Hollywood has produced numerous romantic films that have captivated audiences, often culminating in happy endings for the lovers on screen. While viewers may be enchanted by the on-screen romance, the reality is that such relationships rarely extend beyond the film set. Typically, if actors do form a relationship, it tends to be short-lived, often ending in separation and divorce. However, there is a notable exception to this trend in the case of two of Hollywood’s most famous stars, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, whose love story defied the odds and endured.
The story began in 1953 when the young and handsome actor Paul Newman, then 28 years old, was strolling down Manhattan’s streets on a scorching August afternoon. Seeking refuge from the heat, he decided to visit his agent’s air-conditioned office, where he first met the love of his life, the exceptionally talented and beautiful 22-year-old actress Joanne Woodward. Both had sought shelter from the sun’s harsh rays. Newman instantly fell for Woodward, but she initially dismissed him, feeling overheated and irritated by his appearance, which she found off-putting. Despite this rocky start, their paths crossed again when they worked together on Broadway in the romantic drama Picnic. As they collaborated, they were drawn to each other, sparking a powerful chemistry, even though Newman was already married with children.
Over the following years, Woodward made an effort to keep her distance to avoid disrupting Newman’s family life. Newman continued to honor his family responsibilities while trying to suppress his feelings for her. However, by 1957, their on-screen chemistry in The Long, Hot Summer became evident, and their mutual attraction was undeniable. Even Newman’s wife, Jackie Witte, could not overlook the connection between them. Newman and Woodward’s relationship culminated in their marriage on January 29, 1958, in Las Vegas. They spent their honeymoon in Europe, and their romantic getaway was widely covered by the press, endearing them to the public.
Throughout the following two decades, Newman and Woodward reached the zenith of their careers, starring together in films such as Paris Blues (1961), A New Kind of Love (1963), and From the Terrace (1960). However, none of these films matched the success of The Long, Hot Summer. Woodward achieved significant acclaim with her role in The Three Faces of Eve (1957), which earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Meanwhile, Newman starred in a series of critically acclaimed films, including The Hustler (1960), Hud (1962), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), and The Sting (1973). In 1968, Newman directed his first film, Rachel, Rachel, in which Woodward played the lead role, earning her another Oscar nomination. By this time, the couple was raising three daughters in their Connecticut home, living a quiet life away from the limelight. They rarely gave interviews and were known for maintaining the privacy of their personal lives and the intimacy of their relationship.
The enduring nature of Newman and Woodward’s relationship led many to wonder about the secret to their long and successful marriage, especially given the constant allure of fame and ego. Those close to them explained that their chemistry was always palpable. They were known for holding hands in public, a sign that their physical attraction never faded. One staff member at the Arizona Museum recalled seeing a couple where the woman was sitting with her husband’s head resting on her lap. He thought it was a beautiful display of affection and was surprised to discover that the couple was Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Writer Carol Joyce recounted attending their wedding and remembered a touching moment when Woodward rested her back against a tree while Newman’s head rested on her lap as he enjoyed the music. She described it as one of the most romantic scenes she had ever witnessed.
Newman and Woodward’s marriage lasted for 50 years. When Newman was asked why he remained faithful to his wife despite the possibility of being with anyone else, he responded by saying he did not like discussing his marriage but offered a practical analogy: he had a steak at home, so why go out for a hamburger? He added that people stay married because they want to. Woodward, when asked the same question, explained that while attraction may fade and beauty may wane, the fortunate person is the one who marries someone who makes them laugh every day, which she believed was the essence of true enjoyment. The couple nurtured their affection with mutual delight, spending their time in the treehouse they built together in the backyard of their Connecticut home.
On September 29, 2008, Paul Newman passed away at the age of 83 in his home, with Joanne Woodward by his side. According to a close friend who was present at his passing, Newman’s last words to his beloved were, “It has been a privilege to be here,” marking the end of one of Hollywood’s greatest love stories.
