Happy 50th Anniversary To Paul Newman And Joanne Woodward!
After making tons of posts about the Britneys and Lindsays and Parises of the world, who go through men, movies, and music like so much used toilet paper, it’s refreshing to hear about true legends of the business who have not only managed to juggle a long-lasting career, but who have also managed to make a success of their personal life.
Despite a failed first marriage lasting nine years, Paul Newman, a WWII vet, has managed to make a success of his second marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, and today they celebrate fifty years together as man and wife. They have three daughters together. Newman had two daughters and a son with his first wife; however his son, Scott, died of an accidental drug overdose in 1978, inspiring Newman to create the Scott Newman Center for Drug Abuse to help others. Their lists of awards won are too long to mention here, but her first Academy Award was for The Three Faces Of Eve in 1957, and he won one in 1986 for The Color Of Money.
Their contributions to acting, theatre, movies, and philanthropy (they donate the profits of their food sales, after taxes, to charity) are legend. Today’s so-called “stars” would do well to take a few pages out of their book. And I personally love his pineapple salsa.
Recently, Newman had cancer surgery:
He is fit enough to go out and has been seen outside his home in Westport, Connecticut, where his neighbours say he looks well.
An insider close to the star said that he recently checked into a New York hospital for serious surgery “related to cancer” which left him convalescing for three weeks.
“He initially was having trouble breathing and a hard time walking.
“After Thanksgiving, his family became concerned and took him to see a New York specialist.
“He was admitted right away into the hospital where he underwent surgery.
“He’s bounced back now but he’s not a well man and people in his company are trying to keep this very quiet.” He added.
Another friend of the star also confirmed to a US magazine that Newman had recently undergone a “major medical procedure”.
But he seems to have convalesced well, and this minor setback hasn’t stopped him from being his old self:
An observer at Newman’s restaurant added: “Paul does look frail and his thinning hair has gone nearly white.
“But he does seem feisty for a man of his advanced years.
“After exchanging small talk with some employees he and Joanne got into matching steel-grey SUV’s to follow one another home.
“Before Paul left he played speed racer and gunned it for a couple of laps around the parking lot.”
Yep, that sounds like Paul Newman, always the auto racer. He owns a stake in Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, a Champ car team, and recently narrated Dale, a film about the late Dale Earnhardt. He was also the voice of Doc Hudson in the animated movie Cars, both projects continuing his life-long love of auto racing.
So I raise my glass to a couple of true living legends, and recipients of a Breath Of Fresh Air award. I certainly hope that they have a wonderful day today and many more happy years together!
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I LOVE THEM. Especially Paul and the fact that they’ve remained a couple for so many years. I wish they could have another 50. Great job k, you are so wonderful for covering this. Thank you. And thanks Joanne and Paul for setting a great example for the rest of humanity!
Comment by D — January 29, 2008 @ 6:56 pm
This was nice to read.
Comment by Mary McConnell — January 31, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
happy anniversary paul and joan two greats we all love you both. good health continue to love each other and pray together. barb and bud
Comment by barb larimore — February 11, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
wajt for last mail. nice summary of the newmans happy day 50 what a blessing. we send our congrats to them…knowing love hard work forgiveness is needed our experience too. but each year is better keep up good work. Bud and barb ky. 52 already..,,,..
Comment by barb larimore — February 11, 2008 @ 8:24 pm