Career Timeline of Tatum O'Neal: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2026

How Tatum O'Neal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tatum O'Neal is an American actress best known for becoming the youngest person to win a competitive Academy Award for her role in "Paper Moon" at age 10, co-starring with her father, Ryan O'Neal. Following her early success, she starred in films like "The Bad News Bears," "Nickelodeon," and "Little Darlings." O'Neal has also appeared in television, with guest roles in series such as "Sex and the City," "8 Simple Rules," and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1972: Filming Paper Moon

In autumn 1972, during the filming of Paper Moon, Tatum O'Neal turned nine years old.

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May 1973: Paper Moon Release

In May 1973, the film Paper Moon was released, starring Tatum O'Neal and her father, Ryan O'Neal. Tatum played the role of Addie Loggins.

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April 2, 1974: Academy Award Win

On April 2, 1974, at the age of ten, Tatum O'Neal won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year for her performance in Paper Moon.

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1976: Starred in The Bad News Bears and Nickelodeon

In 1976, Tatum O'Neal starred in The Bad News Bears with Walter Matthau and in Nickelodeon with her father.

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1978: Starred in International Velvet

In 1978, Tatum O'Neal starred in International Velvet with Christopher Plummer and Anthony Hopkins.

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1980: Starred in Little Darlings and Circle of Two

In 1980, Tatum O'Neal starred in Little Darlings with Kristy McNichol and co-starred in Circle of Two with Richard Burton.

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1984: Faerie Tale Theatre Episode

In 1984, Tatum O'Neal appeared as the title character in the Faerie Tale Theatre episode "Goldilocks and the Three Bears".

1993: Basquiat Film

In 1993, Tatum O'Neal appeared in the film Basquiat as Cynthia Kruger.

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2005: Rescue Me Recurring Role

In 2005, Tatum O'Neal began a recurring role as Maggie Gavin in the firehouse drama series Rescue Me.

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January 2006: Dancing with the Stars Participation

In January 2006, Tatum O'Neal participated in the second season of ABC's reality series Dancing with the Stars. She was eliminated in the second round, but later did commentary for the series on Entertainment Tonight.

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2006: MyNetworkTV Drama Role

In 2006, Tatum O'Neal portrayed Blythe Hunter in the MyNetworkTV drama Wicked Wicked Games.

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2007: Film My Brother

In 2007, Tatum O'Neal appeared in the film My Brother opposite Nashawn Kearse and Vanessa Williams.

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2008: Lifetime Film Fab Five

In 2008, Tatum O'Neal appeared in the Lifetime original film Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal, portraying the mother of the main character.

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2010: RuPaul's Drag Race Appearance

In 2010, Tatum O'Neal appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race and stated that her father did not attend the Academy Awards ceremony with her.

2011: Memoir Release

In 2011, Tatum O'Neal wrote a new collection of memoirs, Found: A Daughter's Journey Home, which dealt with her relationship with her father, her marriage to McEnroe, and her drug arrest.