Sandra Bullock, the Oscar-winning actor and producer, is grieving the death of her long-term partner Bryan Randall, who succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 57. Randall, a former model and photographer, passed away peacefully on August 5 after a three-year battle with the neurodegenerative disease, his family confirmed in a statement.
A private and loving relationship
Bullock and Randall met in January 2015 when he photographed her son Louis’ birthday party. The couple hit it off and started dating, keeping their relationship low-key and away from the media spotlight. They made their red carpet debut in October 2015 at the premiere of Bullock’s film Our Brand Is Crisis in Los Angeles.
The couple shared a blended family of three children: Bullock’s adopted son Louis (13) and daughter Laila (11), and Randall’s older daughter Skylar from a previous relationship. Bullock revealed in a 2021 interview with Red Table Talk that Randall was supportive of her decision to adopt Laila, even though he was initially scared. She also said that she did not need a marriage certificate to be a devoted partner and mother.
A courageous fight with ALS
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary movement. The disease causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. There is no cure for ALS, but some treatments can help slow down the progression and improve the quality of life of patients.
Randall chose to keep his diagnosis and journey with ALS private, and his family respected his wish. They expressed their gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for him over the years, often sacrificing their own families to be with theirs. They also asked for privacy to grieve and come to terms with the impossibility of saying goodbye to him.
An outpouring of condolences and support
Bullock has not yet made a public statement about Randall’s death, but many of her friends and fans have offered their condolences and support on social media. Some celebrities who have worked with Bullock or Randall also paid tribute to him, praising his talent, kindness, and courage.
Randall’s family requested that donations be made to the ALS Association or the Massachusetts General Hospital in his memory. The ALS Association is a non-profit organization that funds research, provides care services, and advocates for people living with ALS. The Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the leading medical centers in the US that offers specialized care for ALS patients.
