Tatum O'Neal is an American actress who gained fame at a very young age. She was born on November 5, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Ryan O'Neal and Joanna Moore. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she had a challenging childhood, often marked by struggles within her family.

At the age of ten, she became the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award for her role in the film "Paper Moon," where she starred alongside her father. This achievement brought her immense recognition and set the stage for her acting career.

She went on to appear in several notable films, including "The Bad News Bears," "Nickelodeon," and "Little Darlings." Her performances were widely appreciated, and she became a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1970s and 1980s.

Her personal life has been a mix of highs and lows. She married tennis legend John McEnroe in 1986, and the couple had three children together. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. She has been open about her struggles with addiction and the challenges she faced in her relationships, including her tumultuous bond with her father. 

Over the years, she has worked hard to overcome these difficulties and has shared her experiences in her memoirs.

In addition to her acting career, she has made appearances on television shows such as "Sex and the City," "8 Simple Rules," and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." She has also written books that provide insight into her life and the obstacles she has faced.