It should not come as a surprise that two of the biggest stars in Hollywood would appear together in a number of films. During their relationship, the pair appeared in 11 films and miniseries (per Classic Movie Hub). Paul Newman also directed six films featuring Woodward, including the 1968 film “Rachel, Rachel,” for which Woodward was nominated for another best actress Academy Award (via Southern Living).
When discussing their relationship, Woodward said that their appearances were not an important part of their relationship. “Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that is a treat.” Newman quipped about his own reasons for staying married to Woodward, saying, “people stay married because they want to, not because the doors are locked.”
Aside from jokes, the pair also helped each other in difficult times, such as when Newman’s son, Scott Newman, from his first marriage, died of a drug overdose in 1978 (per Country Living). By the end of the 1960s and a decade into marriage, the couple had three girls together, Nell, Lissy and Clea, and were expanding their interest outside of the big screen (via Country Living). Both actors were lifelong liberals in their politics and usually gave donations to Democratic candidates and charities (via History). During the Jimmy Carter administration, the president gave Newman a seat at the United Nations Conference on Nuclear Disarmament.
