From Hollywood Star to Quiet Living in a Tiny Town

Her big break came with the 1969 film Goodbye, Columbus, which won her a Golden Globe. However, it was her role as Jenny in the 1970 romantic drama Love Story that made her a global sensation. The movie’s huge success made her a household name, earning her an Academy Award nomination and another Golden Globe. At the height of her fame, Ali was the face of Hollywood glamour, but her personal life was about to take a dramatic turn.

Love, Loss, and a New Direction

In 1969, Ali married Robert Evans, the head of Paramount Pictures. They had a son, Josh, in 1971. But her on-screen connection with Steve McQueen in The Getaway turned into a real-life romance. She left Evans for McQueen, a relationship she described as both “passionate and challenging.”

McQueen’s traditional views clashed with Ali’s desire for independence. To meet his wishes, she stepped away from acting, but their relationship ended in 1978. Ali later thought back on their time together, admitting his personal struggles and the many challenges they faced.

The late 1970s became a turning point. Struggling with addiction and personal loss, she sought help at the Betty Ford Clinic in 1986. She came out stronger, focused on self-discovery, and embraced a new path. After losing her California home to a wildfire in 1993, Ali moved to a small village near Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she found peace and purpose in community work, advocating for animal rights, and practicing yoga.

Continue reading…