the better they look,” she advises.
Although she has no desire to return to acting, MacGraw has collaborated with former co-star Ryan O’Neal on stage productions. Her focus remains on living life to the fullest, and she reflects, “I used to re-write the past and fantasize about the future.
Now, I believe in living my life the best way I know how.”
With 31 years of sobriety under her belt, MacGraw continues to inspire with her resilience and timeless beauty. Her collaboration with fashion collective Ibu is a testament to her enduring style and commitment to empowering women.
Ali MacGraw’s story serves as a reminder that true beauty and strength lie in embracing life’s challenges and living authentically.
