Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman built a life together that endured professional success, personal struggles, and profound loss. Their relationship lasted for five decades, marked by both devotion and challenges. But in her final years, Joanne no longer remembers the man with whom she shared it all.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s love story began in the 1950s, leading to a marriage that lasted half a century. Despite career pressures and personal struggles, they remained devoted to each other until Paul’s passing.
A Marriage Marked by Love and Hardships
Paul and Joanne’s marriage was built on a deep bond, but it was not without difficulties. While they were known as one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples, their relationship faced challenges. It was marked by personal sacrifices, family tensions, and Paul’s struggle with alcohol.
At one point, Joanne, an Academy Award-winning actress, decided to step back from her career to raise their three daughters—Nell, Melissa “Lissy,” and Claire “Clea” Newman. She dedicated herself to creating a stable home, while Paul pursued an intense career in Hollywood, starring in some of his most iconic films.
While both found success, the demands of Paul’s work meant long periods away from home, and his absence took a toll on the family. Paul also had three children from his first marriage—Scott, Susan, and Stephanie. His relationship with them, especially with Scott, was strained.
After divorcing his first wife, Jackie, Paul did not see his children regularly. Scott, the eldest, resented his father and developed a strong dislike for Joanne, blaming them both for the dissolution of his parents’ marriage. As he grew older, Scott struggled with substance abuse.
Despite attempts at reconciliation in the 1970s, their relationship remained complicated. Tragedy struck in 1978 when Scott died from an overdose at the age of 28. Paul was devastated, later admitting that he wished he had done more to help his son.
In the years that followed, he focused more on his family and worked to repair the damage caused by his absence. Through the ups and downs, Paul and Joanne’s love remained. A close friend once shared, “There were some rough times and a give-and-take on both sides. But the close loving bond between them would prove to be unbreakable.”
Paul’s drinking became a growing issue in their marriage, and in 1969, he was rumored to have had an affair with journalist Nancy Bacon. The betrayal caused strain between them, but Joanne did not walk away. Over time, Paul worked to rebuild trust, and he made efforts to repair the damage his drinking had caused.
