Tatum O'Neal is 61 years old as of 2025. She was born on November 5, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, making her 61 years, 0 months, and a few days old depending on the exact calculation used. She is an Academy Award-winning actress who first gained fame as a child star for her role in Paper Moon (1973), for which she became the youngest competitive Oscar winner at age 10. This article clarifies her age, provides verified milestones, distinguishes public narrative from factual records, and highlights her enduring career.
Key facts at a glance
Below are the most relevant, verifiable attributes for understanding Tatum O'Neal's age and public timeline.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tatum Beatrice O'Neal | Legal / biographical records |
| Date of birth | November 5, 1963 | Public vital records, biographies |
| Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, United States | Biographical references |
| Age in 2025 | 61 years old | Computed from date of birth |
| Oscar win | Best Supporting Actress, Paper Moon (1973) | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
| Youngest competitive Oscar winner | Age 10 at time of award | Academy records and historical analysis |
Age calculation and birth details
Tatum O'Neal was born on November 5, 1963, in Los Angeles, California. As of 2025, she is 61 years old. If her birthday has occurred in the current year, she is 61; if not (depending on today’s date relative to November 5), she is still 60 until the anniversary. For precision, age is computed by subtracting the birth year from the current year and adjusting for whether the birthday has passed.
Early life and family background
Tatum O'Neal grew up in a high-profile family environment that shaped her public identity from an early age. Key points about her early context include:
- She is the daughter of actor Ryan O'Neal and actress Patricia Kennealy-Morrison.
- Her older brother is actor Patrick O'Neal.
- She began modeling and acting as a young child, leading to her casting in major films before adolescence.
Breakout role: Paper Moon (1973)
Her most notable early achievement came with her casting in Paper Moon, where she played Addie Loggins opposite real-life father Ryan O'Neal. The film earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the youngest competitive Oscar winner at age 10. This milestone remains a defining point in her career and in Oscar history.
Oscar win significance
Winning an Oscar as a child established Tatum O'Neal's place in cinematic history and set expectations for a continued career. However, her path afterward was shaped by industry pressures, personal challenges, and the complexities of growing up in the public eye. Despite ups and downs, she has periodically returned to acting and public work over decades.
Career highlights beyond childhood
After Paper Moon, Tatum O'Neal appeared in several films and television projects, navigating the balance between public fascination and professional development. Notable work includes:
- Little Darlings (1980), a coming-of-age film that showcased her range.
- Those Lips, Those Eyes (1980), where she took on a dramatic role.
- Television appearances across the 1980s and later years, including reality TV features.
Public narrative and verified records
Public discussions about Tatum O'Neal often blend her early fame, family dynamics, and personal struggles. It is important to separate verified records from speculation:
- Her date of birth is documented in legal and biographical sources.
- Her Oscar win is an officially recognized Academy achievement.
- Media portrayals may dramatize aspects of her life; relying on authoritative biographies and interviews ensures accuracy.
Enduring legacy and current status
Tatum O'Neal remains a significant figure in entertainment history due to her early talent and record-setting achievement. While her adult career has seen varied visibility, her status as the youngest competitive Oscar winner endures. As of 2025, at age 61, she continues to be recognized for both her artistic contributions and the complexities of her public journey.
Frequently asked questions
- When was Tatum O'Neal born? She was born on November 5, 1963.
- How old is Tatum O'Neal in 2025? She is 61 years old in 2025, turning 62 later in the year depending on today’s date relative to November 5.
- What is she best known for? She is best known for her Oscar-winning role in Paper Moon at age 10.
- Has she won other awards? Her primary major award remains the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Paper Moon.
- Are birth records public? Her date and place of birth are part of publicly available biographical and legal records.