Farrah Fawcett’s Jailed Son Came to Her Deathbed in Shackles: His Life after Years in Jail
- Farrah Fawcett, who played Jill Munroe in the TV series, “Charlie’s Angels,” departed the world at 62.
- She died after uttering “Redmond”—her only son she shared with actor Ryan O’Neal.
- Although Fawcett left $4.5 million to her son, Redmond, he was allegedly involved in a few unfortunate incidents, including a murder case and a convenience store robbery.
Farrah Fawcett was a beloved American actress and model known for her captivating presence and signature hairstyle. She rose to fame in the 1970s with her iconic role in the hit television series “Charlie’s Angels.”
Moreover, Fawcett also delivered powerful performances in movies such as “The Burning Bed,” where she portrayed an abuse survivor, and “Extremities,” where she played a woman fighting back against her attacker.
Farrah Fawcett (then known as Farrah Fawcett-Majors) (left) and Lee Majors pose together as they attend a party for ABC-TV screen celebrities in June 1971 | Source: Getty Images
During the late 1970s, Fawcett’s then-husband, Lee Majors, whom she married in July 1973, made a fateful decision that altered the course of their lives. He reportedly invited actor Ryan O’Neal, a renowned ladies’ man, to join him for a game of racquetball at their home.
In her will, Fawcett left Redmond $4.5 million, but she established strict conditions on its usage.
According to O’Neal, Majors revealed that he was traveling to Canada for a movie shoot and asked his friend to “take Farrah to dinner one night while I’m gone because she’ll be lonely.”
That evening, the connection between Fawcett and O’Neal proved electric, and their first dinner date quickly evolved into a whirlwind romance. By the time their second date concluded, Fawcett’s marriage with Majors saw its end. They divorced in February 1982.
Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal attend the New York Premiere of “Chances Are,” circa 1989, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Fawcett and O’Neal’s relationship evolved, and they became inseparable, even during periods of disagreement. The couple navigated the complexities of their personal lives, including the birth of their son, Redmond O’Neal, in 1985.
However, parenting decisions became a source of tension between them as time passed. O’Neal held Fawcett partly responsible for placing Redmond in a behavior-modification program where he faced harsh treatment.
Despite their challenges, Fawcett’s unwavering dedication to motherhood remained evident. However, her separation from O’Neal affected her relationship with Redmond, as he found solace and a close connection with his half-brother, Griffin, during that tumultuous period, which reportedly upset Fawcett.
Ryan O’Neal, son Redmond, and Farrah Fawcett are pictured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in February 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Farrah Fawcett’s Last Words before Death
In the later years of Fawcett’s life, she faced tumultuous challenges involving her son, Redmond. He reportedly encountered drug arrests, repeated stints in rehab, and periods of incarceration, all of which culminated in a poignant farewell at his mother’s deathbed, captured on video.
During Fawcett’s hospitalization, her partner, O’Neal, made the difficult decision to shield her from the harsh reality of her son’s situation. He told her Redmond was in rehab, not disclosing his confinement, and even cautioned Redmond not to reveal the leg cuffs he wore.
O’Neal understood that Fawcett’s declining health prevented her from comprehending the truth about their son or participating in significant events. Despite this, he chose to go along with the façade, fostering the illusion of a deathbed conversion and an unwavering love, even in the face of Fawcett’s fading recognition.
Farrah Fawcett and Redmond O’Neal are pictured at the “Watts Side Story” Performance on December 3, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Amid these trying circumstances, Redmond’s struggles with addiction were candidly acknowledged by his father, O’Neal. Redmond reportedly underwent numerous rehab programs, highlighting his challenging life.
O’Neal passionately defended his son, emphasizing that Redmond’s addictions were beyond his control, and recounted his numerous arrests and battles with substance abuse. He expressed gratitude that Redmond did not contract HIV despite his challenging journey.
Actor Ryan O’Neal (R) and his son Redmond O’Neal at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 5, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
As Fawcett’s health declined, O’Neal faced his own health battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 2001, which brought about a profound change in their relationship. Fawcett became a pillar of support during this time, and they rebuilt their connection with a strong foundation of trust.
At the time of Fawcett’s passing, O’Neal and Alana Stewart, another close friend, were present at her bedside. Per O’Neal, Redmond, although not physically present due to his incarceration, was permitted to attend his mother’s funeral with the condition that he remain in chains as a pallbearer.
Redmond held a special place in his mother’s thoughts during her final moments. As her dear friend Mela Murphy revealed, Fawcett uttered her son’s name, “Redmond,” before passing away. Murphy assured Fawcett that she would care for Redmond and always be there for him. Fawcett died from anal cancer on June 25, 2009, in Santa Monica, California.
Redmond, Ryan O’Neal, and Farrah Fawcett are pictured at “Malibu’s Most Wanted” Los Angeles Premiere on April 10, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Redmond’s Life after His Mother’s Demise
A source in 2009 cited that O’Neal chose to maintain contact with only Redmond, whom he visited in jail, while his relationship with his other children remained severed, bringing him a sense of contentment.
However, Redmond’s life was marked by troubling incidents, including alleged robbery stints and involvement in violent crimes, leading to his repeated arrests and periods of rehab.
In 2018, Redmond made headlines when he was arrested for allegedly robbing a convenience store at knifepoint. According to the police, armed with a knife, he demanded money from the store clerk before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
He was apprehended nearby, and authorities recovered a knife matching the clerk’s description. These incidents were part of a series of struggles Redmond faced due to his long-standing battle with drug addiction.
Redmond O’Neal leaves court after a successful progress report on March 27, 2012, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Redmond’s turbulent journey, plagued by numerous rehab attempts and legal troubles, further accentuated his challenges. In a separate incident in 2018, he faced charges of attempted murder after allegedly assaulting multiple individuals and engaging in a robbery spree.
The Los Angeles police reported that he attacked and stabbed several men, causing severe injuries. Redmond pleaded not guilty to the charges, including drug possession allegations. He reportedly spent a month in jail.
Actor Ryan O’Neal, his son Redmond, and his daughter Tatum following a ceremony in which items belonging to the late actress Farah Fawcett were enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, on February 2, 2011, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
In her will, Fawcett left Redmond $4.5 million, but she established strict conditions on its usage. The money was placed in a trust overseen by her business manager, Richard Francis, with the principal reserved for Redmond’s healthcare needs, while he could only collect the interest. This approach aimed to ensure the funds were not used for destructive purposes.
As is expected, the concerns for Redmond’s well-being extended beyond his family. His half-sister, Tatum O’Neal, expressed worry over his addiction struggles in 2015, acknowledging the gravity of his situation. She emphasized the difficulties in dealing with his addiction and voiced doubts about his chances of survival.
