Francis Ford Coppola shares unexpected tribute to Ryan O’Neal after his death… as he says they were ‘united in tragedy’ after Coppola’s son Gian-Carlo was killed in 1986 boating accident involving O’Neal’s son Griffin

Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola paid unexpected tribute to Ryan O’Neal, who died on December 8 at the age of 82.

The 84-year-old Godfather director posted a photo of late star Barry Lyndon from his heyday, adding his work in the iconic films in the caption.

“Ryan O’Neal walked away having certainly earned praise for his fine work in ‘Barry Lyndon,’ ‘What’s Up Doc’ and ‘Paper Moon,'” the Oscar winner wrote.

He then mentioned the heartbreak the two Hollywood stars shared for decades. “Our families are united by tragedy, which is another expression of love. Rest in peace and bless you Ryan.”

The Outsiders director was referring to the 1986 boating accident involving O’Neal’s son Griffin that claimed the life of Coppola’s son Gian-Carlo at age 23.

Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola paid unexpected tribute to Ryan O’Neal, who died on December 8 at the age of 82. O’Neal’s son Griffin was involved in a boating accident in 1986 that killed Coppola’s son Gian-Carlo.

Coppola Jr. was working as a crew member on his father’s drama “Stone Gardens” in the Washington, D.C. area when he and Griffin O’Neal, now 59, decided to rent a boat for Memorial Day weekend. .

O’Neal, who was driving a boat on the South River near Edgewater, Maryland, tried to slide between two slow-moving boats without realizing one was being towed by the other, causing his boat to become caught in a tow rope between the two vessels. .

O’Neal was able to duck for safety, but Coppola was not so lucky. He was hit by a tow rope and suffered a severe head wound.

O’Neal suffered a minor shoulder injury as a result of the collision.

This was announced by his agent Barbara Lawrence. Washington Post the two men met while filming a movie and decided to go boating on vacation.

Griffin had a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Garden of Stones, but abandoned it after an accident and retired from acting several years later.

The actor, who initially claimed that Gian-Carlo was driving the boat, was later found not guilty of manslaughter, but was found guilty of the lesser charge of negligent operation of the boat.

He was fined $200 and sentenced to 18 months probation.

During the trial, Griffin was sometimes accompanied in court by his father, Ryan.

Gian-Carlo’s friend, Jacqueline De La Fontaine, was on the boat around the time of the crash. She was pregnant and later gave birth to a daughter, Gia, who is now 36 years old.

Like many members of her family, Gia later became a director.

Francis, who has won multiple Academy Awards and won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for The Conversation and Apocalypse Now, received condolences and praise for his kind comments.

“A controversial soul – Francis Ford Coppola – a genius of our time – writes beautiful words in his memory,” one fan commented.

The 84-year-old “Godfather” director posted a photo of O’Neal from his heyday, complementing his work in the iconic films and recalling how the two were “united in tragedy,” referencing the boating accident.

Fans praised the Godfather director for his kindness and grace despite O’Neal’s involvement in one of his most heartbreaking tragedies.

Fans were touched by what they called the director’s “impeccable example” and called him a “genius of our time.”

Gian-Carlo Coppola (right) was killed at the age of 23 while riding in a boat driven by Griffin O’Neal over Memorial Day weekend in 1986 while working with his father on Gardens of Stone. Pictured here in New York, January 1986, with Roman Coppola (left) and Francis Ford Coppola.

Francis later said that Stone Gardens “cost me everything” and that he “fantasized about not making” the film, admitting that “I wouldn’t have lost my son” (pictured in Beverly Hills with wife Eleanor and Gian Carlo). in April 1980)

Griffin O’Neal was found guilty of causing the death of Gian-Carlo Coppola by negligence and sentenced to 18 months probation and a $200 fine. After a few years he left Stone Gardens and retired from acting (pictured in London in 1987).

“Francis is a highly developed person. We should learn from his impeccable example,” another warned.

Writer, producer and actress Regina Banali told the director of Youth Without Youth: “Francis, that is very generous of you. I really respect you even more for posting this.”

In an interview in 2020 Vulturefamous director said: “There’s one movie I wouldn’t make because it cost me everything, and it was one of the films I made at a time when I had to make a film every year just to keep my house.” and your farm.” together,” he said.

“I fantasize that I didn’t make Stone Gardens,” he admitted, adding: “I wouldn’t have lost my son.”