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People: ‘Love Story’ actors return to Harvard 45 years later

Actors Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw take part in a talk with students on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on Feb. 1, 2016, more than 45 years after the release of their 1970 classic “Love Story.” The duo, now in their 70s, currently are co-starring in a national tour of “Love Letters,” about a man and a woman who maintain contact over 50 years through notes, cards and letters. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press)
From wire reports

Actors Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal rolled onto the Harvard campus Monday in an antique convertible similar to the one used in “Love Story” and reminisced about the film that made them household names nearly half a century ago.

Both actors said in a discussion with students that the movie, which was partly shot on campus, has special meaning now that they’re in their 70s and in the twilight of their careers.

They are co-stars in a national tour of the play “Love Letters,” which has a one-week run in Boston starting Tuesday.

MacGraw said being at Harvard brought back fond memories that few of her subsequent experiences in film ever matched.

“It was a wonderful, wonderful adventure that was followed by some pretty dramatic stuff in my private life,” she said.

MacGraw, who now lives in New Mexico, walked away from acting in the years after her breakout role and has written about her struggles with addiction.

O’Neal noted that cancer, as in the movie, played a big part in his life. He recently battled leukemia, which he says is now in remission. He also alluded to the 2009 death of his longtime companion, actress Farrah Fawcett, who died of cancer in 2009.

“Love Story” is about a wealthy Harvard student who marries a less wealthy student over his parents’ objections. But the girl is diagnosed with leukemia and dies.

It was a huge box office success that received seven Academy Award nominations and gave pop culture an oft-quoted line: “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Both actors admitted they haven’t seen the movie in years. They also said they had a crush on each other during filming, though both were married at the time.

“Ryan and I clicked immediately,” said MacGraw. “We just had a chemistry.”

The birthday bunch

Actor Robert Mandan is 84. Comedian Tom Smothers is 79. Rock singer-guitarist Graham Nash is 74. Actor Bo Hopkins is 72. Country singer Howard Bellamy (The Bellamy Brothers) is 70. Actor Brent Spiner is 67. Model Christie Brinkley is 62. Rock musician Robert DeLeo (Army of Anyone; Stone Temple Pilots) is 50. Singer Shakira is 39. Actor Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”) is 38.