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.

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman posing cheek to cheek for the film, “The Long Hot Summer,” directed in 1958 | Source: Getty Images

Joanne was diagnosed with a health issue shortly before losing Paul, and her condition has since worsened. Today, at 94, she no longer remembers the life they shared, relying on her daughters for constant care.

Joanne Woodward photographed in 1955 | Source: Getty Images

Joanne and Paul’s Love Story Began in the 1950s
Paul and Joanne first crossed paths in the early 1950s at the Actors Studio in New York. At the time, Paul was married to his first wife, Jackie Witte, with whom he had a young son, Scott. Joanne, a promising actress from Georgia, was also working toward a career in Hollywood.

Joanne Woodward in a publicity shot for the movie “The Three Faces of Eve” in 1957 | Source: Getty Images

Their bond strengthened in 1953 when they worked together on the Broadway play “Picnic.” Paul, captivated by Joanne’s talent and intelligence, found himself drawn to her. However, he was still married, and their relationship remained platonic for several years.

Over time, Paul’s marriage with Jackie grew strained, and his connection with Joanne deepened. He and Joanne reunited on-screen in “The Long, Hot Summer” (1958), and shortly after, Paul finalized his divorce. After parting ways with Jackie, he and Joanne wasted no time in making their union official.

Hollywood stars Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman after getting married in Las Vegas in 1958 | Source: Getty Images

They married in Las Vegas that same year, beginning a partnership that would last for five decades. The couple settled in Westport, Connecticut, choosing a life away from Hollywood’s glare while continuing to build their remarkable careers.

Joanne Woodward holds her Oscar for “The Three Faces of Eve” next to Paul Newman, during an Academy Awards party in 1958 | Source: Getty Images

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.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward at home in their Greenwich Village apartment, circa 1961 | Source: Getty Images

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.

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman on “The Long Hot Summer” in 1958 | Source:Getty Images

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.

Paul Newman and his son Scott Newman attend the Ontarion 500 automobile race on September 3, 1972, in Ontario, California, September 3, 1972 | Source: Getty Images

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.

Scott Newman on the set of the movie “The Great Waldo Pepper” on January 1, 1974 | Source: Getty Images

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 Newman and Joanne Woodward, circa 1975 | Source: Getty Images

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.

Paul Newman with wife Joanne Woodward and children Melissa and Claire “Clea” Newman in 1974 | Source: Getty Images

In later years, he expressed gratitude for Joanne’s sacrifices. To support her career, he took on roles behind the camera, directing and producing films that allowed her to showcase her acting talents.

Their marriage was not perfect, but their commitment to one another never wavered. But as they entered the final years of their lives, Paul and Joanne’s relationship would face its most difficult test yet.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward arrive at Radio City Music Hall on July 8, 2004 | Source: Getty Images

Paul’s Final Years and Passing
By the mid-2000s, Paul began showing signs of decline. In May 2007, he publicly announced his retirement from acting, citing memory loss and a lack of confidence in his abilities. “I’m not able to work anymore… at the level that I would want to,” he admitted.

Paul Newman at the Kodak Theatre on November 9, 2006, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

While he did not initially reveal any serious health concerns, speculation grew about his well-being. That same year, Joanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Just nine days later, Paul received devastating news of his own—he had terminal cancer.

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman in New York in 2004 | Source:Getty Images

The couple, who had spent five decades together, now faced a heartbreaking reality: their time together was running out. Paul initially kept his diagnosis private, downplaying concerns as he underwent treatment. However, by August 2008, it became clear that his condition was worsening.