Cause of Death Announced for Actor Ryan O’Neal

Cause of Death Announced for Actor Ryan O’Neal
Ryan O' Neal attends a press conference for "Love Letters" at Broward Center For The Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on July 20, 2015. (Aaron Davidson/Getty Images)

Actor Ryan O’Neal’s cause of death has been revealed.

A death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health shows Mr. O’Neal died of congestive heart failure.

He passed away on Dec. 8 at the age of 82.

The death certificate, which was obtained by The Blast, also stated the Oscar-nominated actor had suffered from cardiomyopathy for years.

According to the Mayo Clinic, cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart to lose its ability to pump blood.

Mr. O’Neal was best known for his roles in “Paper Moon” and “Love Story.”

Charles Patrick Ryan O’Neal was born on April 20, 1941, and was the son of screenwriter Charles O’Neal and actress Patricia Callaghan O’Neal. Mr. O’Neal spent time as a lifeguard and an amateur boxer before finding his calling as a performer.

The CNN Wire and The Associated Press contributed to this report.