Ali MacGraw, originally named Elizabeth Alice MacGraw, was born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, USA. Her mother, Frances, was an artist who worked at a school in Paris before eventually relocating to Greenwich Village. She was married to Richard MacGraw, who was also an artist. Ali entered the world in the same year, 1939.

It is suggested that Ali’s father, Richard, faced challenges stemming from his own childhood, which contributed to his distinct personality.