Guest Article by Len Bourret (Copyright 2010)

The relationship between Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, which joyously celebrated over 50 years together, was genuine, happy, and sustaining. In truth, Joanne and Paul had an ideal chemistry together, which made their marriage managable and workable. They shared comedy and tragedy together, with the death of their son, but their sense of humor and perfect timing helped them to get by, if not overcome, tragedy. Paul Newman once quipped, in a Playboy that he had "steak at home. Why go out for hamburger?" A vegetarian, Paul Newman was well aware that his wife offered more than "steak." Joanne was, and continues to be, "a priceless gem." Paul knew that, and this is why he and Joanne remained faithful, loyal, and true. Paul also once said that their lifelong union was because of "correct amounts of lust and respect." It was obvious to anyone who had the privilege of seeing Joanne and Paul together that their marriage was deeply rooted in love and family.

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman lived together, in Westport, since 1960. Although they remained significant members of the Hollywood community, Joanne and Paul were known as "down-to-earth people" to fans, friends, and neighbors. They were not regarded as "snobs," and had a reputation for being charitable, friendly, and gracious. Joanne and Paul both learned that they must apply what they learned to acting and real life. They became consummate actors and directors on the screen and stage, and became active participants in their macro and micro world. Although proud of their achievements, neither Joanne nor Paul have been boastful about their superlative deeds. Yet, they will both leave a legacy of having their commendable deeds affirmatively speaking for them. But their deeds will speak with a voice filled with caring, generousity, and kindness.

Joanne Woodward met Paul Newman while she was an understudy and he was making his debut in the 1953 production of William Inge's classical and timeless dramatic play, Picnic. They fell in love and, after Paul Newman and his first wife divorced in 1958, Joanne married Paul in the neon glitter of Las Vegas. Joanne and Paul's decision to purchase an 18th-century farmhouse in Westport positively and solidly reinforced their marriage. Connecticut became home sweet home and was an excellent fit for them. "We were never Hollywood people," the Oscar-winning actress told the Daily News in 2001. "We just liked it better here. It also probably helps that we always enjoyed each other's company." That they did, and Connecticut loves Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.

The real-life love affair of Woodward and Newman also became a blossoming romance on the stage and screen. The actors starred in several films together, including The Long Hot Summer, Paris Blues and Mr. and Mrs. Bridge. Newman directed Woodward in several movies, including Rachel, Rachel, which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.

Joanne Woodward's decision to return to Sarah Lawrence College at the youthful age of 60 was a jubilant family affair. The actress graduated with her daughter, Clea (the youngest of the Newman clan), and Paul gave a memorable commencement address (in the eloquence and style all Newman's Own).

The winsome couple became energetic and vigorous participants in restoring and revitalizing the Westport Country Playhouse. To Joanne and Paul, a theatre is a hallowed place. Joanne has served as Artistic Director of Westport Country Playhouse, and she wisely chose to cast Paul Newman in a production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town. Appearing in the play on Broadway, Paul received a Tony nomination in 2003. Joanne continues to serve on the Westport Country Playhouse Board of Trustees. The Woodward Intern and Apprentice Programs at the Playhouse are named in her honor. Joanne had visited the Playhouse for the very first time as a 21-year-old-actress and years later would be the heroine coming to the rescue and transporting the Playhouse into the 21st century.

Woodward and Newman gave a generous $10-million gift to Kenyon College, but the story of their generosity does not end there by any stretch of the imagination. Before Paul's passing, Joanne and Paul made arrangements to deliver Paul's racing car to his longtime buddy. Can you imagine how his buddy felt, after he received such an honorarium from his friend? And what about all of those kids at the Newman camps? I am happy to report that, due to the efforts of Joanne and daughter Nell, Newman's Own continues to thrive.

Last but certainly not least, Joanne's influence to persuade Paul to grant an interview to a very young and extremely unseasoned writer shall be indelibly etched on my heart. Joanne Woodward, like Paul Newman, is a master of her craft. Such masters open up my ears, my eyes, and all of my senses. And that is why the theatre has become my retreat and home away from home. My life is anything but "A Closed Book (2010)." Whether on screen or on stage, Joanne Woodward would be brilliant in this wonderful, psychological drama - characterizing an older, but wiser, Jane. The masters open all of my emotions and all of my thoughts - so that I can seek, and find, a world of adventure. There is a connecting interrelationship between the affective and the cognitive. The masters provide reflective mirrors, and show me the way.

Note: "A Closed Book (2010)" is a brilliant screenplay on a blind man (a writer) who, after a horrible accident, cannot stand what he has done (he is unable to mentally look at what he has done), and ends up fatally shooting himself. Jane would be an ideal characterization for an older but wiser actress, like Joanne Woodward, to give an award-winning performance. "A Closed Book (2010)" is a riveting, psychological drama, best played by an 'Eve' or 'Sybil' (an actor, like Joanne Woodward, who is superb at portraying a complex and multi-faceted personality).

Trailer: "A Closed Book" (2010)...
www.alltrailers.net/a-closed-book.html

Paul Newman was unable to talk about the death of his son. That is why, I think, Paul Newman did "Nobody's Fool" (1994). At the end of the movie, the inadequate father learns that he did the best he could with his son, no matter how imperfect. My point: There are specific reasons why actors take certain roles.

Trailer: "Nobody's Fool" (1994)...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKYsA2-_uk4

Happy birthday, Joanne - best wishes and many, many, happy returns.

- Heartfelt thanks to Pat Blaufuss, Public Relations Manager at Westport Country Playhouse, for her contributions to this tribute.

Part I: Introduction

Part II: Joanne Woodward Tributes and Other Pages

Part III: Movie Reviews & Where to Find Her Movies

Part IV: Books, Photos, Art, Videos and Posters