The 'Love Story' actor, who is battling stage 4 prostate cancer, has earlier in the day pulled out of his appearance on the NBC morning program because he didn't feel well.
- May 1, 2012
AceShowbiz - Ryan O'Neal didn't let his illness hinder him from meeting his fans. On the same day he canceled his appearance on the "Today" show, the longtime partner of the late Farrah Fawcett stopped by Barnes & Noble in New York to sign copies of his new memoir, "The Both of Us: My Life with Farrah".
The 71-year-old star, who is battling stage 4 prostate cancer, was spotted stepping out of his Manhattan hotel wearing jeans and a black jacket on Monday, April 30. While it was said earlier in the day that he backed out of his TV interview because he was feeling unwell, the "Love Story" actor appeared to be in good spirits at the book signing.
Ryan actually came to the "Today" studio on Monday morning, but pulled out at the last minutes. Host Matt Lauer told viewers, "We are sad to say Mr. O'Neal showed up here this morning ... he was not feeling well. He has since gone back to his hotel and we are told he is canceling all of his appearances for today. We hope he is all right, and we hope to see him tomorrow morning, here on 'Today.' "
Radar Online, however, reported that the real reason behind the cancellation was questions about two of his children's feelings about "Both of Us". A source recalled, "Ryan had already completed hair and make-up and he was very upset when the producers told him about the subject matter. All of a sudden, he just said, 'I'm not feeling well, and I'm leaving.' Ryan didn't appear to be ill, and he bolted."
"The producers were stunned and left scrambling because this happened shortly before he was scheduled to go on the air," the source added. "His segment had been promoted throughout the morning leading up to the interview. Even though Ryan had a meltdown, producers want and hope he will come back on, especially because he has already appeared on ABC's Nightline."
Per Radar, it was Tatum O'Neal and Redmond O'Neal who were left unhappy with some of the things Ryan wrote about them. Allegedly, the two of them claimed that the memoir is not an honest account of their tumultuous relationship with the actor. Both also believed that the book promotes what they describe as "Ryan's self-serving narcissistic tendencies."
