Paul Newman’s Daughter Shares the Secrets Behind His Enduring Fascination with Joanne Woodward

Aurora Skye1 day agoLast Updated: 14 April 2025

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Paul Newman's daughter reveals what kept him so 'fascinated' by Joanne Woodward

Paul Newman was recently celebrated as one of the recipients of the 2025 Great Ohioan Award, joining fellow honorees Dorothy Dandridge and Clark Gable. The late Hollywood legend was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, in January 1925, and raised in nearby Shaker Heights. He spent his early life there before joining the Navy and later moving to New York City to pursue his acting career. Local Columbus station WBNS 10TV interviewed Molly Kreuzman, program director for the Ohio Goes to the Movies initiative, about the tribute to this great actor, alongside his daughter with Joanne Woodward, Melissa “Lissy” Newman.

Paul and Joanne were married from 1958 until his passing in 2008. Melissa, now 63, shared heartfelt reflections on her father’s enduring legacy, particularly his unwavering love for Joanne, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday. The couple was renowned as Hollywood’s most devoted pair, having first met in 1953 during a Broadway production of *Picnic*. In 1957, Paul, the star of *Cool Hand Luke*, divorced his first wife, Jackie Witte, to marry Joanne in 1958. Their bond lasted for five decades until Paul’s death, earning them admiration from fans for their deep devotion and frequent collaborations.

Melissa noted, “My father never stopped being fascinated by my mother. He spent his entire life trying to find projects to prove to the rest of the world how extraordinary she was.” In 2023, she published the book *Head Over Heels: Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman: A Love Affair in Words and Pictures*, featuring their love story through a collection of previously unseen photographs.

“I really wanted to create a book that explored that relationship—the complexity and beauty of their connection,” she explained. The book features love letters exchanged between the couple and showcases the work of esteemed photographers such as Richard Avedon, Sid Avery, David Sutton, Bruce Davidson, and more. “We used many photographs that no one has ever seen before,” Melissa added. “We received an incredible response from photographers and their estates who wanted to contribute.”

Melissa also highlighted her father’s philanthropic efforts, particularly his work with the SeriousFun Children’s Network, now actively managed by her younger sister Claire “Clea” Newman. This nonprofit organization consists of a global network of camps and programs for seriously ill children, founded by Paul in 1988. “He felt absurdly lucky,” Melissa recalled, reflecting on her father, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this January. “He wanted to acknowledge the presence of luck in his own life and the stark reality of its absence in others’ lives.”

“He was all about contributing to the common good,” she continued. “If I had to have movie stars for parents, I’m glad I got the ones that I did.” Joanne has stepped back from public life over the past decade, with her last appearance in 2013. She now resides primarily in Westport, Connecticut, in their historic 19th-century home.

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