Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s relationship is one of Hollywood’s most enduring love stories.
Their bond, which began in the 1950s, was built on deep respect and admiration. However, in the twilight of her life, Joanne, now 94, no longer remembers the man with whom she shared a lifetime of memories.
A Love That Withstood the Test of Time
The couple first met at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York. At the time, Paul was married to his first wife, Jackie Witte, and had a young son, Scott. Meanwhile, Joanne, a rising actress from Georgia, was carving her path in the entertainment industry.
Their connection strengthened in 1953 when they worked together in the Broadway production Picnic. Although Paul was instantly captivated by Joanne’s intelligence and talent, their relationship remained purely professional for several years.
As Paul’s marriage to Jackie Witte became strained, his connection with Joanne deepened. They reunited on-screen in The Long, Hot Summer (1958), and soon after, Paul finalized his divorce. Wasting no time, he and Joanne tied the knot in Las Vegas that same year, embarking on a lifelong journey together.
Preferring a life away from Hollywood’s constant scrutiny, the couple settled in Westport, Connecticut, where they built a home while continuing their remarkable careers.
Sacrifices, Struggles, and an Unbreakable Bond
Despite their status as one of Hollywood’s most admired couples, Paul and Joanne faced numerous challenges in their marriage.
Joanne, an Academy Award-winning actress, made the difficult decision to scale back her career to focus on raising their three daughters—Nell, Melissa (“Lissy”), and Claire (“Clea”).
Meanwhile, Paul remained deeply immersed in Hollywood, taking on some of his most iconic roles. His demanding career led to long periods of separation, placing strain on their family life.
Paul also had three children from his first marriage—Scott, Susan, and Stephanie. His relationship with them, particularly with Scott, was complicated. Following Paul’s divorce from Jackie, Scott harbored resentment toward his father and Joanne, blaming them for his parents’ separation.
As he grew older, Scott battled substance abuse issues. Despite efforts at reconciliation, their bond remained fragile. Tragically, in 1978, Scott passed away from an overdose at the age of 28. Paul was devastated, later admitting his regrets over not doing more to help his son.
Like many long-term marriages, Paul and Joanne’s relationship had its ups and downs. Paul struggled with alcohol, and in 1969, rumors swirled about an affair with journalist Nancy Bacon.
Though the alleged infidelity strained their marriage, Joanne stood by him. Over time, Paul worked to rebuild trust, and their love endured. In later years, he expressed gratitude for Joanne’s sacrifices, even taking on behind-the-scenes roles in film to support her acting career.
Facing Life’s Final Challenges Together
In the mid-2000s, Paul’s health began to decline. In 2007, he publicly announced his retirement from acting, citing memory loss and a waning confidence in his abilities.
At the same time, Joanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Just nine days later, Paul received his own devastating diagnosis—terminal cancer.
Despite undergoing treatment, Paul’s condition rapidly deteriorated. By August 2008, it became evident that his time was limited. Choosing to spend his final days at home in Connecticut, he was surrounded by loved ones.
On September 26, 2008, Paul Newman passed away at the age of 83. His daughter Melissa later reflected on his passing, believing that he left the world when he did because he felt Joanne was strong enough to carry on without him.
Sadly, Joanne’s struggles were just beginning. As her Alzheimer’s progressed, her memories of Paul began to fade.
By 2015, she could no longer recall his name, despite occasionally mentioning being married to a “handsome man.” Over time, she lost recognition of even her own children and now requires round-the-clock care.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though Joanne no longer remembers the life she built with Paul, their legacy endures through their children, their cinematic contributions, and their philanthropic efforts.
Their daughters, Nell, Melissa, and Clea, remain devoted to their mother’s care, with Melissa living next door to Joanne’s longtime home in Connecticut to stay close.
Both Paul and Joanne left a lasting imprint on Hollywood. Paul, best known for his roles in Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, remains one of the industry’s most celebrated actors. Beyond his film career, he was a dedicated philanthropist.
In 1982, he co-founded Newman’s Own, a food company that donates all profits to charitable causes. By 2006, the company had contributed over $250 million to charities supporting children, education, and medical research.
Additionally, Paul established the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, providing children with serious illnesses a chance to experience joy and adventure.
Joanne, an accomplished actress in her own right, won an Academy Award for The Three Faces of Eve and starred in critically acclaimed films such as Rachel, Rachel, Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams, and Mr. & Mrs. Bridge. Together, she and Paul earned two Academy Awards and four Emmys, cementing their place in Hollywood history.
Their love story has continued to captivate audiences, inspiring projects like the 2022 documentary The Last Movie Stars, directed by Ethan Hawke, and Paul’s posthumous memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man.
As Joanne approaches her 95th birthday on February 27, 2025, Alzheimer’s may have taken her memories, but the remarkable life she shared with Paul Newman lives on through their work, their family, and the countless lives they touched.
