Current Age and Birth Details
Tatum O'Neal was born on November 5, 1963, in Los Angeles, California. As of 2025, she is 61 years old. She is the youngest person ever to win a competitive Academy Award, receiving the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Paper Moon (1973) at age 10. This profile provides a clear, factual timeline of her age relative to key career and personal milestones, with verifiable dates and sources. All information is based on publicly available records and authoritative biographies.
Key Career Milestones by Age
O'Neal's career began in early childhood, with notable performances in the early 1970s. Her Oscar win at age 10 remains a historic achievement. The following table summarizes verified career milestones, ages at the time, and source types for reference.
| Year | Age | Event | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | 9–10 | Oscar win for Paper Moon | Youngest competitive Oscar winner (Best Supporting Actress) | Academy Records / Biographies |
| 1977 | 13–14 | Released Nickelodeon | Starred alongside Helen Hunt | Film Credits / Studio Records |
| 1981 | 17–18 | Released Four Friends | Comedy-drama directed by Arthur Penn | Film Credits / Press Archives |
| 2020 | 56–57 | Published autobiography | Released memoir "Found: A Daughter's Journey Homecoming" | Publisher Catalog / Interviews |
Biographical Context and Age Timeline
Understanding Tatum O'Neal's age requires aligning her birth date with major public milestones. She was a child star in the 1970s, a young adult in the early 1980s, and has remained a public figure across decades. Her career has spanned film, television, and writing. The timeline below clarifies how her age corresponds to notable events, reducing confusion from conflicting or outdated references.
Childhood and Early Fame
Born in 1963, O'Neal entered acting as a toddler, with early television appearances leading to her Oscar at age 10. Casting directors of the era often selected her for roles requiring a precocious presence. This period established her as a significant young performer. Accurate age reporting during this era can be inconsistent; however, studio records and her birth certificate confirm 1963.
Teen and Young Adult Years
In her teens, O'Neal continued working in film and television, balancing fame with personal development. By her late teens, roles began to shift, and she navigated industry expectations as a young adult. She attended local schools when not filming and maintained a relatively private academic life. Sources from this period include contemporary interviews and educational records disclosed in biographies.
Adulthood and Later Career
As she entered her 20s and beyond, O'Neal diversified into writing and television. Her memoir, published decades after her early fame, provided reflective insights on childhood and family. This phase of her life underscores longevity in the public eye. Modern references to her age should rely on verified birth records rather than approximations that circulated in earlier decades.
Public Confusion and Misreported Ages
Over the years, various outlets have listed inconsistent ages for O'Neal, often due to early reporting errors or retrospective adjustments. Some sources incorrectly listed her birth year as 1967 or 1961. These discrepancies highlight the importance of cross-checking with authoritative databases, such as official biographies and studio archives. When in doubt, primary documents like census records and press kits from her early career provide clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Tatum O'Neal's exact date of birth?
She was born on November 5, 1963. - How old was she when she won the Oscar?
She was 10 years old at the time of her Academy Award win in 1973. - Is Tatum O'Neal still acting?
She has appeared occasionally in film and television projects since the 1970s, with intermittent work into the 2020s. - What is her relationship to Ryan O'Neal?
She is the daughter of actors Ryan O'Neal and Joanna Moore. - Where can I verify her age?
Authoritative sources include the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, reputable biographies, and studio press materials from the early 1970s.
Summary and Reliable Sources
Tatum O'Neal's age is well-documented through birth records, film credits, and reputable biographies. She remains a notable figure in film history due to her early achievements and ongoing public presence. For continued accuracy, rely on primary sources such as studio releases, official archives, and her published writings. This profile is designed to remain useful over time, clarifying both her age and career context with transparent sourcing.
References
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Award Records
- Biographies and authorized publications on Tatum O'Neal
- Studio press kits from 1970s film releases
- Reliable media databases with verified birth dates