Newman and Woodward’s Iconic Love Story in ‘The Last Movie Stars’

One of Hollywood’s beautiful couples — Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward — is celebrated in “The Last Movie Stars” docuseries. The upcoming 6-part series explored one of Hollywood’s most enduring marriages. Director Ethan Hawke’s HBO MAX original delivered “a rare and exclusive look at the careers of both actors and a complex 50-year relationship that ultimately managed to beat incredible odds,” according to Deadline.

The couple’s iconic relationship seems to be that of a Hollywood script. They met in 1953 while working as understudies in the successful Broadway play “Picnic.” Despite Newman’s marriage to Jackie Witte, he and Woodward got on very well and were attracted to one another.

After meeting Woodward, he reportedly said, “Jeez, what an extraordinarily pretty girl.” Woodward found him “very good looking” and did not like him right away, “but she couldn’t resist him,” according to IMDb. They married on Jan. 29, 1958.

Many people praised the couple’s ability to balance their work and life. They raised three children, Nell, Melissa, and Claire Olivia.

According to People Magazine, the couple was known for their political and charity involvement, “including the creation of Newman’s Own, the famous salad dressing, which directs all of its contributions to charity.

Newman and Woodard remained together until he died on Sept. 28, 2008.

“The Last Movie Stars,” producers compiled this unique docuseries with film clips, archival interviews, transcripts, and more. George Clooney as Newman, Laura Linney as Woodward. Other actors in the series include Brooks Ashmanskas, Bobby Cannavale, Billy Crudup, Josh Hamilton, Zoe Kazan, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Zahn.

The HBO MAX exclusive docuseries will drop on July 21, 2022. Although some regions now have two subscription tiers, “The Last Movie Stars” will be available on both.

Written by Cathy Milne-Ware

Sources:

History: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward marry
What to Watch: The Last Movie Stars: release date, trailer and everything we know about the Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward docuseries; by Michael Balderston
People: See Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s Love Story Explored in Trailer for The Last Movie Stars; by Jen Juneau
Deadline: Ethan Hawke To Direct Documentary On Iconic Hollywood Couple Paul Newman And Joanne Woodward; by Justin Kroll
IMDb: Paul Newman Biography
IMDb: Joanne Woodward Biography

Featured and Top Image by Martin Jernberg Courtesy of Unsplash – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Film Star Vintage’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License