SANDRA BULLOCK - Heartbreak & HEALING

AFTER A PRIVATE BATTLE, THE OSCAR WINNER IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF HER LONGTIME LOVE

-  Rick Egusquiza

Their years together were too few, but Sandra Bullock remains grateful to have known and loved Bryan Randall. A model-turned-photographer, Bryan died Aug. 5 after a very private three-year struggle with ALS. He was just 57.

In the aftermath of Bryan’s passing, Sandra’s first concern has been for her children, Louis, 13, and Laila, 11, who looked to her longtime companion as their dad. “He was a great father,” says a friend, who praises Bryan for his warmth, humor and “infectious laugh” around the children.

Bryan met Sandra, 59, when he was hired to photograph Louis’ 5th birthday, entering the Oscar-winner’s life when she was still recovering from a traumatic divorce. “Sandra truly thought she’d never trust a man again,” says the friend. “Bryan changed all that. He gave her purpose. He opened her heart and helped her heal.”