Overview of Farrah Fawcett’s marriages
Farrah Fawcett was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Lee Majors from 1973 to 1982; they met on the set of The Six Million Dollar Man and share one son, Lee Majors III. Her second marriage was to actor Ryan O’Neal from 1987 until her death in 2009; they share two children, daughter Redmond and son Griffin. Below is a comparison of the two partnerships and key family details.
In brief: key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First spouse | Lee Majors | Public records, biographies |
| First marriage dates | 1973–1982 | Reported in contemporaneous coverage |
| Second spouse | Ryan O’Neal | Public records, biographies |
| Second marriage dates | 1987–2009 (her death) | Reported in contemporaneous coverage |
| Children with Majors | Lee Majors III (born 1974) | Interviews, biographies |
| Children with O’Neal | Redmond O’Neal (born 1985), Griffin O’Neal (born 1987) | Interviews, biographies |
Marriage 1: Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors
Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors married in 1973, shortly after she rose to fame on Charlie’s Angels. They met while working together on The Six Million Dollar Man. The couple had one son, Lee Majors III, in 1974. Their marriage lasted nearly a decade and ended in divorce in 1982. Reports framed their relationship as supportive amid her career growth, though they maintained a close co-parenting relationship afterward.
Marriage 2: Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal
Fawcett married Ryan O’Neal in 1987, more than five years after her divorce from Majors. They had begun dating in the 1970s and reconnected later in life. With O’Neal, she had two more children: daughter Redmond O’Neal in 1985 and son Griffin O’Neal in 1987. Their marriage lasted until her death from cancer in 2009. O’Neal has spoken publicly about their long-term partnership, its challenges, and her role as a stabilizing presence in his life.
Children and family relationships
Across her two marriages, Fawcett had three children. With Majors, she parented Lee Majors III. With O’Neal, she parented Redmond and Griffin. All three children maintained ties with both parents, and she remained an active presence in their lives. Reports indicate her family was a central priority, and she balanced career demands with raising her children over more than three decades.
Relationship timelines at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Marriage to Lee Majors | Began during peak fame; linked her personal and professional circles |
| 1974 | Birth of Lee Majors III | First child; shaped family priorities during marriage |
| 1982 | Divorce from Lee Majors | Ended first marriage; co-parenting continued |
| 1985 | Birth of Redmond O’Neal | First child with Ryan O’Neal |
| 1987 | Marriage to Ryan O’Neal | Formalized long-term partnership begun earlier in decade |
| 1987 | Birth of Griffin O’Neal | Second son; completed their family |
| 2009 | Fawcett’s death | Marriage continued until her death; family legacy emphasized in remembrances |
Context and public perception
Farrah Fawcett’s relationships were often described as steady anchors in a high-profile career. Her marriage to Majors aligned with her breakout years, while her partnership with O’Neal extended over two decades and into later-life privacy. Media coverage consistently highlighted her devotion to her children and the continuity of family life despite industry demands.
Frequently asked questions
- How many times was Farrah Fawcett married? She was married twice: to Lee Majors (1973–1982) and to Ryan O’Neal (1987–2009).
- Did she have children with both husbands? Yes. With Lee Majors she had one son, Lee Majors III. With Ryan O’Neal she had two children, Redmond and Griffin O’Neal.
- Were her spouses also actors? Yes. Lee Majors was an actor best known for The Six Million Dollar Man. Ryan O’Neal was an actor known for films such as Love Story and the TV series Baretta.
- How long was her total time married? Approximately 15 years across both marriages (9 years with Majors, roughly 22 years with O’Neal, from 1987 until her death in 2009).
- Did she remain close to her ex-husbands after divorce? Public reports and interviews indicate she maintained positive relationships with both, particularly for the sake of shared parenting.