Is Joanne Woodward Dead or Alive? Joanne Woodward Age, Family, Career, and More
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 12, 2023
Who is Joanne Woodward?
Joanne Gignilliat Trimmier Woodward, born on February 27, 1930, is a highly acclaimed and retired American actress. She rose to prominence during the Golden Age of Hollywood and is celebrated for her remarkable career spanning over six decades. Woodward's acting style is characterized by her ability to portray complex female characters with exceptional nuance and depth.
One of her most iconic roles was in the 1957 film "The Three Faces of Eve," where she played a woman with dissociative identity disorder. This performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. It remains one of the defining moments of her career.
Joanne Woodward's contributions to both film and television are significant. She is recognized as one of the first film stars who successfully transitioned to television, achieving equal success in both mediums. Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, cementing her status as a highly respected actress. Her awards include an Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Woodward is especially notable for being one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema and holds the distinction of being the oldest living Best Actress Oscar-winner.
In addition to her Academy Award for "The Three Faces of Eve," she received four Oscar nominations in total, further demonstrating her exceptional acting prowess. Her list of accolades also includes ten Golden Globe Award nominations, with three wins, and four BAFTA Film Award nominations, of which she won one. Her television work earned her nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with three wins.
Name
Joanne Gignilliat Trimmier Woodward
Gender
Female
Born on
February 27, 1930 (age 93)
Place of Birth
Thomasville, Georgia, U.S.
Other Names
Joanne Newman and Joanne G. T. Woodward
Alma Mater
Sarah Lawrence College
Occupation
Actress
Years Active
1952–2013
Spouse
Paul Newman (m. 1958; died 2008)
Children
3 - Nell, Melissa Newman, and Claire
Specifications
Details
Is Joanne Woodward Dead or Alive?
Joanne Woodward is alive and well. Her contribution to the entertainment industry goes beyond her acting skills. In 1960, she made history by becoming the first person to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of film and television. Her career achievements are proof of her extraordinary talent, versatility, and lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Joanne Woodward, who lost her husband, Paul Newman, in 2008, currently resides in Westport, Connecticut, the place where she and Newman raised their daughters. However, her life has taken a more private turn since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2007. In light of her diagnosis, Woodward has chosen to withdraw from the public eye, focusing on her health and well-being. Her family and close friends have continued to support her during this challenging period, ensuring she receives the care and privacy she needs in her Connecticut home.
Joanne Woodward Career
Joanne Woodward's career is a remarkable journey through the world of entertainment, spanning television, stage, and feature films. Her career began to take shape in the early 1950s when she made her debut in the television series "Robert Montgomery Presents," featuring in an episode titled "Penny." She also ventured into stage acting, serving as an understudy during the run of William Inge's drama "Picnic" in 1953-1954. It was during this time that she crossed paths with her future husband, Paul Newman, although he was still married to his first wife, Jacqueline Witte.
Woodward's early career involved appearances in various television drama shows, including "Tales of Tomorrow," "Goodyear Playhouse," "Danger," "The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse," "You Are There," "The Web," "The Ford Television Theatre," and many others. She made her first feature film appearance in "Count Three and Pray" (1955), a post-Civil War Western where she played a strong-willed orphan. Her talents were soon recognized, leading to a long-term contract with 20th Century Fox in January 1956.
In "A Kiss Before Dying" (1956), she starred as an heiress pursued by a college student, portrayed by Robert Wagner. Woodward's career remained versatile, encompassing television, stage, and feature film roles. Notably, she returned to Broadway to star in "The Lovers" in 1956 and continued to make appearances on television drama shows, such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Kraft Theatre," and "Studio One in Hollywood."
In 1957, Woodward delivered a standout performance in "The Three Faces of Eve," where she played a woman with three distinct personalities. This portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her reputation as a star attraction. She received top billing in "No Down Payment" (1957) and starred in "The Sound and the Fury" (1959) and "The Fugitive Kind" (1960) alongside acting legends like Yul Brynner, Marlon Brando, and Anna Magnani.
Joanne Woodward continued to collaborate with her husband, Paul Newman, in films like "From the Terrace" (1960) and "Paris Blues" (1961). Her role in "The Stripper" (1963) as the title character, coached by burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, showcased her versatility. She also starred in "A Big Hand for the Little Lady" (1966) and acted alongside Sean Connery in "A Fine Madness" (1966).
In "Rachel, Rachel" (1968), which was produced and directed by Paul Newman, Woodward played a schoolteacher seeking love, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued her success with "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" (1972), winning the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Joanne Woodward's career saw a blend of film and television work. Her notable achievements include starring in "Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams" (1973), "The Shadow Box" (1980), and "Harry & Son" (1984). She ventured into screenwriting and direction as well.
Woodward's talents found recognition on the small screen, earning her Emmy Awards for her work as an actress in "See How She Runs" (1978) and "Do You Remember Love?" (1985). As a producer, she also received an Emmy for "Broadway's dreamers: The Legacy of the Group Theater" in 1990.
In the 1990s, she collaborated once again with Paul Newman in "Mr. & Mrs. Bridge" (1990) and delivered an acclaimed performance for which she received her fourth Academy Award nomination. Woodward continued her work in film, television, and stage, earning praise for her roles in productions like "Philadelphia" (1993) and "The Age of Innocence" (1993), which she narrated. She also received an Emmy nomination for "Blind Spot" (1993) and co-starred in "Breathing Lessons" (1995).
In the 21st century, Joanne Woodward shifted her focus towards production and directorial roles. She served as the artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse and executive produced the 2003 television production of "Our Town." She continued to work alongside Paul Newman, appearing in "Empire Falls" (2005). Her career remained dynamic and impactful, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.
In 2022, Woodward and Paul Newman were the subjects of a documentary titled "The Last Movie Stars," directed by Ethan Hawke, which premiered on HBO Max, showcasing their lasting influence on the world of film and entertainment.
Joanne Woodward Early Life and Family
Joanne Gignilliat Trimmier Woodward was born on February 27, 1930, in Thomasville, Georgia, into a family with a notable connection to the world of literature and publishing. She was the daughter of Elinor (née Trimmier) and Wade Woodward, Jr., who held the position of vice president at the renowned publishing company, Charles Scribner's Sons. Joanne's unique middle names, "Gignilliat Trimmier," have Huguenot origins, reflecting the cultural diversity in her heritage. Her mother's passion for film played a significant role in inspiring Joanne to pursue a career in acting. Interestingly, she was named after the legendary actress Joan Crawford and had an older brother named Wade, Jr.
Joanne Woodward's early life was marked by her deepening fascination with the world of cinema. At the age of nine, during the premiere of the iconic film "Gone with the Wind" in Atlanta, she made an unforgettable impression when she eagerly joined the parade of stars and sat on the lap of Laurence Olivier, who was the partner of the film's star, Vivien Leigh. Remarkably, this childhood encounter came full circle when she later had the opportunity to work alongside Olivier in a 1977 television production of "Come Back, Little Sheba." During rehearsals, she shared this memorable incident with him, and he recalled the moment, adding an extraordinary connection to their collaboration.
Her family's journey involved several relocations. After residing in Thomasville, Joanne's family moved to Blakely and Thomaston. Eventually, they settled in Marietta, Georgia, where she attended Marietta High School. She has maintained a strong connection to Marietta High School and the city's Strand Theater, showcasing her commitment to her roots.
The family's nomadic lifestyle continued when, during her junior year in high school, they moved to Greenville, South Carolina, following her parents' divorce. It was in Greenville that Joanne attended and graduated from Greenville High School, and she also found opportunities to perform at Greenville's Little Theater.
Her passion for acting led her to pursue a drama major at Louisiana State University, and she became an initiate of the Chi Omega sorority. Afterward, she set her sights on New York City, where she honed her craft by studying at the Actors Studio and training under the guidance of renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. These formative years in her early life laid the foundation for her future success as a distinguished actress.
Joanne Woodward Husband
Joanne Woodward's husband, and one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history, was Paul Newman. The two first crossed paths on the set of the stage drama "Picnic" in the early 1950s. Their connection deepened, and they married on January 29, 1958, following Newman's divorce from his first wife, Jacqueline Witte.
Paul Newman was a legendary actor known for his striking blue eyes and remarkable talent. Although he had been nominated for several Academy Awards before their marriage, it was only in 1986 that he finally won his first Oscar. Joanne Woodward, on the other hand, had already secured her first Academy Award win just two months after their wedding, on March 28, 1958, for her role in "The Three Faces of Eve."
The couple's professional and personal lives were deeply intertwined. They appeared together in several films during the 1950s and '60s, including "The Long Hot Summer" (1958), "Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!" (1958), "From the Terrace" (1960), "Paris Blues" (1961), and "A New Kind of Love" (1963). They also returned to Broadway in "Baby Want a Kiss" in 1964, which had a successful run of more than a hundred performances.
Paul Newman not only acted alongside Joanne Woodward but also directed her in several projects. Their collaboration included "Rachel, Rachel" (1968), marking Newman's directorial debut. For their performances in this film, both husband and wife earned Golden Globe Awards and received Oscar nominations. They continued to act together in films such as "Winning" (1969) and "WUSA" (1970).
Their union was much more than just a Hollywood power couple; it was a symbol of enduring love and partnership. They graced the pages of numerous magazines and articles, capturing the public's fascination for more than five decades. However, Woodward chose to prioritize her family life over her film career, deepening her connection with her husband and children.
Before marrying Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward was reportedly engaged to author Gore Vidal, though it's worth noting that she later clarified there was no real engagement. Woodward explained that she had acted as a "beard" for Vidal, who was bisexual. She shared a house with Vidal in Los Angeles for a brief period, and they remained friends.
Paul Newman passed away in 2008, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in film and philanthropy, while his enduring love story with Joanne Woodward continues to be celebrated as one of Hollywood's most iconic and enduring partnerships.
Joanne Woodward Children
Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman were blessed with three daughters during their enduring marriage. Elinor Teresa "Nell" Newman (born 1959) is the eldest of three daughters. She is known for her environmental activism and founded Newman's Own Organics, a company specializing in organic food products. Nell has continued the family's philanthropic legacy and commitment to social and environmental causes.
Melissa Stewart (born 1961) is the second daughter, and has lived a relatively private life away from the public eye, maintaining a low profile. She is not as well-known in the entertainment industry or public life as her parents. Claire Olivia "Clea" Newman (born 1965) is the youngest of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman's daughters. In 1990, both Clea and her mother, Joanne, achieved a significant milestone when they graduated together from Sarah Lawrence College. This was a testament to their dedication to education and personal growth.
Joanne Woodward's children have pursued diverse paths in life, with a focus on environmental activism, privacy, and personal achievements. Their unique pursuits reflect their individual personalities and interests, while also carrying forward the values and principles instilled by their iconic parents.
Joanne Woodward Net Worth
Joanne Woodward net worth is $50 million. His primary source of income has been her successful career as an actress. Over the years, she earned a considerable income from her work in film, television, and stage productions. Her acting career spans several decades and includes critically acclaimed performances, which likely contributed significantly to her financial success.
Additionally, Joanne Woodward and her late husband, Paul Newman, were known for their philanthropic efforts. They co-founded Newman's Own, a food company that donates all of its profits to various charitable organizations. While the income generated from these philanthropic ventures went toward charitable causes, it also played a significant role in their overall financial portfolio.
Woodward's financial situation may also include income from investments, real estate, and other financial endeavors, but her earnings as an actress and her involvement in philanthropy are the most well-documented sources of her income.
Joanne Woodward Age
As of 2023, Joanne Woodward is an impressive 93 years old. Throughout her illustrious career, she achieved remarkable success and earned numerous accolades for her exceptional talent. Her longevity in the world of film and entertainment is a testament to her enduring impact and dedication to her craft. Despite the passage of time, Joanne Woodward continues to be celebrated as an iconic figure in the industry. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a testament to the lasting power of her contributions.
Is Joanne Woodward Dead or Alive - FAQs
Joanne Woodward is alive and well.
Joanne Woodward is a retired American actress known for her remarkable career in film, television, and theater. She gained widespread acclaim for her talent and received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.
One of her most famous roles is in "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957), for which she won an Academy Award. She also starred in movies like "The Long, Hot Summer" (1958) alongside Paul Newman, and "Rachel, Rachel" (1968), which was directed by her husband.
Yes, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman had three daughters: Elinor Teresa "Nell" Newman, Melissa Stewart, and Claire Olivia "Clea" Newman.
Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman were known for their philanthropic efforts. They co-founded Newman's Own, a food company that donates all its profits to various charitable organizations. Their philanthropy has had a significant impact on various causes.