In the 1980s, although her performances did not waver, the parts grew less compelling. She played Joan Crawford in the overwrought Mommie Dearest and the alcoholic in Barfly.
Romantically linked to a series of men ranging from the comedian Lenny Bruce to actor Marcello Mastroianni, Dunaway has been married twice. Her first husband, from 1974 until 1979, was Peter Wolf, the lead singer of the rock group the J. Giels Band. Her second, from 1984 until 1987, was Terry O'Neill, a celebrated photographer; they had one child, Liam O'Neill (born 1980).
Dunaway has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Blvd.