After walking out on his first marriage to be with another woman, Paul Newman appeared to have made the best decision. His choice led him to 50 years of marital bliss up until his death. Inside the love life of the actor.
American actor and film producer Paul Newman was recognized by many for his significant contribution to the movie industry. Born on January 26, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, he managed to forge a remarkable career in the show business before his sad demise.
He was born to a Jewish businessman, Arthur Sigmund Newman, and Slovak Roman Catholic, Theresa Fetsko. Paul showcased his love for acting at a young age, making appearances in grade school and high school plays.
A picture of actor Paul Newman | Photo: Getty Images
He grew up with his love for acting, and at the same time, he got introduced to the family business. Paul began running the family sporting goods store in Cleveland, Ohio, and shortly after, the actor got accepted into Ohio University.
Paul's stay at Ohio University was short-lived, and he was eventually kicked out for bad behavior. Afterward, he decided to follow a different path by joining the United States Navy during World War II, where he served for only three years.
After leaving the Navy, the Hollywood icon continued running his father's store, and soon, he realized his dream was to be an actor. Without hesitation, Paul enrolled in Yale University's School of Drama, which saw the start of his remarkable career.
Paul Newman on the set of "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" in 1968 | Photo: Getty Images
By 1952, Paul was on a good path, making guest appearances on many television series, and a year later, he got his first primary lead in the classic Broadway play, "Picnic." The following years were even better for the budding actor as he landed other roles.
Paul got to feature in movies and television shows like "The Silver Chalice," "The Long, Hot Summer," "The Hustler," "Cool Hand Luke," "Hud" and a host of others.
The star also received accolades and recognition via awards and nominations. He received his first Academic award nomination for Best Actor in 1959, and in the 1960s, he received over three Best Actor Oscar nominations, alongside a Golden Globe Award.
Paul Newman at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood in 2006 | Photo: Getty Images
INSIDE PAUL NEWMAN'S FIRST MARRIAGE
Paul was known by many to be a busy man. However, the star actor often made time for his family. He was a proud father and throughout the years, he stood firmly by his family, supporting all their endeavors.
In the entirety of his lifetime, the actor was married twice. He walked down the aisle for the first time with Jackie Witte in 1949. Witte and Paul stayed married for some time before they eventually went their separate ways in 1958.
Paul and Witte's marriage lasted for only nine years, but it was enough time to welcome three children — Scott Newman, Stephanie Newman, and Susan Newman. Even after their divorce, the pair remained great parents to their kids.
Paul Newman posing in a water taxi, Venice, 1963 | Photo: Getty Images
PAUL AND WITTE'S THREE CHILDREN
The former couple welcomed their first child, Scott, in 1950. Like his father, the young man had dreams of pursuing a career in acting. Scott soon made his dreams become a reality, and in 1974, he made his debut in "The Towering Inferno."
After his first role, Scott made other appearances in "Fraternity Row" "Marcus Welby," "S.W.A.T" "Harry O.," and "M.D." Sadly, the actor's career spanned only four years. In November 1978, Scott died from an accidental drug overdose in a hotel room in Los Angeles.
Scott Newman, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and guests at Unicorn Theatre for the opening of "Weekend." | Photo: Getty Images
On the other hand, the former couple's two children are still alive and well. Born in 1951, the pair's second child Stephanie lives a quiet life away from the spotlight, while the third child Susan, born in 1953, is fully involved in Hollywood.
She has featured in movies like "I Wanna Hold Your Hand," "Slap Shot," and "A Wedding." In addition to Susan's career, she is also a philanthropist. She once served as the Executive Director of several nonprofit organizations specializing in drug and alcohol abuse prevention.
Paul Newman in a studio portrait circa 1954 | Photo: Getty Images
PAUL NEWMAN FINDS LOVE AGAIN
The director tied the knot for the second time with American actress Joanne Woodward shortly after his divorce. Paul and Woodward first met at the former's Broadway debut in 1953, while the former was still married to Witte.
The actress said when she first saw Paul, she thought of him as disgusting, and he looked like an ice cream soda advert. On the other hand, Paul thought the opposite of Woodward. He considered her to be beautiful, modern, and independent.
Despite Woodward's opinion of Paul, she eventually became close friends with him, but their friendship was strictly platonic as the actor was still married at the time.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward at The Governer's Ball held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, 1958 | Photo: Getty Images
While they remained friends, they also featured in the movie "The Long, Hot Summer" together. As the days went by, the duo got even closer, and their feelings for each other grew more profound. Finally, Paul divorced Witte to marry Woodward.
On January 29, 1958, Paul and Woodward got married in Las Vegas and had their honeymoon at the Connaught Hotel in London. The lovebirds enjoyed a healthy marriage and acted together in more movies like "Paris Blues" and "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge."
They also welcomed three beautiful daughters, Elinor "Nell" Newman, Melissa "Lissy" Newman, and Claire Olivia Newman. Paul and Woodward stayed married for 50 years until his demise. Sadly, Paul passed away in 2008 after a long battle with lung cancer, aged 83.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward at the premiere of the film "Nobody's Fool", 1994 | Photo: Getty Images
WHERE ARE HIS DAUGHTERS NOW?
It's been years since the star actor died, and his last three daughters are still living their dreams. A former child star, Nell is now the owner of an organic food company, "Newman's Own Organics."
She is also an environmentalist and a biologist. Nell has also been married to her husband, Gary Irving, since 2005. On the other hand, Lissy is an actress, singer, and songwriter.
Joanne Woodward and Clea Newman Soderlund at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center on October 21, 2010 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images
She is also happily married to Raphael Elkind, and the duo is doting parents to their two children, Henry and Peter. Meanwhile, Claire works in the editorial department in Hollywood, and she is currently married to Kurt Soderlund.
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